Dayton Barrel Works shares the stories of the Gem City through its high-quality spirits
Dayton is full of stories and history, and to help share those stories is Dayton Barrel Works.
“Dayton Barrel Works is an artisan distillery specializing in creating high-quality spirits including gin, vodka, whiskey and absinthe,” says Pete Hilgeman, operating manager at Dayton Barrel Works.
The Gem City and its stories inspire the team to share those stories through their spirits. Many of its spirits are named after local places or distillers that previously operated in the area. For example, Altschul’s Corn Whiskey is named after Altschul Distillery, which previously operated in Dayton, and Rubicon Creek bourbon whiskey was inspired by the creek where pioneer D.C. Cooper once settled. The family-owned and operated distillery shares the same ownership as Dayton Beer Company, which has helped to put Dayton on the craft beer map with its innovative brews.
Alongside Hilgeman is Head Distiller Bill Hockett and Assistant Distiller Drew Zaret. When you stop for a drink at Dayton Barrel Works, you’ll find a menu of expertly crafted cocktails, spirit flights, bottles of spirits for purchase and a large selection of whiskeys and bourbons that can be enjoyed in the historically renovated space that houses the cocktail bar.
In building the Dayton Barrel Works brand, Hilgeman says they focused on using the highest quality ingredients to make spirits, such as botanicals, barrels, water and grains to focus on the highest possible quality when they’re created.
Not only is Dayton Barrel Works providing high-quality spirits, but it’s also creating a unique customer experience in its building. Hilgeman says the spaces in which the distillery and cocktail bar are located are historic and perpetuate the brand’s idea of telling the stories of the past, present and future.
“Our distillery and cocktail bar are in beautifully renovated spaces that date back 100 years, and all of our brands tell the stories of who we were, who we are and who we will become,” he adds.
Dayton Barrel Works,318 E. Second St., Dayton. W-Th 5-10 p.m., F 5-11 p.m., Sa 4-10 p.m. daytonbarrelworks.com.
