State Line Distillery

State Line Distillery is a craft spirits producer located at 1413 Northern Court in Madison, Wisconsin, that distills spirits using organic grains from the Driftless Region and locally sourced botanicals. The business operates a cocktail lounge open Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 12am, and Sunday from 3pm to 9pm. They mash, ferment, and distill every spirit onsite to reveal the character of the local terroir.

The distillery's signature Coffee Liqueur has been crowned 'Best in the World' multiple years at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition and holds 2023-2025 Double Gold and Best of Class awards. Other products include a Bar Series of American Gin and Vodka, and a Whiskey Collection that includes a five-year rye whiskey exclusive to Madison. All spirits are crafted from organic grains harvested from Wisconsin's Driftless Region.

Visitors can experience the distillery's offerings in the on-site cocktail lounge, which serves a wide variety of cocktails including the Penicillin, Hemingway Daiquiri, and various seasonal specials. The lounge also provides a space to taste the distillery's spirits, such as their unique gin with a smoky tea profile and the classic Old Fashioned made with Demerara sugar. Guests can also purchase spirits directly or find them at bars and restaurants throughout Wisconsin via the store locator.

The distillery was founded in the fall of 2012 by John Mleziva, who earned his Masters of Science in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. The vision was to create world-class spirits using organic grains from the Driftless Region and share the best of Wisconsin with the world. The business has been operating since that time, focusing on grain-to-glass production.

State Line Distillery emphasizes ethical sourcing by using organic grains from Wisconsin's Driftless Region and locally roasted coffee for their liqueurs. They work directly with nearby farmers to highlight the terroir of Wisconsin and support the local community that makes their work possible. The process involves mashing, fermenting, and distilling every spirit onsite to maintain control over the entire production.

Reviewers consistently praise the distillery for its top-notch spirits, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and warm, inviting atmosphere. Many visitors specifically highlight the rich and smooth flavor of their bourbon, the smooth and clean taste of their vodka, and the unique, refreshing flavor of their gin. The staff is noted for being happy to answer questions and make the tasting experience enjoyable.

On Trustburn, State Line Distillery holds a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews. The feedback is recent, with the latest review posted on November 15, 2023, and the oldest on February 15, 2023. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with most giving 5 stars, though a few gave 3 stars while still praising the quality.

The distillery is located at 1413 Northern Court in Madison, Wisconsin, and serves the broader Wisconsin area through its distribution network. Visitors can find their spirits at various bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across the state using the online store locator. The address and phone number (608) 268-6201 are provided for those wishing to visit or inquire about private events.

The distillery's cocktail menu includes a variety of classic and seasonal drinks, such as the Dirty Martini, Moscow Mule, and Bees Knees. They also offer highballs and spritzes made with their tonic syrup or sparkling water. The menu changes weekly with seasonal specials, and they provide recipes for some of their cocktails on their website.

State Line Distillery sources its ingredients from the Driftless Region, where local farmers grow organic grains in some of the richest soil in the country. They use these grains to create spirits that reflect the passion of the people who create them and the character of the place. The distillery also uses botanicals grown close to home to root their spirits to the region.

The distillery is built on Ho-Chunk land and acknowledges the native home of several Wisconsin tribes, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Ho-Chunk Nation. This recognition is part of their commitment to the local community and the land from which they source their ingredients. They aim to create a connection between the spirit and the people and place that make it possible.

Other websites and news sources note that State Line Distillery is a notable craft distillery in Wisconsin, often featured in lists of best distilleries in the state. They are mentioned alongside other local businesses in articles about sustainable practices and local partnerships. The distillery's website and social media profiles are frequently cited for their detailed information on the distilling process.

First-time visitors should know that the distillery offers a comprehensive tasting experience where they can learn about the grain-to-glass process. The staff is knowledgeable and will guide guests through the different spirits, explaining the unique flavors derived from the local ingredients. It is a great place to relax and enjoy exceptional spirits in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The distillery's cocktail lounge is open from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and later on weekends, accommodating various schedules. They also offer private events and can be reached via their website or by phone for inquiries. The lounge serves as a central hub for both casual visits and special occasions, providing a unique distillery experience.

You can reach State Line Distillery by phone at 6082686201 or by e-mail at [email protected].