TYCOGA Winery & Distillery sits on a sprawling property at 2585 195th Street in DeWitt, Iowa, about 20 minutes north of Davenport along the Mississippi River valley. Founded by Tom and Cory Ackerman (the “TY” and “CO” in TYCOGA), this family operation started as a winery in 2012 before expanding into distilling. The brothers converted farm buildings on their rural property into a production facility that now houses both wine fermentation tanks and copper pot stills, creating an unusual hybrid operation that reflects Iowa’s agricultural heritage. The Ackerman brothers didn’t set out to become distillers initially. Tom handled the business side while Cory focused on production, learning winemaking first before diving into spirits. Their decision to add distilling came from wanting to showcase Iowa corn and grains in a different way. The property feels authentically rural—you’re driving through farmland to get there, and the converted barn facility maintains that agricultural character while housing modern equipment. They produce vodka, bourbon, and flavored spirits alongside their wine portfolio. Visitors get a genuine farm-to-bottle experience here. You’re not in a polished tourist facility but rather a working farm operation where the owners are often on-site and happy to explain their process. The tasting room has that comfortable, unpretentious feel of visiting someone’s converted barn, which it essentially is. It’s Iowa craft spirits at their most authentic—no frills, just solid products made by people who’ll tell you exactly how they did it.