CRAFT DISTILLERY

Twisted Path Distillery

Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
— Gin, Bourbon, Rye, Other

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🌿
Botanical Innovation
Locally sourced botanicals in experimental gin blends
🏭
Industrial Authenticity
Converted warehouse in Milwaukee’s arts district
🍺
Brewing Background
Beer industry expertise applied to distillation
⚗️
Custom Copper
Small batch production on handpicked equipment
🌾
Wisconsin Grains
Organic local grains for bourbon and rye
👨‍🔬
Founder Access
Ryan Castelaz often leads tours himself
📞 (414) 405-8900
🌐 http://twistedpathdistillery.com/
📍 2018 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Walker's Point Craft Spirits From Brewing to Distilling

Twisted Path Distillery sits in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood at 2018 S 1st St, occupying a converted industrial space that reflects the gritty, authentic character of this historic district. Founded by Ryan Castelaz in 2014, this craft distillery emerged from his passion for creating small-batch spirits with a focus on gin and whiskey. Castelaz, who previously worked in the brewing industry, saw an opportunity to bring craft distilling to Milwaukee’s growing spirits scene. The distillery officially opened its doors in 2016 after navigating the complex regulatory landscape and building out their production facility. They produce a range of spirits including gin, bourbon, rye whiskey, and seasonal specialties, all made on-site using traditional distillation methods combined with innovative flavor profiles. The operation centers around their custom copper still, where Castelaz and his team craft spirits that reflect both classic techniques and creative experimentation. Twisted Path has become part of Milwaukee’s craft beverage renaissance, joining the city’s established brewing culture with the growing craft spirits movement. The distillery’s location in Walker’s Point puts it in the heart of Milwaukee’s arts and entertainment district, surrounded by galleries, restaurants, and other craft beverage producers. Their commitment to local ingredients and community engagement has made them a fixture in Milwaukee’s craft spirits landscape.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Botanical Forward Gin With Local Ingredients

Twisted Path’s focus on botanical-forward spirits sets them apart in Milwaukee’s craft distilling scene. Their flagship gin incorporates locally-sourced botanicals and unique flavor combinations that reflect the distillery’s experimental approach to traditional recipes. The distillery’s small-batch production allows for constant innovation and seasonal variations that larger operations can’t match. Ryan Castelaz’s brewing background brings a different perspective to distillation, particularly in fermentation and flavor development techniques. The Walker’s Point location places them at the center of Milwaukee’s creative district, allowing for collaborations with local restaurants and bars that influence their product development. Their commitment to producing everything on-site, from grain to bottle, ensures complete control over quality and allows for the kind of creative experimentation that has become their signature.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Industrial Space Real Stories No Tourist Polish

The distillery offers an intimate glimpse into small-batch spirit production in their converted industrial space. Tours provide a hands-on look at their copper still operation and the distillation process, with detailed explanations of how different spirits are created. The tasting room features their full range of spirits, allowing visitors to sample everything from their signature gins to aged whiskeys. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with exposed brick and industrial elements that reflect the building’s history and the neighborhood’s character. Staff members, often including founder Ryan Castelaz himself, provide insights into the craft distilling process and the stories behind each spirit. The experience feels authentic and educational rather than overly polished, giving visitors a real sense of what goes into small-batch spirit production.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Milwaukee's Hidden Gem Worth the Discovery

This distillery appeals most to craft spirits enthusiasts and visitors interested in Milwaukee’s growing artisanal food and beverage scene. You’ll get an authentic look at small-batch distilling operations and the chance to taste innovative spirits that aren’t widely distributed. The experience is particularly valuable for gin lovers, as their botanical-forward approach offers something different from typical distillery visits. Don’t expect elaborate facilities or highly produced tours – this is a working distillery where the focus is on the craft and the spirits themselves. The Walker’s Point location makes it easy to combine with other neighborhood attractions, making it ideal for visitors exploring Milwaukee’s arts and entertainment district. If you’re looking for a genuine craft distilling experience without the tourist polish, this fits the bill perfectly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Twisted Path Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to book tours in advance?
While reservations aren’t always required, it’s recommended to call ahead or check their website. They sometimes close for production or private events, and weekend visits can get busy. Calling ahead ensures they’re open and can accommodate your group size.
Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes, they sell their spirits on-site for visitors to purchase. This includes their gin varieties, whiskeys, and other spirits produced at the distillery. Availability may vary depending on production cycles and inventory.
What’s the best way to get there?
The distillery is located at 2018 S 1st St in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood. Street parking is typically available, and the area is accessible by car. GPS should work well, though look for the building number as exterior signage may be subtle.

GETTING THERE

Find Twisted Path Distillery

📍2018 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA

 — 

📞 (414) 405-8900

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