Custom Bourbon Experiences
Coming Soon to Downtown Cincinnati!
645 Walnut St., across from the Aronoff Center (Estimated mid-2024)
Early VIP Supporters Wanted! Please consider backing us on Kickstarter! Click here.
Three Ways to Taste
- Custom Bourbon Blending Experiences: Dive into the art of bourbon blending and create your own custom blend. Unleash your creativity and palate as you craft a bourbon uniquely tailored to your preferences in this 45-minute experience. Customers will also be able to purchase and name a bottle of their own custom bourbon selection.
- “Flight School” – Cocktail & Bourbon Experiences at their tasting bar: Elevate your bourbon journey, where you’ll sample a curated selection of bourbon flights paired with expertly crafted cocktails for a truly immersive tasting experience.
- Bourbon Wizard – AI & Bourbon Pick Experiences: Step into the future of bourbon tasting with our Bourbon Wizard experience, where artificial intelligence meets bourbon expertise. Let our AI-driven recommendation system guide you through a personalized bourbon selection process, ensuring you find the perfect pour for any occasion.
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Our Story
In 2024, the idea of bringing the Willow Run Distilling Company back to life in greater Cincinnati holds profound significance for multiple reasons. The distillery’s history intertwines with both Cincinnati’s past and the ongoing values of freedom, courage, and resilience.
William J. McRoberts Jr., the founder of Willow Run (in 1865) and an immigrant from Ireland who settled in Cincinnati, played a crucial role as a conductor in the Underground Railroad, helping escaping slaves find freedom in the North and Canada, by sneaking them across the Ohio River in bourbon barrels. Bringing back the “Willow Run” is a chance to honor greater Cincinnati’s robust history.
William J. McRoberts Jr.’s journey from an immigrant escaping the Irish Famine to becoming a prominent American distiller exemplifies the spirit of the American Dream. He owned 3 distilleries in the tri-state area at one point. His life story, filled with trials, triumphs, and family tragedies, echoes the very essence of resilience and determination. We look forward to telling his story and bringing fantastic custom bourbon, in the tradition of the old 1800’s barrel blenders, and fun tasting experiences to downtown Cincinnati in mid-2024.
Map Source: CincyMapCollection.com
The distillery’s name, “Willow Run,” embodies the image of the willow tree, a symbol of strength and flexibility, and “run,” which denotes movement and escape. These elements can serve as a reminder of the distillery’s roots in the Underground Railroad and its mission to inspire freedom and liberation. By preserving history and embracing contemporary ideals, the revived Willow Run will be an inspiring brand, uniting the past and present.