Distill America XVIII: That's a Wrap!

 

Yesterday, Distill America was held at Breese Stephens Field in downtown Madison.

 

May in Wisconsin is a crapshoot weather-wise. It can rain. It can snow. You could be under tornado warnings. It could feel like you’re on the surface of the sun or stuck in a muggy swamp. Last year, it was brutally hot. However, for 2025, it was near-perfect.

 

The professional soccer field that usually features Madison Forward FC was the stage for over 90 brands, and it was more than just whiskey: also present were rum, genever, gin, brandy, poitin, barrel-aged beer, pre-mixed drinks, and RTD cocktails. While the big boys from Kentucky and Tennessee were there, most were craft distillers from all over the country, and Wisconsin’s showed up in force!

 

I ran into friends I’ve known for years and made several new ones. I encountered brands I’d never heard of and was excited to learn everything I could about them.

 

Things started for those few holding a Distiller’s Session ticket. They participated in an educational seminar and received special swag, including glassware, in addition to the items received by other ticket tiers. An hour later, those holding VIP tickets entered the arena to try special and limited-edition pours. Sixty minutes later, the gates opened for those holding General Admission tickets. Things got busy without becoming crowded.

 

There were three educational seminars open to everyone by F.E.W. Spirits, Angel’s Envy, and Knowlton House Distillers.

 

I interviewed a handful of distillers, and rather than telling you what they offer, it would be better for you to see and hear it directly from them.

 

Alex and Madi from Old Station 31 Spirits in Dale, Wisconsin, were here for the first time, and their distillery is located in a former fire station.

 

Dennis is from Beyond Distilling Company in Columbia, South Carolina (and Dennis, I apologize for mispronouncing your name at the end). His distillery has one heck of a special mission!

 

It was a first for Scott and Sue from English Prairie Distillery of Muscoda, Wisconsin, to show off their selection of spirits.

 

Zack from Township 23 Distillery of Nelson, Wisconsin, was also here for the first time. They’ve been distilling for just over two years, and next year, they’re looking to feature their whiskey.

Whiskey Run is a distillery located in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Todd and Taylor were here for the first time and (as far as I know) had the only Peated Bourbon at the event.

 

A few years ago, Jeff Olson’s mother posted on Facebook that he just opened Awildan Distilling in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. I reached out, and he invited me to take a tour – it was only his second week of production! He was ready to show off his now-ready-for-primetime American Single Malt and Poitín.

I took some candid shots as well. Some folks smiled, others had no idea.

 

Spirits flowed freely. People were full of smiles and found new things to enjoy. I commend the Madison Malt Society for putting on another very affordable, high-quality event that is a joy to attend year after year. It is always a marvelous #DrinkCurious opportunity.

 

Distill America XVIII is a mere 12 months away; Mrs. Whiskeyfellow and I can’t wait. Cheers!