History

KO Distilling in Manassas, Virginia was founded by Bill Karlson and John O’Mara. They met as classmates and cadet midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and later pursued careers in the maritime and defense industries. In 2013 they set course to create craft spirits with local ingredients, high quality, and true craftsmanship. Since 2015 KO Distilling has grown to a state-of-the-art production facility and a local attraction in Manassas. Their first aged spirit, Bare Knuckle American Wheat Whiskey, was launched in November 2016. KO Distilling describes itself as one of more than 1,200 craft distilleries in the USA and one of only about 50 distilleries in Virginia, with a mission to share the craft with the local community.

Production

KO Distilling is run by an on-site, modern facility where milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling occur under one roof. Production focuses on local ingredients with Virginia-grown grains and a grain-to-glass approach. Many products are aged in new, charred American oak barrels. The Distiller’s Reserve line highlights the Bottled-in-Bond concept with products at 100 proof and at least four years of aging. Examples of mash formulations include: Bare Knuckle Straight Bourbon Whiskey (70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley); Bare Knuckle High Rye Bourbon (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley); Bare Knuckle Straight Rye Whiskey (100% rye); Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley); Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey (100% rye). The product line highlights the Virginia Grown and Virginia Made concept: From Grain to Glass.

Products / Whisky Series

• Bare Knuckle Straight Bourbon Whiskey — 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley; double distilled; aged in new, charred American oak barrels; ABV 45% (90 proof). Notes: caramel, vanilla, banana and walnut; suitable for neat, on the rocks, or as a base for classic whiskey cocktails.
• Bare Knuckle Straight Rye Whiskey — 100% rye; double distilled; aged in new oak barrels; ABV 45% (90 proof). Notes: traditional rye-spice, vanilla, cinnamon and oak.
• Bare Knuckle Straight Wheat Whiskey — small batch; 60% wheat, 30% rye, 10% malted barley; ABV 45% (90 proof). Notes: the sweetness of wheat with caramel and vanilla; good for sipping or as a base in cocktails.
• Bare Knuckle High Rye Bourbon — 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley; aged at least 6 years; ABV 45% (90 proof). Notes: combination of grain sweetness and rye spice.
• Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey — 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley; aged minimum four years in new, charred barrels; 100 proof. Virginia Grown / Virginia Made; Notes: vanilla, caramel, dried fruits and toffee.
• Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whiskey — 100% rye; aged at least four years; 100 proof. Notes: rye spice, vanilla, cinnamon and maple, with a light strawberry-like finish.
• Bare Knuckle American Whiskey — 60% wheat, 30% rye, 10% malted barley; a day old; ABV 45% (90 proof). Notes: wheat character and rye spice.

Visits and Experiences

KO Distilling in Manassas offers a tasting room and a distillery store where you can sample KO’s selections and purchase bottles. Spirit tastings include curated tastings of Bare Knuckle Whiskeys and Battle Standard 142 Gins. Tours of the production facility are offered on Saturdays and Sundays by request, and tours end one hour before closing. The Distillery Store functions as a VA ABC specialty shop. Private events can be held in the Banquet Hall and Event Center, with space for up to 49–88 people depending on the event type. VA ABC rules allow up to 3 oz per person per day during events.

Philosophy

KO Distilling emphasizes a locally driven craft philosophy with a focus on local ingredients and high quality at all stages. The founders' background in the Merchant Marine and the Defense Industry is a testament to a disciplined approach to the art of distillation and the desire to share the local spirits with the community. The distillery highlights its grain-to-glass approach and its efforts to be a destination for locally produced spirits in Manassas, VA.