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

Ohio

Black Diamond Brewery and Distillery

Nelsonville,

Ohio

— Whiskey, Vodka

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏭

Dual Craft

Beer and whiskey sharing same space

⚫

Coal Heritage

Black diamond name honors mining history

🔬

Fermentation Masters

Brewing expertise applied to distilled spirits

👷

Working Class

Substance over flash, authentic operation

🎯

Process Focus

Tours from actual producers, not guides

🌱

Building Inventory

Young operation still aging future releases

🌐 http://blackdiamondbreweryanddistillery.com/

📍 185 W Canal St, Nelsonville, OH 45764, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Brewing and Distilling Under One Roof

Black Diamond Brewery and Distillery sits on West Canal Street in Nelsonville, Ohio, a historic southeast Ohio town known for its railroad heritage and Hocking Hills proximity. Founded by local entrepreneurs who saw potential in combining craft brewing with small-batch distilling, this operation represents the growing craft spirits movement in Ohio’s Appalachian region. The facility produces both beer and spirits under one roof, making it one of the few true brewery-distillery hybrids in the state. The team behind Black Diamond brought together brewing expertise with distillation ambitions, creating a space where visitors can experience both crafts. Their approach focuses on local ingredients when possible and traditional methods scaled for craft production. The distillery side of the operation produces whiskey, vodka, and seasonal spirits, while the brewery continues to serve as the foundation of their business. Visitors find themselves in a working production facility where the brewing and distilling operations share space and philosophy. The atmosphere reflects Nelsonville’s working-class roots rather than polished tourism, giving you a genuine look at craft production. You’re experiencing a business that grew organically from local demand rather than one designed primarily for visitors, though they welcome guests interested in seeing how beer and spirits can complement each other under one roof.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Ohio's Rare Hybrid Brewery-Distillery Combo

Black Diamond stands apart as one of Ohio’s few true brewery-distillery combinations, where both operations influence each other’s approach to fermentation and flavor development. The Nelsonville location puts them in historic coal country, where the “black diamond” name references the region’s mining heritage. This isn’t just branding—it reflects their connection to a working-class community that values substance over flash. Their decision to master both brewing and distilling simultaneously means they understand fermentation in ways that single-focus operations might not, potentially creating more complex flavor profiles in their aged spirits.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Working Production Facility Not Tourist Polish

You’ll walk into an active production facility where brewing equipment shares space with distillation gear, giving you a comprehensive look at both processes. The tours tend to be informal and educational, focusing on the technical aspects of how beer and whiskey production complement each other. Staff members are typically hands-on producers rather than dedicated tour guides, so you get insights from people actually making the products. The tasting experience covers both their beer lineup and available spirits, letting you understand how their fermentation expertise translates across different alcohol categories.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Perfect for Process Nerds Skip for Luxury Seekers

This appeals most to craft beverage enthusiasts who want to understand production processes rather than tourists seeking a polished experience. You’ll get genuine insights into small-scale brewing and distilling, particularly if you’re curious about how the two crafts intersect. Don’t expect elaborate facilities or extensive aged whiskey selections—this is a working operation still building its distilled inventory. It’s perfect for people who prefer authentic production environments over destination experiences, especially if you’re exploring the Hocking Hills region and want to see local entrepreneurship in action.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead since this is primarily a production facility with limited regular tour schedules. Your GPS should get you to West Canal Street without issues, and parking is typically available on-site. Ask about their brewing schedule if you want to see active production—timing your visit during brewing days gives you the full experience. Try both their beer and available spirits to understand their fermentation approach. Don’t expect a large selection of aged whiskeys since distilling operations take years to mature, but their younger spirits and beer lineup showcase their current capabilities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Black Diamond Brewery and Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do you make both beer and whiskey on-site?

Yes, Black Diamond operates both brewery and distillery equipment in the same facility. This gives them unique insights into fermentation that benefits both their beer and spirits production, though the whiskey selection may be limited as aged products take time to develop.

Should I call before visiting?

Definitely call ahead since this is primarily a working production facility rather than a regular tasting room. They accommodate visitors but need advance notice to ensure someone’s available to show you around and explain their processes.

What should I expect from the tour experience?

Expect an educational, hands-on experience focused on production processes rather than a polished tourism presentation. You’ll likely interact with actual production staff who can explain the technical aspects of both brewing and distilling in detail.

GETTING THERE

Find Black Diamond Brewery and Distillery

📍185 W Canal St, Nelsonville, OH 45764, USA

—

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