West Des Moines, IA (November 30, 2020) – For the general public, making your own hard liquor at home is just not a possibility or legal. But Foundry Distilling Company in West Des Moines, Iowa, has developed a unique and engaging Private Barrel Program that allows both alcohol enthusiasts and inquisitive peoples alike to create their own one-of-a-kind signature spirit. Since its inception in 2018, Foundry’s Private Barrel Program has boomed in popularity, with numerous customers returning to concoct new creations and forge lasting memories. 

To date, Foundry has made over 100 private barrels and counting for a very diverse set of clientele. From farmers and families to construction companies and country clubs, each of their barrels of spirit is made with a custom recipe that they determine and is distilled and aged at Foundry Distilling Company. Some customers’ recipes have even included grain that was raised on their family farms. This incredible experience makes for a great opportunity to learn more about distilling, commemorate special occasions, and bring people together. 

“The amount of interest for our Private Barrel Program and the distilling process has been astounding,” said Scott Bush, Foundry Distilling Co. Founder and CEO. “It is a truly unique, collaborative experience that has a way of bringing people together around spirits they designed, and our fantastic team here helps make their creations a reality.”

Iowa-based Heartland Companies was an early adopter of the Private Barrel Program and still continues to utilize the process as a team-building exercise for its employees. 

Scott Turczynski, COO of Heartland, said, “We were the second to sign up, but the first to actually make our barrels [of whiskey].”

“We did an American single malt whiskey and a bourbon. In fact, we’ve signed up for a third! Scott [Bush, Foundry Founder] is one of the great group of people there; the leadership team is great. We’ve got nothing but great things to say,” added Scott Bleich, CEO of Heartland.  

The Private Barrel Program is a very hands-on process. Customers work together with the Foundry team to decide on a recipe and choose the mash bill. After the distilling begins, customers can taste their spirits as they age. Two barrels are used, a five-gallon barrel and a 30-gallon barrel. The five-gallon barrel (called a “pilot barrel”) makes approximately 30 bottles worth of liquor and is aged six to nine months. The 30-gallon barrel generates around 150 bottles and is aged for two to three years. The exact number of bottles depends on the proof level, and in-barrel evaporation–called the “angel’s share.”

Overall, what the customer gets out of the program includes the following: 

  • A customized spirit production experience, including a hosted Whiskey Seminar for your group
  • Photos capturing their craft time at Foundry’s historic facility
  • Graphic design support to help put together a label that meets all regulatory requirements
  • Quarterly updates and samples
  • Bottle for a personal display that contains your mash bill (grains), yeast selection, and other production notes 
  • 30-gallon barrel and 5-gallon “pilot” barrel yielding approximately 200 bottles of premium, custom spirit
  • Your custom-stenciled barrels after bottling
  • Foundry Distilling will handle ingredient sourcing and barrel sourcing, production and barreling (under the customer’s direction), barrel storage, label approval, packaging, and excise taxes

Those interested in exploring the possibilities of Foundry’s Private Barrel Program can begin by filling out the online “Plan Your Experience” form at FoundryDistillingCompany.com/PrivateBarrel. 

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About Foundry Distilling Company

A one-of-kind craft distillery located in Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, Iowa, Foundry Distilling Co. strives to be one of the most innovative distilleries in the world by producing unique products, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like our Private Barrel Club, and collaborating with an alliance of nationally recognized breweries, known as the Brewer Distiller Alliance. 

Foundry Distilling Co. also offers Private Party Rentals, Daily Tours (M-SA), and a variety of interesting products, including custom-label spirits for businesses, groups, and organizations. 

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