Creating your own whiskey brand can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it's important to understand the costs involved. The cost of creating your own whiskey brand can vary depending on various factors such as the scale of production, the type of whiskey you want to create, and the level of customization you desire.
One option for creating your own whiskey brand is to work with a distillery that offers a custom distilling program. One such distillery is Blinking Owl Distillery in Santa Ana, California. They offer a custom distilling program where you can design your own mashbill, distill and barrel the whiskey yourself, and even customize the proof. The cost for this program is $12,500.
This price includes the production of a 30-barrel batch of whiskey, which is equivalent to about 900 standard 750ml bottles. It's important to note that this cost does not include bottling, labeling, or packaging expenses, which would be additional costs to consider.
In addition to the base cost, there are other factors that can impact the total cost of creating your own whiskey brand. For example, if you choose to age your whiskey for longer than the standard 4-year period, there may be an additional fee. Aging whiskey for a longer period can result in a more mature and complex flavor profile, but it also requires additional time and storage space.
Another factor to consider is the type of barrel you choose to age your whiskey in. Different types of barrels, such as oak or sherry casks, can impart unique flavors and characteristics to the whiskey. However, certain barrel types may come at an additional cost.
Taste-testing your whiskey annually is also included in the cost, which provides an opportunity to monitor the aging process and make any necessary adjustments. This can be a valuable part of the whiskey-making experience, allowing you to refine and develop your brand over time.
It's worth noting that the cost mentioned here is specific to Blinking Owl Distillery and may vary at other distilleries. It's always a good idea to research and compare different distilleries and their custom distilling programs to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Creating your own whiskey brand is a labor of love, and the costs involved reflect the time, effort, and expertise required to produce a high-quality product. However, with careful planning and consideration, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor.