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Consumers have been spending less on luxury items.
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A number of craft whiskey brands have struggled.
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The entire industry has experienced a slowdown.
It’s not uncommon for a liquor or beer brand to have a folksy history. That makes sense because many people distill spirits as a hobby which can lead to people following the dream and turning their passion into a business.
A number of very famous whisky companies grew from basement or backyard operations. That list includes some massive success stories:
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Balcones Distilling (Texas)
Founded by Chip Tate in a small building under a bridge in Waco, Texas (2008). Equipment was largely hand-built, including the copper stills. Grew from hobbyist roots into a nationally recognized craft whiskey brand. Now distributes internationally after significant investment and expansion. -
High West Distillery (Utah)
Started by David Perkins, a biochemist who began distilling experiments at home. Launched as a tiny Park City saloon distillery in 2007. Became a pioneer in Western craft whiskey, later acquired by Constellation Brands. -
Corsair Distillery (Tennessee/Kentucky)
Began in a garage in Bowling Green, Kentucky, by childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber. Known for experimental grains and smoked whiskeys. One of the first to popularize non-traditional mash bills (quinoa, oats, triticale). -
Koval Distillery (Chicago, Illinois)
Founded by Robert and Sonat Birnecker, who left academia to start distilling in 2008. Began in a garage-sized urban facility in Ravenswood. Became one of the first certified organic craft distilleries in the U.S. -
FEW Spirits (Evanston, Illinois)
Founded by Paul Hletko in a small garage setup in a city where alcohol was once banned. Started in 2011 after years of backyard experimentation. Focused on local grains and handmade small-batch whiskey. -
Hudson Whiskey (New York)
Founded by Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee, who started distilling in an old granary barn at Tuthilltown in Gardiner, NY. Originally a small craft setup with homemade stills. Later sold to William Grant & Sons but kept its small-batch identity. -
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (Denver, CO)
Founded by Jess Graber, a volunteer firefighter who began distilling after a barn fire led him to meet a brewer. Began in a small warehouse setup using handmade stills. Became one of Colorado’s first major whiskey names. -
Hillrock Estate Distillery (New York)
Among the first “grain-to-glass” distilleries emphasizing full farm control. Founded by Jeff Baker and Dave Pickerell, but early prototypes were garage experiments in estate-grown grain whiskey.
