History

M&O Spirits was founded by Doug McLaughlin and Mike Orozco. The story began in 2014, when Doug explored micro distilling, and after three years of experimentation, M&O Spirits was born in 2017. The first release came in 2020. The distillery is located in Ashville, Ohio, and uses Ohio-grown grains such as corn, wheat, and rye, together with Canadian malted barley, and ages in Ohio-made charred white oak finish. According to the website, the company has received extensive recognition, including 2023 Craft Distillery Of The Year and 2023 Best American Craft Spirit from John BarleyCorn Society, with Batch 27’s 96/100 rating and medals for both Smoke and Black, as well as a growing list of prizes for Ta-Da, Pumpkin Spice Holiday Spirit and Vodka. The distillery's approach emphasizes quality, innovation and craft, as well as the use of locally produced ingredients.

From 2014 in the basement to a 1,750-square-foot warehouse facility, M&O Spirits produces around 20 barrels per year, corresponding to roughly 1,500 bottles, distributed to local retailers and restaurants. The future holds plans to increase production and raise the standard through craftsmanship and community. Tours are also part of the experience, with opportunities to see production and sample products along the way.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery highlights the use of Ohio-grown grains – corn, rye and wheat – combined with Canadian malted barley and aged in Ohio-made charred white oak finish. Different products are described with specific distillation methods: - Black: a small-batch bourbon, three times pot-distilled, aged not less than 2 years in new charred white oak finish; midway through aging, new oak staves are added for a fresher oak and full oak finish. - Smoke: a small-batch whiskey made from a blend of corn, rye, wheat and malted barley; pot-distilled twice and aged with charred white staves for a bold oak and smoky finish; also described as Wheated Whiskey with Campfire Finish. - Ta-Da!: an Ohio-born American whiskey; pot-distilled four times and aged for at least 3 hours in toasted white oak barrels, handmade in small batches; can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. - Pumpkin Spice Whiskey: starts with a bourbon mash and adds 26 pounds of pumpkin puree per batch; fermentation and two distillations yield a smooth 90-proof spirit. - Batch 27 Cask Strength Bourbon: aged no less than two years in new charred oak finish and marketed as cask strength. - Vodka: pot-distilled potato vodka produced in small batches, typically 50 gallons per batch. - Pumpkin Spice Holiday Spirit: mentioned as a seasonal variant in the product range without further details in the text.

In addition, the website highlights that the distillery also offers tours and experiences where you learn about the history, local farmers and fresh grains, as well as tasting spirits directly from the tank.

Products / Whisky Series

• Black: a small-batch bourbon made from a blend of corn, rye, red wheat and malted barley. Three times pot-distilled and aged at least two years in new charred white oak finish; midway through aging, new oak staves are added.
• Smoke: a small-batch whiskey made from a blend of corn, rye, wheat and malted barley; pot-distilled twice and aged with charred white staves for a dominant oak and smoke finish.
• Ta-Da!: an Ohio-born American whiskey; pot-distilled four times and aged at least 3 hours in toasted white oak barrels.
• Pumpkin Spice Whiskey: starts with bourbon mash and adds pumpkin puree per batch; fermentation and two distillations yield a smooth 90-proof spirit.
• Batch 27 Cask Strength Bourbon: aged at least two years in new charred oak finish and presented as cask strength.
• Vodka: potato vodka distilled in small batches.
• Pumpkin Spice Holiday Spirit: mentioned in the text as a seasonal variant with no further details.

Tours / Experiences

Tours are available by appointment and cost $15 per person; groups of 4-10 are recommended. Contact and booking can be made via the phone number (740) 954-3248 or via email Doug@MOSpirits.com. Tours provide the opportunity to see every step of the distillation process and to purchase products at the end of the tour.

Philosophy

M&O Spirits describes itself as being driven by grit, craftsmanship and camaraderie. The company pursues excellence, innovation, and tradition in spirit production and emphasizes the use of quality ingredients and support for local farmers. The philosophy is to raise the standard in craft spirits through dedication and community, and to share the experience of outstanding spirits with friends and family.