Northside Distilling Co.

Overview of the Distillery

Northside Distilling Co. is located on Race Street in downtown Cincinnati and brands itself as the city's first downtown distillery since Prohibition. The distillery produces bourbon in single-barrel editions as well as gin, vodka, American agave and seasonal rum. The combination of small-batch craftsmanship, limited releases and a visitor destination with shop, tours and tastings makes the place relevant for both locals and visiting spirit enthusiasts.

History

The story begins as a basement hobby project between two friends with a day job. As the interest in authentic craft spirits grew, production moved to a family barn in the Northside neighborhood, where the brand was formally founded and the range expanded. Later, Northside established a downtown location on Race Street, where production is combined with a shop, guided tours, tastings and private events. The distillery is consistently referred to as Cincinnati’s first downtown distillery since Prohibition.

Raw Materials and Production

Northside works with several spirit categories: single-barrel bourbon, gin, vodka, American agave and seasonal rum. The American agave production follows a classic process: the agave hearts are baked in an oven (clay/brick or stainless steel) for two to three days, the juice is mechanically extracted, fermentation typically lasts 2–5 days in wooden tanks or stainless steel tanks, and distillation is performed to isolate the heart of the distillate. The agave distillates are aged in whiskey barrels. For bourbon, the single-barrel approach and limited editions are highlighted as central product forms.

Maturation and Barrel Types

Maturation is described through single-barrel releases and concrete age statements; core single-barrel bourbon is listed at about 6.5 years, and there is a 10-year single-barrel release. Northside also states that their American Agave is made with organic agave from Jalisco and subsequently aged in whiskey barrels. Limited editions and collaborative releases are part of the distillery’s aging and release practices.

Whiskies

The portfolio features a core single-barrel bourbon, a 10-year single-barrel limited edition, a CABVI Braille Bourbon charity release, and other spirits such as vodka (proofed at 80 proof), American Agave (aged in whiskey barrels), gin and seasonal rum. The products are sold in the distillery’s shop on Race Street and via online ordering for pickup, and new limited editions and private-label releases are issued regularly.

Style and Flavor Profile of the Whiskies

The descriptions draw on several specific flavor directions: citrus and pepper are highlighted for American Agave, while oak aging is noted as a source of vanilla, caramel and vanilla notes. Taken together, these elements present spirits that combine agave-like freshness with a spicy character and sweeter, oak-driven nuances from aging.

Visit the Distillery

The distillery’s Race Street location offers tours, tastings, private events and an interactive shop where guests can buy spirits and merchandise or order online for pickup. The location is centrally placed in downtown Cincinnati and presents both production and visitor facilities under one roof.

Philosophy and Craftsmanship

Northside Distilling highlights a short motto: 'Honest. No frills.' The company emphasizes authentic, artisanal production, a small-batch approach and the release of single-barrel and limited-edition bottles as well as private-label solutions.

Latest News

All About Agave – Oct 7

A blog post that explains the difference between Tequila and American agave, describes the agave plant, baking, extraction, fermentation (2–5 days) and distillation to around 55%, as well as Northside's practice of using 100% organic agave from Jalisco and aging in whiskey barrels.