Western Reserve bourbon is proudly made at the Western Reserve Distillers, a family-owned organic craft distillery located in Lakewood, Ohio. Situated just a few miles from downtown Cleveland, our distillery is nestled in the heart of the Midwest, surrounded by the rich agricultural lands of Ohio.
At Western Reserve Distillers, we take great pride in our commitment to using only the finest quality ingredients in our spirits. We source our grains from local farms within a 150-mile radius of our distillery, ensuring that we support local agriculture and contribute to the sustainability of our community.
The process of crafting our bourbon begins with selecting the perfect blend of organic corn, rye, and malted barley. These grains are carefully milled to expose their starches, which are then converted into fermentable sugars during the mashing process. We take great care in maintaining the ideal temperature and conditions to promote the growth of yeast, which converts the sugars into alcohol during fermentation.
Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is distilled in our traditional copper pot stills. This distillation process allows us to separate the alcohol from impurities, resulting in a clean and smooth spirit. Our skilled distillers carefully monitor the process, making adjustments as needed to ensure the highest quality product.
After distillation, our bourbon is aged in charred American oak barrels. These barrels impart flavors and aromas to the spirit, giving it the rich and complex characteristics that bourbon enthusiasts love. Our barrels are carefully stored in our temperature-controlled warehouse, where they age gracefully over time.
When the aging process is complete, our master blenders carefully select the barrels to create the perfect blend for our bourbon. Each batch is meticulously crafted to ensure consistency and excellence in every bottle.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting Western Reserve Distillers and witnessing firsthand the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into making their bourbon. The passion and attention to detail exhibited by the distillers is truly remarkable, and it shines through in the final product.
Western Reserve bourbon is made with pride and precision at the Western Reserve Distillers in Lakewood, Ohio. From our commitment to using locally sourced organic grains to our meticulous distillation and aging processes, every step is taken to create a world-class bourbon that embodies the spirit of the Midwest.