Middle West Spirits operates their bottleshop location at 1230 Courtland Ave in Columbus’s Grandview Heights area, serving as a retail and tasting extension of their main production facility. Founded by Brady Konya and Ryan Lang in 2008, Middle West started as Ohio’s first craft distillery after Prohibition, with the duo leaving corporate careers to dive into spirits production. Konya brought an MBA and finance background, while Lang contributed engineering expertise—both sharing a passion for creating distinctly Midwestern spirits that reflect their Ohio roots. The bottleshop location opened later to give visitors easier access to their products and provide a more intimate tasting experience away from the main production facility. The journey wasn’t simple—Konya and Lang spent years navigating regulations and perfecting their craft before opening their doors. They’re committed to using locally-sourced grains when possible and have built their reputation on small-batch production methods. Master distiller Brady Konya oversees production with a focus on traditional techniques combined with modern precision. The company has grown significantly since those early days, but they’ve maintained their commitment to quality over quantity. The bottleshop offers visitors a chance to sample their full range of spirits in a more relaxed setting than a typical distillery tour. You’ll find their complete lineup available for purchase, along with knowledgeable staff who can walk you through tasting notes and production details. The space feels more like a neighborhood bottle shop than a tourist destination, which works in its favor—you’re getting the real deal rather than a polished show.