Columbus is about to get even more spirited with the recent completion of Middle West Spirits’ new world-class distillery on the east side.
The multi-year expansion, announced by the award-winning distillery, has transformed the landscape at 1165 Alum Creek Drive, making Middle West Spirits the largest distillery in Ohio and one of the top 10 grain-to-glass whiskey and spirits producers in the entire United States.
The cornerstone of this expansion is the cutting-edge 75,000-square-foot distillery, along with a grain recycling center and a packaging and bottling plant. This addition has increased distillation capacity tenfold, solidifying Middle West Spirits as a powerhouse in the industry. The move comes after the business purchased the abandoned Alum Creek Campus in 2020, breathing new life into the space and creating an economic boon for the community.
Video courtesy of Middle West Spirits
The positive impact on the local economy is substantial, with the reuse and improvements to land and structures on the east side of Columbus. The expansion has tripled the employee base, with plans for more additions in 2024. Additionally, Middle West Spirits is now managing over 25,000 acres of local grain farmland, contributing to the agricultural vitality of the region and bringing additional revenue to the Bexley community.
Founded in 2008 by Head Distiller and CEO Ryan Lang, Middle West Spirits is built on a rich heritage of distilling and agriculture that spans four generations. Lang’s passion for crafting high-quality spirits has propelled the company to over 15 years of producing award-winning products. With the completion of the new distillery, Middle West Spirits is ready to pay it forward by supporting fellow whiskey makers at every stage of their journey, from small batch to large format and from seed selection to bottling.
Lang expressed his excitement about the expansion, saying, “Along the journey of our own whiskey making development and growth, we have collaborated with partners at every stage and size of the process, from testing to full-scale commercial production. Now that our expansion is complete, we are excited to continue these partnerships and help more fellow distillers by assisting with all aspects of whiskey-making while we continue growing and innovating our own brands.”
The distillery will continue operations at its original Courtland location in the Short North, which also houses the renowned Service Bar restaurant and retail Bottle Shop. The project not only adds to the distillery’s production capabilities but also provides additional office space, potentially paving the way for future development as a hotel.
Middle West Spirits currently boasts an impressive portfolio of 15 branded products, including MIDDLE WEST Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whiskey, the super-premium Double Cask Whiskey Collection, as well as OYO vodkas, Vim & Petal, and Lux & Umbra gins. The distillery’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration makes it a shining star in Columbus’ vibrant spirits scene.
To learn more about Middle West Spirits, visit middlewestspirits.com.
