Karrikin Spirits Company

Overview of the Distillery

Karrikin Spirits Company is located in Fairfax on Cincinnati's east side and combines a grain-to-glass distillery with events and a wood-fire scratch kitchen. The distillery highlights a custom Vendome 1,000-gallon copper pot still and produces a wide spectrum of handmade spirit products. The venue also functions as an industrial-chic events space where guests can request tours and events.

History

The region's distilling story goes back a long way: the Little Miami River valley was known in the late 18th century as "Whiskey Hollow," where Joseph Ferris distilled corn whiskey and sold it in handmade clay pots along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In spring 2017, seven founders purchased a former industrial building (formerly Swallen's, later DnD Metal) and established Karrikin Spirits Company as a full-service, grain-to-glass distillery. In addition to spirit production, there is a wood-fire scratch kitchen and event facilities in the business concept. As part of the build-out, the distillery invested in a custom Vendome copper pot still with a 1,000-gallon capacity, a central part of the production equipment.

Raw Materials and Production

Karrikin describes itself as a grain-to-glass distillery, and production centers around a custom-built Vendome copper pot with a 1,000-gallon capacity. It is a pot-distillation setup, and the facility's size means that one batch equates to filling roughly three barrels with locally distilled spirits. In addition to the classic distilled products, sparkling spirits, non-alcoholic sodas, and beer are produced on-site, and the place combines production, events and dining in one frame. The distillery's approach prioritizes craftsmanship and investment in production equipment over cutting production costs.

Maturation and Barrel Types

Karrikin uses barrel aging for certain products; the pan capacity and production flow allow for filling and aging spirits in barrels. One of the product pages documents a "Barrel-Aged" product, confirming the use of barrels in the maturation phase. There are no detailed details about specific barrel types or finishes across the range.

Whiskeys

The portfolio covers a broad range: the distillery offers a rye whiskey and a bourbon, as well as a variety of other spirit types such as gin, vodka, agave-based spirit, rum, and fruit brandies. The assortment combines classic spirits with more experimental and service-oriented products like a sparkling spirit. The production is presented as handcrafted and small-batch, just as the distillery also functions as an event venue and dining establishment.

Style and Flavor Profile of the Whiskeys

The flavor directions in Karrikin's range point in several directions: citrus and bright botanical notes are present in gin profiles, orange and vanilla are mentioned in other botanical profiles, while some spirit variants are described as earthy and lightly smoky. Fruity tones appear in brandy products (apricot, apple) and more hop-like, bitter notes in one of their sparkling expressions. These elements recur across different product categories.

Visit the Distillery

The distillery is also an events venue, and guests can request tours or event information. Current operations indicate that the site is primarily hosting events at the moment; all inquiries are handled via email or phone. For bookings and event inquiries, use the contact information on the website, and you are encouraged to get in touch to arrange tours or private events.

Philosophy and Craft

Karrikin builds its name and identity on the idea of karrikins as a symbol of resurgence and renewal. The company operates with a grain-to-glass mindset, places emphasis on craftsmanship and investment in quality equipment, and combines production with a local wood-fire-based dining experience. They also emphasize that they do not cut corners in production equipment and methods.