Towpath Distillery sits on Merriman Road in Akron, Ohio, bringing craft spirits to a city better known for rubber and rock music. Founded by Mark Snyder, a former corporate executive who traded spreadsheets for stills, the distillery opened its doors in 2017 after years of planning and navigating Ohio’s complex liquor laws. The name pays homage to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that winds through the area, connecting Akron’s industrial past to its craft beverage future. Snyder’s journey into distilling started as a hobby that got serious fast. After experimenting with home distillation and studying the craft, he decided Akron needed its own distillery. The space itself reflects the city’s industrial heritage while embracing modern distilling techniques. They focus on small-batch production, using a combination of traditional methods and contemporary equipment to create bourbon, rye, and vodka that captures the spirit of Northeast Ohio. Visitors find a working distillery that’s more about the craft than the flash. The tasting room offers a straightforward experience where you can sample their spirits and learn about the distilling process without the tourist trap atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where locals drop by for bottles and visitors get an honest look at how small-batch spirits come together in Ohio’s heartland.