Columbus-based Middle West Spirits is expanding with a new distillery and operational facilities on a 14-acre campus, a move set to make the company a top 10 grain-to-glass whiskey and spirits producer in the U.S. and the largest distillery in Ohio.
In 2020, the company acquired the vacant space on the east side of Columbus and completed initial renovations to relocate and expand operations. Now, construction is underway on the 75,000 square foot distillery, a grain recycling center, a packaging and bottling facility, and more. The expansion will reportedly create 80 new jobs over the next three years, with hiring set to begin immediately.
“We always knew we would need more proof gallons production, so this is just the evolution of the business,” said Ryan Lang, Middle West’s founder and CEO.
Middle West’s new base will allow the company to produce 10 times its current volume, aiding the growth of its branded lines and co-packing partnerships. The distillery produces 15 of its own product lines, including Middle West bourbon, rye and wheat whiskey varietals; OYO vodka; and gins Vim & Petal and Lux & Umbra. New products are currently in production and will be released later this year.
“Secondly, the expansion will help to meet the demands of our current partnership groups that we work with, making sure they have the projected capacity they need, and then open up to additional customers,” said Lang.
Dozens of companies such as Hotel Tango, Horse Soldier and Old Line Spirits have collaborated with Middle West’s strategic partner team to develop products for their portfolios.
Distilling will continue at the original Courtland facility, which houses the company’s retail bottle shop and restaurant. The new site will also possibly host a future hospitality space.
Founded in 2008, Middle West Spirits is Ohio’s first craft distillery. The company began distributing a handful of SKUs in 2010 and has since expanded its portfolio to 43 states. The new facility will also create more space to age products.
“It’s been a pretty crazy 15 years, but I feel like we’re at a point now where we’re starting all over,” Lang said. “Going back in and laying up more whiskey and waiting for another six years to see what happens is the unfortunate and fortunate part of our business.”
Other Midwest distillers have made major expansions this year as well. In January, Traverse City Whiskey broke ground on a new 70,000 square foot distillery in hopes of turning Northern Michigan into a hub for whiskey in the Midwest.