How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Massachusetts

Beaver Pond Distillery

Petersham,

Massachusetts

— Vodka, Gin, Rum

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏚️

Converted Barn

Working farm distillery, not tourist trap

💧

Own Well Water

Property sourced water, local Massachusetts grains

👥

Owner Operated

Andy and Lisa handle everything personally

🔬

Engineer Precision

Methodical approach meets craft passion

🥃

Small Batches

Quality over quantity, limited production runs

📞

Call Ahead

Personal tours during actual production breaks

🌐 https://www.beaverponddistillery.com/

📍 88 Woodward Rd, Petersham, MA 01366, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

A Converted Barn That Makes Serious Spirits

Beaver Pond Distillery sits on 88 Woodward Road in Petersham, Massachusetts, a rural town in the heart of the Quabbin region. Founded by Andy and Lisa Haas in 2018, this small craft distillery operates out of a converted barn on their property, where they’ve been quietly perfecting their approach to New England spirits. Andy, a former software engineer, and Lisa, who worked in nonprofit management, decided to pursue their shared passion for craft spirits after years of home brewing and distilling as a hobby. The distillery produces vodka, gin, and rum using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, with plans to introduce whiskey as their barrel aging program matures. What started as weekend experimentation in their garage has evolved into a legitimate operation with a 500-gallon pot still and tasting room that opened to the public in 2019. The Haases handle most operations themselves, from mashing and distilling to bottling and marketing, embodying the true small-batch craft distillery model. Their focus remains on quality over quantity, producing limited runs of each spirit while they build their reputation in the competitive Massachusetts craft spirits scene.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

From Software Engineer To Master Distiller

Beaver Pond stands out for its intimate, owner-operated approach and commitment to local sourcing in a region not typically known for distilleries. The Haases use water from their own property’s well and source grains from Massachusetts farms when possible, creating spirits that genuinely reflect their terroir. Their location in rural Petersham means you’re visiting an actual working farm distillery rather than a polished tourist destination. Andy’s engineering background shows in their methodical approach to recipes and consistency, while Lisa’s nonprofit experience brings a community-focused perspective to their business model. The operation remains refreshingly small-scale, with Andy often personally conducting tours and explaining their processes in detail.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Like Visiting Friends Who Happen to Distill

Visits to Beaver Pond feel more like hanging out with friends who happen to make excellent spirits. Tours typically involve Andy or Lisa walking you through their barn setup, explaining their pot still operation, and sharing stories about their journey from hobbyists to licensed distillers. The tasting room occupies part of the converted barn space, maintaining the rustic farm atmosphere while offering a comfortable spot to sample their current lineup. You’ll taste directly from the source, often getting to try experimental batches alongside their regular offerings. The experience is unhurried and personal, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions about their process, ingredients, and future plans.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Authentic Craft Experience Worth the Country Drive

This is perfect for spirits enthusiasts who appreciate authentic craft operations over polished tourist experiences. You’ll get genuine insight into small-batch distilling from people who are passionate about their craft and happy to share their knowledge. The intimate setting means you’re not competing with crowds for attention, and you’ll likely learn more about the actual distilling process than at larger operations. However, if you’re looking for elaborate tours, fancy facilities, or extensive gift shops, this might not meet those expectations. It’s ideal for those who want to support true craft distilling and enjoy meeting the actual makers behind the spirits.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website before visiting, as hours can be limited and Andy and Lisa often handle tours personally when they’re not actively distilling. The location is quite rural, so double-check GPS directions and expect a quiet country road drive. Ask about their barrel aging program if you’re interested in their future whiskey plans, and don’t miss trying their gin if they have it available. Parking is available on-site, but the operation is small enough that showing up unannounced might mean they’re in the middle of production and unable to accommodate visitors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Beaver Pond Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?

Yes, it’s best to call ahead or check their website since this is a small operation run primarily by the owners. They want to make sure someone’s available to give you proper attention when you visit.

What spirits do they currently produce?

They focus on vodka, gin, and rum using local ingredients when possible. They’re also aging whiskey but those products aren’t ready yet since they only started in 2018.

How long does a visit typically take?

Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour for the full experience. Since it’s owner-operated, the pace is relaxed and you’ll have plenty of time for questions about their process and story.

GETTING THERE

Find Beaver Pond Distillery

📍88 Woodward Rd, Petersham, MA 01366, USA

—

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