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The OTR StillHouse is a distillery, winery and brewery in one. Located in a former 1890s ice manufacturing warehouse, it’s also home to an entertainment venue with indoor and outdoor space.
From entrepreneur Michele Hobbs (who launched PetWants) and partners including Master Distiller Chris Mitchell, a founder and former head brewer of Woodburn Brewing, and Dr. Tom Asquith, who worked as a whiskey scientist for Brown Forman, the in-house Knox Joseph Distillery produces award-winning gin, bourbon and blended whiskey. Describing itself as a “half-acre of relaxation within OTR,” the StillHouse opened in December.
In addition to cocktails, beer and housemade rootbeer and cream soda, the kitchen serves a small menu of smoked and grilled food, including smoked ramen, wagyu burgers and dashi boiled peanuts.
The OTR StillHouse is a distillery, winery and brewery in one located in a former 1890s ice manufacturing warehouse. Photo: Hailey BollingerSet on a half-acre in Over-the-Rhine, OTR StillHouse combines a bar, indoor/outdoor space and a music venue. Photo: Hailey BollingerThe drink menu includes housemade spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and housemade cream soda and rootbeer. Photo: Hailey BollingerThe in-house Knox Joseph Distillery produces award-winning gin, bourbon and blended whiskey. Photo: Hailey BollingerL to R: The Bob Braun Burgundy (fig-infused silver mezcal, housemade honey and walnut bitters) and Jazz Bird (blended whiskey, Montenegro amaro and pumpkin orgeat) Photo: Hailey BollingerThe smaller front facade belies a massive outdoor space. Photo: Hailey BollingerOTR StillHouse says the artificial lawn is eco-friendly and installed by the same company who installed and maintains the pitch at TQL Stadium. Rainwater goes through the “grass” and collects in the aquifer below. Photo: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerOTR StillHouse entered the “U.S. Open Whiskey Championship as well as the U.S. Open Spirits Championship,” reads the website. “The James Scott Blended Whiskey has now been awarded gold for two years in a row, in 2020 the Wyatt Jack Golden Gin was awarded bronze, and in 2021 the Wyatt Jack Glacial Gin was awarded silver.” Photo: Hailey BollingerThe custom vendome copper still that’s a “hybrid of pot and column elements,” says OTR StillHouse. Photo: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerThe hang-out room for bands performing at the venue. Photo: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerOn their site, OTR StillHouse says “all air that is brought through our heating, venting and air conditioning systems pass through UV-C lights. UV-C or ‘germicidal’ lamps have been used for decades in healthcare and other settings to kill bacteria (e.g. tuberculosis), or viruses in air, and for sterilization of drinking water.” Photo: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerThere are more than 100 parking spaces near the OTR StillHouse. Photo: Hailey BollingerThe Bob Braun Burgundy (fig-infused silver mezcal, housemade honey and walnut bitters) Photo: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey BollingerPhoto: Hailey Bollinger