This is a must stop on your list of distilleries... Walking into this establishment is like walking into the past where Karl the owner greets you and engages you in light conversation while you look at the QR code menu as you decide on your beverage.
Fun fact Karl is a retired professor from the university, so if you have a question you can raise your hand and be called on! :-)
Karl has reclaimed several essential items from the surrounding area and incorporated them into this lovely distillery!
- the bar is reclaimed wood from the early 1880's, this magnificent slab of lumber that sits before you (if you're seated at the bar) is from the Appleton Tractor Company (est. 1872), as you look around, the tables, the baseboards and trim is from the same Tractor Company of Appleton.
- The ceiling in the hallway from the front door is also reclaimed! This dock like ceiling (circa 1910) is reclaimed from the F.E. and O.T Waite Grass Carpet Company of Oshkosh (est. 1905), the company manufactured rugs and carpets from the native wire grass (marsh grass) that grew in the local marshes.
- The still in the front entrance is still in use for small runs and experimental runs.
- The chalkboards seen all about the distillery are real slate chalkboards reclaimed from area schools such as Dale School (est. 1875), Smith School (est. 1896).
As you look around again, looking for further details, looking past the wood, slate and copper you'll see Sturgeon memorabilia, decoys, spears and such.
You can see this distillery is very much steeped in the Oshkosh Community!
ALL THE SPIRTS, BITTERS, and APÈRITIFS are hand crafted on site by the master distiller Karl Loewenstein. Karl has a passion for crafting and creating quality locally sourced spirits.
Karl has a great line up of mixologists to tender to your tastes and help you explore other fun in the Vodka, Gin, aged Vodka and Rum categories. They have it all Martini, Rum, Espresso, White and Black Russians, mules. They have some 110 flavors and this number seems to always be growing!
Summing up it's Beautiful, Scenic, Fun and a Fantastic atmosphere!
When you come to this distillery for a hand crafted beverage it is darn neat close to 100% your going to walk away with new friends... Because it's built to promote interaction, conversation and community!
Make sure to keep an eye on their calendar of events as they have trivia, classes and lectures.