WanderFolk Distillery sits in historic downtown Guthrie, Oklahoma, occupying a restored brick building that feels like it’s been part of this territorial capital’s fabric for decades. Founded by husband-and-wife team Chad and Sarah Bronson in 2020, this small-batch operation emerged from Chad’s background in craft brewing and Sarah’s marketing expertise, combined with their shared obsession with American whiskey culture. They spent two years converting the 3,000-square-foot space, installing a custom 500-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works that now produces bourbon, rye whiskey, and seasonal spirits.
The Bronsons didn’t stumble into distilling—they methodically planned their entry into Oklahoma’s growing craft spirits scene after Chad spent years perfecting recipes as a homebrewer and studying under established distillers across Kentucky and Tennessee. Sarah handled the business side, navigating Oklahoma’s complex liquor laws and securing local investors who believed in bringing premium craft spirits to a town better known for its Wild West history than its whiskey. The name “WanderFolk” reflects their philosophy of exploring traditional American spirits through a modern lens, drawing inspiration from both pre-Prohibition recipes and contemporary craft techniques.
Visitors enter a tasting room that blends industrial elements with warm wood accents, where the Bronsons or their small team personally guide tastings and tours. The operation runs lean but intentional—they’re aging their flagship bourbon in 15-gallon barrels for faster maturation while also laying down traditional 53-gallon barrels for future releases. You can watch the entire process through large windows that separate the production area from the tasting space, and the Bronsons are usually happy to explain why they chose specific grains from Oklahoma farms or how their barrel-char levels affect flavor development.
