BKO Distillery sits in Medina, Ohio, where Bill O’Leary turned his engineering background and passion for craft spirits into a small-batch operation that’s been quietly building a reputation since its founding. Located in an industrial complex on Medina Road, this isn’t your typical tourist-focused distillery—it’s a working production facility where O’Leary focuses on creating quality spirits rather than flashy visitor experiences. The operation produces vodka, gin, and whiskey, with O’Leary handling much of the distillation process himself using smaller copper stills that allow for careful control over each batch. What started as O’Leary’s personal interest in distillation evolved into a legitimate business as he refined his recipes and processes over several years. His engineering mindset shows in the methodical approach to production, from grain selection to final bottling. The distillery operates on a true craft scale, meaning production runs are small and O’Leary can adjust techniques based on what he’s learning with each batch. This isn’t a massive operation trying to fill every liquor store shelf—it’s focused on producing spirits that reflect the owner’s commitment to quality over quantity. Visitors who make the trip will find a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to craft distilling. You’re not getting elaborate tours with scripted presentations, but rather a chance to see how a small distillery actually operates day-to-day. O’Leary’s willing to talk about his process with genuinely interested visitors, and you can taste the spirits while learning about the decisions that go into each recipe. It’s an authentic look at craft distilling without the tourist attraction polish.