Middle West Spirits increases capacity with second production plant
Middle West Spirits announced this month a multi-year expansion of its distillery, operational facilities and a 14-acre campus at 1165 Alum Creek Drive in Columbus, Ohio. The expansion makes Middle West Spirits a top 10 grain-to-glass whiskey and spirits producer in the United States overall and the largest distillery in Ohio. The growth will create 80 new jobs over the next three years, with hiring to begin immediately.
In 2020, the company acquired the vacant Alum Creek Campus and completed initial renovations to relocate and expand operations. The new expansion plans, with MA Design serving as lead designers on the project, include a state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot distillery, a grain recycling center, packaging and bottling facility and more.
In addition, the Middle West Spirits’ project will create new office space to support growing its headquarters and positioning the site for the possibility of a future hospitality space. Distilling will also continue at the original Courtland facility in the Short North, which houses the company’s retail Bottle Shop and acclaimed Service Bar restaurant.
“We are excited about the Alum Creek development and the future of our company. The expansion of our operations allows us to hit capacities, aging goals and the volumes needed to continue to develop our brands and partnership programs,” said Ryan Lang, founder and chief executive officer for Middle West Spirits. “Our team has worked tirelessly over the last 15 years to bring us to this point, and we are excited to start the next chapter of Middle West.”
Middle West Spirits currently produces 15 of its own branded products, including Middle West Bourbon, Rye and Wheat Whiskey varietals, with the popular Double Cask Whiskey Collection, OYO vodkas, Vim & Petal and Lux & Umbra gins. New products are currently in production and will be released later this year.
In addition to producing the Middle West Spirits’ collection of whiskeys, vodkas, and gins, the company works with select partners to help them bring their signature spirits to market.
“From day one we have sought to develop the very best spirits we can from the agriculture that surrounds us. Most of that is for our family of brands. But through our distillery partnership program, we also support the development and growth of the partners we work with,” said Lang.
Jim Beam® launches ready-to-drink cocktails
Jim Beam is shaking up the beverage aisle with the launch of new ready-to-drinks, RTDs, available in four delicious flavors. Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers made in partnership with The Boston Beer Company aim to bring the power of Jim Beam’s southern welcoming ethos to drinkers nationwide and inspire them to connect over a drink, as the RTDs are best served chilled and shared with others.
To meet the demand from RTD drinkers seeking a beverage full in flavor but with a lighter profile and smooth finish, Jim Beam and The Boston Beer Company developed these flavors suitable for anyone who enjoys the convenience of canned cocktails. Kentucky Coolers are now available nationwide in four flavors:
- Strawberry Punch: Bright, lightly sweet strawberry punch with hints of mixed berry and bourbon
- Black Cherry Lemonade: Crisp sour lemonade balanced with sweet, fresh muddled cherry. A light bourbon taste lingers behind the initial flavors of lemonade and cherry
- Sweet Tea Lemonade: Bright, fresh, zesty lemonade and refreshing nostalgic sweet tea with a light bourbon taste
- Citrus Punch: Fruity citrus punch with notes of mango, orange, grapefruit and lime for a sweet and refreshing taste complimented with light bourbon notes
Consumers can find them in a variety of 12-packs, 6-packs and single cans and are now available nationwide. The Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers are 5% ABV and 120 calories with a suggested retail price of $16.99 for a 12-can variety pack, $9.99 for a single flavor six-pack, and $3.49 for a single 24oz. can.
Thomas Rhett and Jeff Worn’s Dos Primos Tequila Company
renews partnership with The Nature Conservancy
The Dos Primos Tequila Company – founded by country music superstar Thomas Rhett and his cousin Jeff Worn – is renewing its partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support land-restoration and water-conservation efforts in Mexico. The company has pledged $50,000 to TNC to continue its conservation work in the Tehuacán Valley area in Mexico. The valley is located southeast of Jalisco, Mexico, where Dos Primos Tequila produces its Blanco, Reposado and recently launched Añejo Tequila.
The Tehuacán Valley is the most biologically diverse arid region in North America and is home to a remarkable 70% of the world´s plant families, including wild agaves, “cousins” of the tequila and mezcalero agaves. The valley is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and has been recognized by UNESCO as a Mixed World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural and cultural values.
Dos Primos is continuing its support of TNC’s work to help conserve and restore this land. Efforts include integrating sustainable agroforestry systems and replenishing adjacent streams and bodies of water, increasing the availability of fresh water by millions of gallons each year for nature and people.
From March through November 2023, consumers can scan a special QR code where Dos Primos Tequila is sold to learn more about the project or to donate to TNC. The Dos Primos website and the TNC website also will feature information and donation links.
Hops & Spirits 