Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Middle West Spirits LLC is a pioneering craft distillery based in Columbus, Ohio, known for its premium small-batch whiskeys, vodkas, gins, and specialty liqueurs. Founded in 2008 by Ryan Lang, the company has carved a unique identity in the American craft spirits scene by blending traditional distilling practices with innovative grain-to-glass techniques. With a vertically integrated approach to production, Middle West Spirits controls every stage of its process—from sourcing local Ohio grains to barreling and bottling—allowing for unparalleled quality control and product distinction.

Company Overview and Core Business

Middle West Spirits is one of the largest independently owned and operated distilleries in the Midwest, offering a robust portfolio of spirits under its flagship brands: Middle West Spirits, OYO, Vim & Petal, and Lux & Umbra. The distillery’s core business spans:

• Distillation and aging of award-winning whiskeys and bourbons
• Craft vodka and gin production using local ingredients
• Cask-finished and single-barrel series innovations
• Contract distillation and private label services for other spirit brands
• Direct-to-consumer sales through its on-site bottle shop and tasting room

With a deep commitment to local agriculture and sustainability, Middle West Spirits collaborates with regional farmers to source grains, fruits, and botanicals, further enhancing its “grain-to-glass” philosophy.

Product Portfolio

Whiskeys & Bourbons

• Michelone Reserve Straight Bourbon
• Sherry Finished Bourbon
• Soul of Scarlet Cask Strength Bourbon
• Dark Pumpernickel Rye
• Ported Pumpernickel Rye
• Straight Wheat Whiskey
• Napoleon Calvados Cask-Finished Whiskey

Vodkas (OYO Series)

• OYO American Character Vodka
• OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka
• OYO Stone Fruit Vodka

Gins

• Vim & Petal Dry Gin
• Lux & Umbra Dry Gin

Liqueurs and Non-Alcoholic

• Bourbon Cream
• Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup

Each spirit is crafted with distinctive raw materials—such as Ohio soft red winter wheat or dark pumpernickel rye—and aged in select barrels, including sherry, port, and calvados casks.

Unique Selling Proposition

Middle West Spirits’ competitive edge lies in its:

• Grain-to-Glass Production: All spirits are milled, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in-house.
• Cask Finishing Expertise: One of the few craft distilleries offering ported, sherry, and calvados barrel finishes.
• Multi-Grain Distillation: Innovation through non-traditional grains like pumpernickel and soft red winter wheat.
• Sustainable Sourcing: All grains are non-GMO and sourced within 150 miles of the distillery.

Financial and Operational Metrics

While privately held, Middle West Spirits has demonstrated consistent year-over-year growth, with a national and growing international presence.

• Estimated Annual Production Capacity: 20,000+ 9L cases
• Barrel Inventory: Over 10,000 aging barrels
• Retail Presence: Available in 27+ U.S. states and select global markets
• Facility Size: 60,000 sq. ft. distillery with bottling, warehouse, and tasting room

The distillery also offers contract manufacturing services, contributing additional revenue streams through private label partnerships.

Export and Distribution

• Export Regions: Canada, Germany, Singapore, United Kingdom (select markets)
• Distribution Network: Three-tier system via regional distributors and direct retail
• Direct-to-Consumer: On-site bottle shop, online ordering (where legal), and tasting events

The brand is particularly strong in the Midwest and East Coast U.S., with increasing placement in national retail chains and specialty liquor stores.

Target Market

Middle West Spirits targets discerning consumers of premium craft spirits, ranging from bourbon connoisseurs to cocktail enthusiasts. Key B2B and B2C segments include:

• Upscale restaurants and mixology-forward bars
• Independent and chain liquor stores
• Craft spirit subscription boxes and gifting companies
• Private label buyers and regional co-packers

The distillery also maintains strong engagement through direct customer experiences such as distillery tours, tasting events, and cocktail workshops.

Manufacturing and Sustainability Practices

• Distillation: Hybrid copper pot stills with column components
• Aging: White oak, sherry, port, and calvados casks aged from 2 to 6+ years
• Packaging: Eco-friendly glass, recycled paper labeling, and local screen printing
• Sustainability: Spent grains are donated to local farms as livestock feed

Certifications and Compliance

• TTB Compliant: Federally licensed and bonded
• Non-GMO Grain Sourcing
• FDA and Food Grade Facility Approvals
• State Licensees: Fully licensed across multiple states for retail and wholesale sales

Testimonials and Reviews

“The Ported Pumpernickel Rye is one of the most distinctive American ryes on the market—complex, spicy, and velvet smooth.”
— Spirits Journal Reviewer

“Their OYO vodka lineup redefines what flavored vodka should taste like—natural, smooth, and layered with character.”
— Mixologist, Chicago

Middle West Spirits has earned accolades in international spirits competitions, including medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, SIP Awards, and American Distilling Institute.

Media and Brand Visibility

• Featured in Forbes, Whisky Advocate, Esquire, and The New York Times
• Host of “Whiskey Wednesdays” education series
• Active digital presence through YouTube and Instagram

Videos

• Middle West Spirits Distillery Tour
• Crafting OYO Vodka

Brochures and Product Catalogs

• Middle West Spirits Product Catalog (PDF)

Brands

• Middle West Spirits – Core whiskey and bourbon range
• OYO – Vodka and flavored vodka line
• Vim & Petal – Botanical-forward gin
• Lux & Umbra – Premium dry gin with a shadow-inspired brand aesthetic

Middle West Spirits LLC continues to set a national standard in craft distilling through authenticity, technical excellence, and relentless innovation.