December 5, 2024 • 14 mins
From new Cask Strength Whiskeys to a mid-week celebration with fried chicken and bubbles at Service Bar, Josh Daily, General Manager at Middle West Spirits, joins us to chat about what’s new and what’s coming soon at their award-winning craft distillery and restaurant
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Yes Columbus, An Experienced Columbus podcast keeps you in the
know of what's happening in the art city Columbus. The
number one soccer team, the number three beer city, a
top ten culinary destination with the largest concentration of fashion.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Professionals in the US.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Join us each week with special guests for an inside
look at a destination that invites visitors and locals alike
to explore.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
By the end of each.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this really
exist in one city? Yes Columbus, and welcome to another
episode of Yes Columbus and Experienced Columbus Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
I am Boxer, along with my co host Sarah.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Good to have you back there on this brand new
episode and our new guest.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Yes, it's hard to believe this is already our sixth episode.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I can't believe it. I know they really are. This
is crazy, I know.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
But before we hop into this week's interview, it's time
for our headliner segment, where we highlight a recent story
or accolade about Columbus. There have been so many this year,
so many things that even our residents don't know that
are happening around the city.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Yeah, so Boxer.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
This week, I won't make you guess, but I will
share a recent national story. Thrillist just featured Columbus in
a story about ten family friendly vacation destinations. Some of
the spots they highlighted were Cosai, of course, award winning
Science Museum, the Columbus Zoo, An Aquarium, and Lego Land
Discovery Center.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
You know, I'm not surprised that we have made this list,
just because we were such a secret, a best kept
secret for so long, and.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Here we are.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
You know, more and more people are finding out, and
part of me, the protective side of is like, oh,
I don't want everyone to find out about all these gems.
But at the same time, yes, this is good for
more people to find out. It's good for our economy
and from an economic standpoint and not shocked at all.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
No, and so great for our attraction.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Really to have so many award winning attractions in one
destination as pretty special.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Yeah, So, Boxer, I'm excited to jump into our behind
the Buzz segment as a reminder for listeners. During this segment,
we talk with a special guest and learn about the
newest restaurant opening exhibition at one of Columbus's museums or
attractions are just the latest thing to do. And today
we're chatting with Josh Daily, general manager of Middle West Spirits,
(02:26):
one of our favorites, which was founded in two thousand
and eight and is focused on elevating the distinctive flavors
of the Ohio River Valley. Welcome, Josh, Hello.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Josh, It's good to have you here, and thanks for
being a guest this week on Yes Columbus. You've been
the general manager of Middlewest for fifteen years now. First
of all, I'm always curious about this. Tell us about
your background and how you even got into the spirits industry.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Sure, well, I'm a transplant here to Columbus. My wife
was recruited by Abercrome and Fitch to come out here.
That's actually how I met Ryan, one of the co
founders of Middlewest Spirits. They had their team together have
a dinner, we got to talking. They were in the
process of getting the first still built and the rest
(03:14):
is history.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
So Middle West is an award winning distillery, and one
thing that really sets you apart is your use of
unique Ohio grains and how you control every step of
the production process. For those who may not be familiar,
tell us more about how Middle West got started and
what sets the distillery apart.
Speaker 4 (03:34):
Sure well, as you said, two thousand and eight is
when we got started in the short north location. Little
there's a building at twelve thirty Courtland Avenue had many
lives before ours, but we started off in thirty two
hundred square feet with a small distillery, bottle shop, barrel storage,
and a little tour program. Since then, we've gone through
a couple different expansions. We've also opened up a new
(03:56):
facility over on Elm Creek which focuses more on our whiskeys.
But for what I think sets us apart is really
the local agriculture. Working with our local farms. They're planting
certain styles of grain specifically for us. We can also
work with them on the quality of the grain, so
we actually have from all the way from the farm
to the glass, we can control the whole process, and
(04:17):
that allows us to make unique spirits, but also world
class spirits and high quality spirits.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
This is amazing, Josh.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
So you've you've gotten to make partnerships with local farmers then,
and they're specifically doing work for ingredients just for you.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Is that right?
Speaker 1 (04:33):
Right? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (04:34):
I mean Ohio has such great agriculture. We do wonderful
things here and so we want to take advantage of
the high quality that we produce here in Ohio.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
That's amazing. I didn't know that.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
So your state of the art craft distillery where you
make your whiskeys, the bourbons, the vodkas and more, that's
in the Short North. Can you tell us more about
that space and your products and if you don't mind,
what what makes it state of the art? What goes
into it?
Speaker 4 (04:58):
I think it's the process. I think we've been do
this a long time. We've learned a lot of lessons
throughout the years and we're always striving to be better.
But at the Cortland Avenue location, we have three stills
over there. We have a column still, a pot column culmination,
and a hybrid still. We also have service bar, so
we have a hospitality component over there, and I know
that we also do tours as well, So it's kind
(05:18):
of a hodgepodge of many different things. I think as
time went on, we added more and more capacity over there.
But as you guys know, being in the Short North,
you can't really go out, you have to go up,
and that's what we did. And there was a certain
point where we were busting at the seams.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Well, and then what about your new Alam Creek facility.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
So once again we expanded quite a few times. Over
in the Cortland Avenue location, we were running twenty four
hours a day, seven days a week, and we knew
that we needed more capacity. We really love our whiskeys,
and so we decided that we wanted to go ahead
and open up a different facility that focuses specifically on whiskey.
And so that's what the Allen Creek location is. We've
(05:57):
been there now probably a couple of years, but we've
been producing now for a little over a year.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Hey, we're about just by the way the Alan Creek facility's.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
Corner of Bexley. It's basically Livingston and Allen Creek. We
sit on about fifteen acres down there, so we have
a lot of opportunity to grow down there.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
That's really exciting. Well, speaking of whiskey, it's the perfect
drink for fall and winter, and you recently announced a
new cask strength whiskey, which I have to admit I
actually had to look that up I wasn't sure exactly
what was that sounds really strong, but it's a permantent
addition to your portfolio. I'd love to hear more about it.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
Sure, So we have our core brands of our whiskeys.
Of course, cast strength is basically what it means is
whatever proof it comes out of the barrel is what
it goes into the bottle at So you don't add
any water, you don't tone it down at all. So
a lot of whiskey drinkers really look for that cast
strength option, and so there we knew that there was
an opportunity for us, and so nationwide we went ahead
(06:57):
and released a cast strength version of our wheat whiskey,
Rye whiskey, and our Bourbon whiskey. Right now, this series
is around one hundred and twenty to one hundred and
twenty two proof on those. So a lot of your
whiskey drinkers really gravitate towards that cast string.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
I'm sure they do. And it sounds like maybe a
great gift for the holidays as well.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Absolutely so. I mean, and you know award winning too.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
You know you've got this year's New Orleans Spirits competition
that awarded the cast Strength Whiskeyes with gold medals for
Bourbon and wheat whiskey plus double gold and best of
Category awards for the dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey. Congrats, by
the way, that's pretty amazing. Can you tell us more
about the awards program how the team reached got to
(07:40):
that level.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
That's pretty exciting news, thank you.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
So yeah, we do a lot of outreach for that
of trying to find the right fit for our brand
and those awards. We also like awards that are judged
by people in the industry, you know, makers, people that
actually have a great palette that can tell you if
you're what direction you're going right, And so we submitted
and they came back and we got those. We had
(08:03):
another great submission in a Tag Award, which is a
Global Spirits We did the wheat whiskey got Best in Show.
The Rye was Best in Show as well and got
a double platinum from the ASCOT. So we do try
to get our spirits out there and get good feedback.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Well, that's amazing. And speaking of accolades, phenomenal accolades for
Ohio grown products here in Columbus that you can experience.
So Middlewest is part of the experience Columbus Distillery Trail.
What kind of tours do you offer to the public
and how often are they offered?
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Sure?
Speaker 4 (08:35):
So, at the Cortland Avenue location, we do tours on
Fridays and Saturday. So we do two tours on Friday,
we do four tours on Saturday. You can sign up
online Middlewest Spirits dot com. It's ten dollars. Come through.
You get a chance to walk through process of course,
get a chance to taste if you'd like, and then
hopefully end up in the service bar for a cocktail
and some food.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Speaking of that, you know, I know before or after
the tour, people can grab a bite or a drink
right at the service bar, and that's connected to the distillery.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
But tell us about what's new at the restaurant.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
I guess for those that haven't bet there are there
new menu items or events that we should be aware of.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
Sure, so, we just changed over our menu. We've added
some more of our fall forward items. Chef James did
a great job. You know. One thing that we've added
to is hearth hearth fired pizzas. Uh, They've gone over
really well over the past couple of weeks. And then
more of your warm and uh savory dishes for this
(09:36):
time of year.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
So what are your favorites?
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I like? I like the wings. Wings are always good.
One thing that we do kind of back to something special,
is we've actually started to do fried chicken on Fridays,
so kind of like that bubbles. You can get champagne
and fried chicken, right, it's at It's nice, perfect pairing.
We never think about it. Yes, yes, and so they
do a great job at the restaurant. So I would
(09:59):
say Wednesdays, come out and see us.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
That is awesome. And then can for our listeners who
maybe haven't had the opportunity to experience Middle West or
service bar, any kind of description you can provide around
the atmosphere. What can they expect whenever.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
They walk in? Great cocktails.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
We have a beautiful backbar that is an old Brunswick
bar came out of Chicago in late eighteen hundreds. We
were able to track it down and it's a beautiful
showcase and a beautiful piece that really kind of wraps
wraps the service bar and elevates the look and fit
and feel.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Josh, you know, just out of curiousity, I know, we
touched on the Short North Distillery. We talked a little
bit about the expansion that's underweight your Allen Creek campus,
but you know you said you have.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
A lot of room to grow.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
There are there things being kicked around right now for
the future of what we'll see there at the Allen
Creek location.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Sure, so once again, first and foremost is getting production
up right. Make sure we're making production and making whiskey.
And now that that's done, in the next couple phases
will be a finish goods warehouse or a warehouse where
we can keep all of our finished and packaged goods.
Some sort of hospitality component. What that is, I don't
know yet.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
We're hotel or something.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
We'll have to wait and then excuse me, a tour program.
So eventually we'll have that opened up to the public
to where you come out enjoy the bottle shop, hopefully
enjoy some sort of hospitality, but also do a tour
and relax, so.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
To find out more about all the events and the
tours and the things that you have happening. Especially I
know that there's a lot of great stuff as we
lead into the holiday season. What is the best way
for our listeners to find out more.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Sure Middlewes Spirits dot com also follow us on any
of you social media platforms. We're always posting about new
and fun stuff and we're going to be doing something
pretty special for Service Bar for New Year's this year,
so stay tuned, follow us.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
And learn more about that.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Okay, Well, our next segment is called Columbus Classics, So
this podcast is all about uncovering what's new, but we
also love the tried and true places and experiences. Can
you tell us about a a class Columbus experience you love?
It could be a neighborhood, a restaurant, or anything you
love to do when you're not at Middlewest.
Speaker 4 (12:05):
Sure, I would say restaurant. Wise, I live over in Bexley,
so right next to the Top, which does a great
job with say the Top also Wings. You know, if
you haven't been there, you should check it out. Unbelievable food.
And then of course had the opportunity to go to
Agne a couple months ago and that was a great
experience as well, such.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
A phenomenal experience by one of our top chefs, Savage Arberula.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
And by the way, just to add Bexley to me,
it is such a gem. I mean, there's a lot
of gems in this city, but it's such a special place.
I think that that whole area that and of course
some of the renovating they've been doing too, Josh. Before
we close today's episode, we also have just one more
segment here, and it's what you're saying yes to in Columbus.
(12:49):
Maybe it's the weekend, maybe it's the time of the
year this season, so I'm going to have you and
Sarah both answer.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Sarah, why don't we start with you?
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Okay, So what I'm saying yes too is shopping local.
We are coming upon the holiday season here very quickly.
It's hard to believe that we're already in to the
middle almost late into November, and you know, thinking about
all of the friends and family and how to do
some special gift giving. And we have so many amazing
(13:19):
local shops, even you know, food items, things of that nature.
Experienced Columbus actually does a holiday gift guide every year
and we have over eighty really beautiful curated gifts from
many of our partners, all locally owned and operated. So
really excited to shop local.
Speaker 4 (13:38):
So yes, probably to get outside and enjoy this beautiful
weather in the parks. Metro parks are great. I think
you know, a couple of years ago when everything was
in a weird, different place, we got a chance to
go out there and we've tried to keep up that
continuing of getting out and seeing some of these new
parks out there and enjoying the weather and the leaves.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Of course, we have been so fortunate with the weather
so far this fall.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
We have phenomena and walk it just taking a walk
in general, but especially at the parks that's pure therapy.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Oh and it's free too, by the way. Absolutely well.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Josh Daley, who's the general manager of Middlewest Spirits. Real
pleasure to have you on with us on this week
as a guest for Yes Columbus, and just a reminder
to be sure to go to Middlewest Spirits and Service
Bar and try their new cast Strength Whiskey series, among
other things.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Yes, very good, Thank you so much, Thank you for
being on.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
That's a wrap on this week's episode of Yes Columbus
and Experienced Columbus Podcast. Tune in next week as we
take you on a tour of what's new, what's hot,
and what makes Columbus a city on the rise.
Yes Columbus, An Experienced Columbus podcast keeps you in the
know of what's happening in the art city Columbus. The
number one soccer team, the number three beer city, a
top ten culinary destination with the largest concentration of fashion.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Professionals in the US.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Join us each week with special guests for an inside
look at a destination that invites visitors and locals alike
to explore.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
By the end of each.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this really
exist in one city? Yes Columbus, and welcome to another
episode of Yes Columbus and Experienced Columbus Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
I am Boxer, along with my co host Sarah.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Good to have you back there on this brand new
episode and our new guest.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Yes, it's hard to believe this is already our sixth episode.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I can't believe it. I know they really are. This
is crazy, I know.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
But before we hop into this week's interview, it's time
for our headliner segment, where we highlight a recent story
or accolade about Columbus. There have been so many this year,
so many things that even our residents don't know that
are happening around the city.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
Yeah, so Boxer.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
This week, I won't make you guess, but I will
share a recent national story. Thrillist just featured Columbus in
a story about ten family friendly vacation destinations. Some of
the spots they highlighted were Cosai, of course, award winning
Science Museum, the Columbus Zoo, An Aquarium, and Lego Land
Discovery Center.
Speaker 1 (01:29):
You know, I'm not surprised that we have made this list,
just because we were such a secret, a best kept
secret for so long, and.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Here we are.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
You know, more and more people are finding out, and
part of me, the protective side of is like, oh,
I don't want everyone to find out about all these gems.
But at the same time, yes, this is good for
more people to find out. It's good for our economy
and from an economic standpoint and not shocked at all.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
No, and so great for our attraction.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Really to have so many award winning attractions in one
destination as pretty special.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Yeah, So, Boxer, I'm excited to jump into our behind
the Buzz segment as a reminder for listeners. During this segment,
we talk with a special guest and learn about the
newest restaurant opening exhibition at one of Columbus's museums or
attractions are just the latest thing to do. And today
we're chatting with Josh Daily, general manager of Middle West Spirits,
(02:26):
one of our favorites, which was founded in two thousand
and eight and is focused on elevating the distinctive flavors
of the Ohio River Valley. Welcome, Josh, Hello.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Josh, It's good to have you here, and thanks for
being a guest this week on Yes Columbus. You've been
the general manager of Middlewest for fifteen years now. First
of all, I'm always curious about this. Tell us about
your background and how you even got into the spirits industry.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
Sure, well, I'm a transplant here to Columbus. My wife
was recruited by Abercrome and Fitch to come out here.
That's actually how I met Ryan, one of the co
founders of Middlewest Spirits. They had their team together have
a dinner, we got to talking. They were in the
process of getting the first still built and the rest
(03:14):
is history.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Wow.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
So Middle West is an award winning distillery, and one
thing that really sets you apart is your use of
unique Ohio grains and how you control every step of
the production process. For those who may not be familiar,
tell us more about how Middle West got started and
what sets the distillery apart.
Speaker 4 (03:34):
Sure well, as you said, two thousand and eight is
when we got started in the short north location. Little
there's a building at twelve thirty Courtland Avenue had many
lives before ours, but we started off in thirty two
hundred square feet with a small distillery, bottle shop, barrel storage,
and a little tour program. Since then, we've gone through
a couple different expansions. We've also opened up a new
(03:56):
facility over on Elm Creek which focuses more on our whiskeys.
But for what I think sets us apart is really
the local agriculture. Working with our local farms. They're planting
certain styles of grain specifically for us. We can also
work with them on the quality of the grain, so
we actually have from all the way from the farm
to the glass, we can control the whole process, and
(04:17):
that allows us to make unique spirits, but also world
class spirits and high quality spirits.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
This is amazing, Josh.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
So you've you've gotten to make partnerships with local farmers then,
and they're specifically doing work for ingredients just for you.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Is that right?
Speaker 1 (04:33):
Right? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (04:34):
I mean Ohio has such great agriculture. We do wonderful
things here and so we want to take advantage of
the high quality that we produce here in Ohio.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
That's amazing. I didn't know that.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
So your state of the art craft distillery where you
make your whiskeys, the bourbons, the vodkas and more, that's
in the Short North. Can you tell us more about
that space and your products and if you don't mind,
what what makes it state of the art? What goes
into it?
Speaker 4 (04:58):
I think it's the process. I think we've been do
this a long time. We've learned a lot of lessons
throughout the years and we're always striving to be better.
But at the Cortland Avenue location, we have three stills
over there. We have a column still, a pot column culmination,
and a hybrid still. We also have service bar, so
we have a hospitality component over there, and I know
that we also do tours as well, So it's kind
(05:18):
of a hodgepodge of many different things. I think as
time went on, we added more and more capacity over there.
But as you guys know, being in the Short North,
you can't really go out, you have to go up,
and that's what we did. And there was a certain
point where we were busting at the seams.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Well, and then what about your new Alam Creek facility.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
So once again we expanded quite a few times. Over
in the Cortland Avenue location, we were running twenty four
hours a day, seven days a week, and we knew
that we needed more capacity. We really love our whiskeys,
and so we decided that we wanted to go ahead
and open up a different facility that focuses specifically on whiskey.
And so that's what the Allen Creek location is. We've
(05:57):
been there now probably a couple of years, but we've
been producing now for a little over a year.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
Hey, we're about just by the way the Alan Creek facility's.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
Corner of Bexley. It's basically Livingston and Allen Creek. We
sit on about fifteen acres down there, so we have
a lot of opportunity to grow down there.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
That's really exciting. Well, speaking of whiskey, it's the perfect
drink for fall and winter, and you recently announced a
new cask strength whiskey, which I have to admit I
actually had to look that up I wasn't sure exactly
what was that sounds really strong, but it's a permantent
addition to your portfolio. I'd love to hear more about it.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
Sure, So we have our core brands of our whiskeys.
Of course, cast strength is basically what it means is
whatever proof it comes out of the barrel is what
it goes into the bottle at So you don't add
any water, you don't tone it down at all. So
a lot of whiskey drinkers really look for that cast
strength option, and so there we knew that there was
an opportunity for us, and so nationwide we went ahead
(06:57):
and released a cast strength version of our wheat whiskey,
Rye whiskey, and our Bourbon whiskey. Right now, this series
is around one hundred and twenty to one hundred and
twenty two proof on those. So a lot of your
whiskey drinkers really gravitate towards that cast string.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
I'm sure they do. And it sounds like maybe a
great gift for the holidays as well.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Absolutely so. I mean, and you know award winning too.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
You know you've got this year's New Orleans Spirits competition
that awarded the cast Strength Whiskeyes with gold medals for
Bourbon and wheat whiskey plus double gold and best of
Category awards for the dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey. Congrats, by
the way, that's pretty amazing. Can you tell us more
about the awards program how the team reached got to
(07:40):
that level.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
That's pretty exciting news, thank you.
Speaker 4 (07:42):
So yeah, we do a lot of outreach for that
of trying to find the right fit for our brand
and those awards. We also like awards that are judged
by people in the industry, you know, makers, people that
actually have a great palette that can tell you if
you're what direction you're going right, And so we submitted
and they came back and we got those. We had
(08:03):
another great submission in a Tag Award, which is a
Global Spirits We did the wheat whiskey got Best in Show.
The Rye was Best in Show as well and got
a double platinum from the ASCOT. So we do try
to get our spirits out there and get good feedback.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Well, that's amazing. And speaking of accolades, phenomenal accolades for
Ohio grown products here in Columbus that you can experience.
So Middlewest is part of the experience Columbus Distillery Trail.
What kind of tours do you offer to the public
and how often are they offered?
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Sure?
Speaker 4 (08:35):
So, at the Cortland Avenue location, we do tours on
Fridays and Saturday. So we do two tours on Friday,
we do four tours on Saturday. You can sign up
online Middlewest Spirits dot com. It's ten dollars. Come through.
You get a chance to walk through process of course,
get a chance to taste if you'd like, and then
hopefully end up in the service bar for a cocktail
and some food.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Speaking of that, you know, I know before or after
the tour, people can grab a bite or a drink
right at the service bar, and that's connected to the distillery.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
But tell us about what's new at the restaurant.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
I guess for those that haven't bet there are there
new menu items or events that we should be aware of.
Speaker 4 (09:15):
Sure, so, we just changed over our menu. We've added
some more of our fall forward items. Chef James did
a great job. You know. One thing that we've added
to is hearth hearth fired pizzas. Uh, They've gone over
really well over the past couple of weeks. And then
more of your warm and uh savory dishes for this
(09:36):
time of year.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
So what are your favorites?
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I like? I like the wings. Wings are always good.
One thing that we do kind of back to something special,
is we've actually started to do fried chicken on Fridays,
so kind of like that bubbles. You can get champagne
and fried chicken, right, it's at It's nice, perfect pairing.
We never think about it. Yes, yes, and so they
do a great job at the restaurant. So I would
(09:59):
say Wednesdays, come out and see us.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
That is awesome. And then can for our listeners who
maybe haven't had the opportunity to experience Middle West or
service bar, any kind of description you can provide around
the atmosphere. What can they expect whenever.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
They walk in? Great cocktails.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
We have a beautiful backbar that is an old Brunswick
bar came out of Chicago in late eighteen hundreds. We
were able to track it down and it's a beautiful
showcase and a beautiful piece that really kind of wraps
wraps the service bar and elevates the look and fit
and feel.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Josh, you know, just out of curiousity, I know, we
touched on the Short North Distillery. We talked a little
bit about the expansion that's underweight your Allen Creek campus,
but you know you said you have.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
A lot of room to grow.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
There are there things being kicked around right now for
the future of what we'll see there at the Allen
Creek location.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Sure, so once again, first and foremost is getting production
up right. Make sure we're making production and making whiskey.
And now that that's done, in the next couple phases
will be a finish goods warehouse or a warehouse where
we can keep all of our finished and packaged goods.
Some sort of hospitality component. What that is, I don't
know yet.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
We're hotel or something.
Speaker 4 (11:08):
We'll have to wait and then excuse me, a tour program.
So eventually we'll have that opened up to the public
to where you come out enjoy the bottle shop, hopefully
enjoy some sort of hospitality, but also do a tour
and relax, so.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
To find out more about all the events and the
tours and the things that you have happening. Especially I
know that there's a lot of great stuff as we
lead into the holiday season. What is the best way
for our listeners to find out more.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Sure Middlewes Spirits dot com also follow us on any
of you social media platforms. We're always posting about new
and fun stuff and we're going to be doing something
pretty special for Service Bar for New Year's this year,
so stay tuned, follow us.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
And learn more about that.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Okay, Well, our next segment is called Columbus Classics, So
this podcast is all about uncovering what's new, but we
also love the tried and true places and experiences. Can
you tell us about a a class Columbus experience you love?
It could be a neighborhood, a restaurant, or anything you
love to do when you're not at Middlewest.
Speaker 4 (12:05):
Sure, I would say restaurant. Wise, I live over in Bexley,
so right next to the Top, which does a great
job with say the Top also Wings. You know, if
you haven't been there, you should check it out. Unbelievable food.
And then of course had the opportunity to go to
Agne a couple months ago and that was a great
experience as well, such.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
A phenomenal experience by one of our top chefs, Savage Arberula.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
And by the way, just to add Bexley to me,
it is such a gem. I mean, there's a lot
of gems in this city, but it's such a special place.
I think that that whole area that and of course
some of the renovating they've been doing too, Josh. Before
we close today's episode, we also have just one more
segment here, and it's what you're saying yes to in Columbus.
(12:49):
Maybe it's the weekend, maybe it's the time of the
year this season, so I'm going to have you and
Sarah both answer.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Sarah, why don't we start with you?
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Okay, So what I'm saying yes too is shopping local.
We are coming upon the holiday season here very quickly.
It's hard to believe that we're already in to the
middle almost late into November, and you know, thinking about
all of the friends and family and how to do
some special gift giving. And we have so many amazing
(13:19):
local shops, even you know, food items, things of that nature.
Experienced Columbus actually does a holiday gift guide every year
and we have over eighty really beautiful curated gifts from
many of our partners, all locally owned and operated. So
really excited to shop local.
Speaker 4 (13:38):
So yes, probably to get outside and enjoy this beautiful
weather in the parks. Metro parks are great. I think
you know, a couple of years ago when everything was
in a weird, different place, we got a chance to
go out there and we've tried to keep up that
continuing of getting out and seeing some of these new
parks out there and enjoying the weather and the leaves.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Of course, we have been so fortunate with the weather
so far this fall.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
We have phenomena and walk it just taking a walk
in general, but especially at the parks that's pure therapy.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
Oh and it's free too, by the way. Absolutely well.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Josh Daley, who's the general manager of Middlewest Spirits. Real
pleasure to have you on with us on this week
as a guest for Yes Columbus, and just a reminder
to be sure to go to Middlewest Spirits and Service
Bar and try their new cast Strength Whiskey series, among
other things.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Yes, very good, Thank you so much, Thank you for
being on.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
That's a wrap on this week's episode of Yes Columbus
and Experienced Columbus Podcast. Tune in next week as we
take you on a tour of what's new, what's hot,
and what makes Columbus a city on the rise.
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