White Dog Distilling Co & Bourbon Bar sits on Central Avenue in Middletown, Ohio, bringing craft spirits and bourbon culture to this historic Butler County town. Founded by local entrepreneur Mike Stanton in 2018, the distillery operates out of a restored 1920s automotive garage that’s been transformed into a production facility and tasting room. You’ll find small-batch bourbon, rye, and moonshine coming off their custom 250-gallon copper still, along with a full bourbon bar featuring both their own spirits and carefully selected bottles from other craft producers. Stanton’s journey into distilling started after a career in manufacturing, where he developed an appreciation for precision processes and quality control. He spent three years learning the craft before opening White Dog, working with local grain suppliers and aging his bourbon in full-size barrels despite the smaller production scale. The name pays homage to the clear, unaged spirit that comes straight off the still – what distillers call “white dog” before it goes into barrels to become whiskey. The experience here centers around education and experimentation. You can taste bourbon at different stages of aging, compare their white dog to the finished product, and learn how Ohio’s climate affects the aging process. The space maintains its industrial character with exposed brick and steel beams, while the bourbon bar side offers creative cocktails made with their spirits. It’s designed for bourbon curious folks who want to understand the process, not just drink the end result.