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

Pennsylvania

Derailed Distillery

Volant,

Pennsylvania

— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka, Gin

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🔬

Technical Precision

Engineer applies problem-solving to perfect recipes

🏡

Local Roots

Volant residents sourcing from regional suppliers

🚂

Railroad Heritage

Named for getting off the beaten path

📚

Educational Tours

Learn distillation science from the distiller himself

🏪

Main Street

Part of Volant’s antique shopping destination

🧪

Small Batch

Scale allows for recipe experimentation

📞 (330) 306-8867

🌐 https://www.derailed-distillery.com/

📍 830 Main St, Volant, PA 16156, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Small Town Main Street Working Distillery

Derailed Distillery sits right on Main Street in Volant, Pennsylvania, a small town that feels like stepping back in time. Founded by Chris and Michelle Byers, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2018 after the couple decided to turn their passion for spirits into something real. Chris brings an engineering background to the operation, while Michelle handles the business side—a combination that’s helped them navigate everything from equipment setup to Pennsylvania’s complex liquor laws. The distillery operates out of a converted building that maintains the small-town charm Volant is known for, producing bourbon, rye, vodka, and gin in small batches. What started as a retirement dream project has grown into a legitimate stop for spirits enthusiasts exploring western Pennsylvania’s emerging distillery scene. The Byers didn’t just want to make spirits; they wanted to create a place where people could understand the process and taste the difference that attention to detail makes. Their approach focuses on quality ingredients and careful aging, with Chris applying his technical background to perfect recipes while Michelle ensures visitors feel welcome.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Engineering Precision Meets Craft Spirit Passion

Derailed Distillery stands out because it’s genuinely local—Chris and Michelle Byers live in the community and source ingredients from regional suppliers whenever possible. The engineering precision Chris brings to distilling shows in their consistent quality, and their small scale means they can experiment with recipes and aging techniques that larger operations can’t justify. Being located in Volant puts them in a town that’s already a destination for antique shopping and small-town tourism, so they’re part of a broader experience rather than an isolated stop. Their name reflects both the railroad history of the area and the idea of getting off the beaten path to find something special.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Learn From the People Who Actually Make It

You’ll walk into a space that feels more like a working distillery than a polished tasting room, which is exactly what it is. Chris often leads tours himself, explaining the technical aspects of distillation with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves solving problems. The tasting experience focuses on understanding how different grains and aging affect flavor, and you’ll actually learn something about the process. Michelle typically handles the business side of visits, and both are happy to talk about the challenges of starting a distillery in a small Pennsylvania town. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational rather than party-focused.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Real Craft Spirits Worth the Detour

If you’re someone who appreciates craft spirits and wants to understand the process behind them, Derailed is worth your time. This isn’t a destination for people looking for entertainment or a party atmosphere—it’s for folks who want to taste well-made spirits and learn from people who are serious about their craft. The location in Volant makes it easy to combine with antiquing or exploring the area’s other small-town attractions. You’ll leave with a better understanding of distillation and probably a bottle or two of spirits you can’t find elsewhere.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to confirm they’re open and to schedule a tour—this is still a small operation and hours can vary based on production schedules. Volant is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, so use GPS and look for the Main Street location. The distillery shares the block with antique shops, so plan to spend time exploring the town. Ask Chris about his engineering approach to distillation if you’re interested in the technical side. Don’t expect a large selection—they focus on doing a few things well rather than offering dozens of products.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Derailed Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?

Yes, you should call ahead to schedule tours and tastings. As a small operation, their availability depends on production schedules and staffing.

What can I expect to learn on the tour?

Chris Byers often leads tours personally and brings an engineering perspective to explaining distillation. You’ll learn about their equipment, process, and how technical decisions affect the final product.

Can I buy bottles to take home?

Yes, they sell their spirits on-site. Since they’re a small batch operation, selection may vary based on what’s currently available and what they have in inventory.

GETTING THERE

Find Derailed Distillery

📍830 Main St, Volant, PA 16156, USA

—

📞 (330) 306-8867

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