Old World Distilling with Modern Innovation
Our gins, bourbon, and blended whiskies are expertly distilled in a Vendome copper still that’s been customized specifically for the Knox Joseph Distillery at the OTR StillHouse. Here we produce both high and low-proof spirits in-house.
The oldest still known to man dates back to the 12th century. While we respect the work our ancestors put into creating distilled spirits, beer, and wine, we’ve perfected the process into a science made to look like art. Using a Vendome copper still that’s a hybrid of pot and column elements, we craft spirits that are smooth and complex enough to stand on their own, but versatile enough to work well in a cocktail. Think you would never sip gin on ice? Think again.
The History Behind OTR StillHouse
In 1891, Standard Ice Manufacturing Company opened its doors for the first time. Drawing from aqueous caverns below, they supplied bars and taverns throughout the entire Ohio Valley River Basin with clean ice made from fresh, pure groundwater.
By 1899, William Miller and Son Builders began constructing the first building that would eventually become this behemoth of a compound. Originally designed to ship products via boat along the Miami Erie Canal, it later transitioned to horse and buggy shipment and eventually into the modern era of trucking across the region.
Though the building housed many different companies over the years, the original structure from 1899 remained intact, occupied, and productive. Now you can experience more than 120 years of history for yourself as we’ve transformed this OTR staple into something truly amazing.
Amazing Performance Venue
Looking to experience curated performances from up-and-coming new artists as well as old favorites? Check out the Knox Joseph Distillery Platform at the OTR StillHouse. We have great entertainment weekly. Looking to play here or have a suggestion? Email: programming@otrstillhouse.com
Outdoor Space
Indoor Space
OTR finally has indoor and outdoor space...in..one..place.
The Storied Features of The OTR StillHouse
Hover over the magnifying glasses to learn more
FLOORS
The wood flooring we have on site comes from the 1899 floor joists that were originally in this building before we started construction. While we were deconstructing the building we found the original floor joist in outstanding condition, so we sent them off the be milled into tongue and groove wood flooring. The wood from those floor joists is made from old growth timber, making the floor in OTR StillHouse a couple centuries old. We value being able to repurpose the original character of this building through simple details, such as the very floor you walk on.
THE BAR
Our solid mahogany bar was originally home to the Brazenhead Irish Pub located in Mason, OH. The owner of the pub had the bar designed and milled in Ireland, and it was then shipped to Mason, OH where Irish Craftsman were brought in to assemble the handmade bar. When the original owner of the pub passed away in 2016, the heirs decided to close to business and auction off the bar. OTR StillHouse was lucky enough to acquire this beautiful bar at this auction.
THE STILL
Wherever you may be standing in the OTR StillHouse you should be able to turn and see this gorgeous copper still. It was important to us for everyone to feel close to the still and feel that they can be a part of Knox Joseph Distillery and all the amazing spirits we produce here on site. Our still is the focal point of our venue, hence the name. The still is custom made and is a hybrid between a pot still and a column still. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
THE BOTTLE DESIGN
Have you ever noticed that the sides of our bottles look like book bindings lined up on a shelf? Or did you know that the map inside the bottle is a Sanborn map from 1891 of the original property? We have a story to tell, and that story is represented through our packaging and our people. We hope you can come into the OTR StillHouse and be apart of a long story in history that is just begun.
The Medals
We entered a few of our products into the U.S. Open Whiskey Championship as well as the U.S. Open Spirits Championship. The James Scott Blended Whiskey has now been awarded gold for two years in a row, the Wyatt Jack Golden Gin was awarded bronze, and the Wyatt Jack Glacial Gin was awarded silver. We also entered a few of our products into the USA Spirit Ratings Competition, where both the James Scott Blended Whiskey and Wyatt Jack Golden Gin were rated silver. All these rating were given to us before we ever sold our alcohol to the public. With how many entries these competitions receive we are ecstatic and honored to be ranked amongst the top.
The Chandelier
The two large chandeliers you see hanging from our ceiling have been apart of Cincinnati’s history for over 120 years. They hung in Mike and Carol Trotta’s custom tailoring business for many years and were originally lit by gas. When it came time to move locations, they no longer could use these beautiful chandeliers, so here they are in their new home, the OTR StillHouse.
Founding Members
OTR StillHouse is a culmination of great people with ingenious ideas coming together over a project they love. Meet some of the masterminds that were instrumental in creating and transforming this space into what it is today.
Michele Hobbs
Michele Hobbs began this project in 2014 and has worked tirelessly to bring together the right team to make the OTR StillHouse a prized institution. A proven entrepreneur, Michele has spent years planning the experience you will encounter at the OTR StillHouse. Her vision was to build a public space and product that we would all be proud of and an environment that would entice folks to visit and afterwards want to step out and explore the rest of OTR.
Dr. Tom Asquith
A retired whiskey scientist from Brown Forman, Dr. Tom Asquith signed on as our flavor scientist after hearing about all the wonderful things we wanted to do. Given a vision and a dream, he helped create our gin and whiskey series–as well as our GT Joe. Dr. Tom also has a few surprises in the works–and will continue to blow us away with his creativity, then turn the fine tuning and production over “the main act”.
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