A new bourbon blending experience that’s paying homage to Cincinnati history and the enduring values of freedom, courage and resilience will be opening downtown next month.
Willow Run Custom Bourbon, opening at 645 Walnut St. across from the Aronoff Center, will offer bourbon blending and tasting experiences. The business set its opening date for Thursday, Sept. 12 and recently hired New Riff Distilling's executive bourbon steward and brand ambassador Katie Tobin as its general manager.
Tobin is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati's College of DAAP and has over a decade of experience in the bourbon industry. Tobin has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree in the beverage and hospitality industry, and her original cocktails have been featured in publications like Apple News,
Men's Health Magazine and
MarketWatch Magazine .
“As our first employee and GM, Katie Tobin is going to be a great asset to our emerging organization. We are excited to see her build a phenomenal team and provide top-notch experiences for both bourbon-loving patrons and those that are curious to learn about bourbon,” Katie Schneider, partner at Willow Run, said in a press release.
Willow Run is named after a distilling company founded in Cincinnati in 1865 by Irish immigrant William J. McRoberts Jr. This revival of Willow Run seeks to honor McRoberts’ legacy.
Early in his career, McRoberts operated as an Underground Railroad conductor, concealing people escaping slavery in bourbon barrels as they crossed the Ohio River. Willow Run of today says these actions epitomize the spirit of freedom and courage deeply ingrained in Cincinnati's history.
"We are proud to revive the legacy of Willow Run and honor the indomitable spirit of Cincinnati," Schneider said. "Our mission is not only to share our exceptional bourbon through exciting experiences and custom bottles, but also to pay homage to the remarkable story of McRoberts and his contributions to the fight for freedom."
Willow Run will offer guests three distinct tasting experiences, including a custom, 45-minute bourbon blending experience where guests can craft a bourbon to their preferences and buy and name a bottle of it. There’s also “Flight School,” an immersive tasting experience where guests sample a curated selection of bourbon flights paired with expertly crafted cocktails.
The final experience is where the history of Willow Run meets the future. Bourbon Wizard offers an AI-driven recommendation system that will give personalized bourbon selections to guests.
"We're excited to offer an array of tasting experiences that cater to bourbon enthusiasts of all levels," Schneider added. "Whether you're a seasoned bourbon aficionado or a curious newcomer, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at Willow Run."
To get the latest on Willow Run, you can follow them on
Facebook or Instagram
@WillowRunBourbon .
More info:
willowrunbourbon.com .
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