Based in Columbus, Middle West Spirits is the first micro-distillery in Ohio to operate since Prohibition. Created by a fourth generation distiller, the brand OYO (pronounced "O-Why-O") was developed after the Iroquois word for the Ohio River.
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| Josh explaining the history of Middle West Spirits. |
During the tasting at Japp's, Josh Daily, the representative from Middle West Spirits, described the complex flavors of their whiskeys and vodkas and how they are created as a craft, similar to the craft beer market. Brimming with character, these spirits are able to stand on their own without a mixer. Josh also told us plenty of stories about distilling, including some history of the Cincinnati region.
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| Molly Wellmann fills a barrel of OYO Rye, which will be aged at Japp's and served to customers this spring. |
Fun OYO Facts:
- While vodka has been around for over 600 years, it only arrived in America in the 1950s.
- Out of the 437 distilleries open in the United States, Middle West Spirits was #56 to set up shop.
- Before Prohibition, there were 81 distilleries in Cincinnati alone; far outnumbering the city's breweries. It was also more influential in manufacturing than Kentucky's bourbon trail.
- OYO whiskey the second 100% wheat whiskey created in the United States.
- Middle West Spirits uses 1.5 million pounds of wheat to create their spirits, all which are sourced from northern Ohio. The company is able to support seven local farms.
