Echo Spirits Distilling Co. sits in a converted warehouse space on West 6th Avenue in Columbus, opened in 2017 by founders Matt Barbee and Ben Heller. These two weren’t your typical distillery dreamers—Barbee brought experience from the beer industry while Heller had a background in business operations. They started with a clear vision to create small-batch spirits that reflected Columbus’s growing craft culture, installing custom copper stills in what used to be industrial space in the Grandview area. The distillery produces bourbon, rye whiskey, and gin, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients where possible and traditional distilling methods adapted for their urban setting. What began as weekend experiments in Barbee’s garage evolved into a full production facility that’s become part of Columbus’s emerging spirits scene. The space itself reflects their practical approach—exposed brick, industrial lighting, and the kind of no-nonsense layout that prioritizes production over Instagram moments. They’ve built their reputation on consistency rather than gimmicks, with spirits that show their brewing industry influence in terms of quality control and attention to detail.