History

Foundry Distilling Co. is an Iowa-based distillery that is part of The Foundry building, a railcar repair facility from 1899 where The Hall and The Kitchen are also located. According to the site, the Foundry Distilling team has been active in the spirits industry for more than two decades, and started and built one of the most successful whiskey brands of the 21st century through their work. Foundry is also behind the Foundry Private Barrel Club and collaborates broadly to create unique offerings through partnerships with regional and national distillers, brewers, and vintners.

Production / Manufacturing

Foundry Distilling uses two stills, both produced in Iowa. The core is a 30-foot-tall column still with a diameter of 18 inches and 21 trays in total, which, according to the site, is considered the largest throughput-wise in the craft-spirit industry. The stripping stages have 12" spacing and the rectification stages 18" spacing, with laser-cut internals and tubular downcomers for increased efficiency. They also have a 500-gallon copper hybrid pot still for small runs and special batches, which has four trays and the same design as the column still. Fermentation capacity includes a primary 8,000-gallon tank, several smaller tanks, and a 10,000-gallon bulk storage tank. Their barrel storage includes over 1,500 barrels of aging, with a private barrel storage wall that also serves as a photo motif and talking point for guests.

Products / Whiskey Series

Foundry makes a range of different whiskey products mainly through private and collaboration projects. Among the names listed in the material, one finds: - The Sixth Glass American Malt Whiskey (in collaboration with Boulevard Brewing) – an American malt whiskey from a quadrupel beer mash with notes of vanilla, banana, and spices. - Imperial Stout Whiskey (Stone Brewing) – whiskey from a stout mash with a deep aromatic profile. - Axe Man Whiskey (Surly Brewing) – malt-based; based on their IPA and described as malt-forward with hop aroma. - Des Moines IPA Whiskey (Confluence Brewing) – IPA-based whiskey with citrus and a malt-balanced finish. - Furious IPA Whiskey (Surly) – IPA-inspired malt whiskey with citrus and caramel notes. - Galactic Cowboy Imperial Stout Whiskey (Left Hand Brewing) – imperial stout-based whiskey with chocolate and vanilla notes. - Irish Red Ale Whiskey (Boulevard Brewing) – whiskey based on Boulevard's Irish Red Ale, malty with a lightly sweet finish. - Milk Stout Whiskey (Left Hand) – rich chocolate/marshmallow notes from stout mash. - Ruthie Lager Whiskey (Exile Brewing) – whiskey based on Ruthie Gold Lager mash. - Unfiltered Wheat Ale Whiskey (Boulevard) – whiskey based on unfiltered wheat beer mash. - Arrogant Bastard Whiskey (Arrogant Consortia / Stone Brewing) – strong, complex whiskey inspired by Arrogant Bastard Ale.

The products are often marketed as part of Foundry's Brewer-Distiller Alliance and other collaborations, where beer brands from different breweries and their mash variants are transformed into whiskey.

Visits & Experiences

The distillery offers a range of experiences and events: - Interactive Guided Experience / Tour: A guided tour of the Iowa edition of Foundry Distilling, where you learn about the production process and the facility itself. Dates for tours are posted. - Foundry Tasting: A guided tasting of five products, focusing on flavor, aroma, and history. Offered Monday to Saturday at 3:00 PM for $25. - Distillers Tour: About an hour-long overview of fermentation, distillation, barrel aging, and bottling. Price around $35. - Owners Tour: An exclusive experience led by the owner/founder, with five tastings and credit to the bar/gift shop. Price about $50. - VIP Team Tasting: Similar to the Distillers Tour, focusing on production artifacts and stash samples. Price around $25. - Tasting Lounge: Open six days a week with high aesthetics and decoration; bar open Thursday–Saturday evenings. Capacity up to 75 people, with events possible. - Speakeasy: One of the most exclusive rooms in the distillery with a private bar and audio/video equipment; capacity 8–10 people; not for rent – access via membership or Owner's Tour. - Private Barrel Clubhouse: Spectacular view into the distillery through eight-foot glass walls; membership required for access; not rentable. - The Patio: Covered terrace with space for about 75 people, suitable for summer cocktails and events. - Capacities: The main distillery can accommodate up to 300 for a full event; Tasting Lounge up to 75; Speakeasy up to 60; Patios up to 75; production areas and special rooms can be reserved for events. - All contact and setup include private bartenders, customized menu, setup and teardown, projector/TV and audio equipment, furniture and textiles.

Philosophy

Foundry Distilling describes itself as one of the most innovative and collaborative distilleries in the world, highlighting their role as a leader in specially designed spirits through the Foundry Private Barrel Club. They also work in the Brewer-Distiller Alliance and Vintner's Collection to develop unique products in close collaboration with other producers and craftspeople. Their approach is supported by a strong focus on education, collaboration, and 'pushing the boundaries of what is possible' within the craft-spirit industry.

Status: Active – Foundry Distilling Co. operates and produces whiskey and other products according to the presented website text.