A sip of the past with a twist of the present is making its way to downtown Cincinnati as the historic Willow Run Custom Bourbon again opens its doors. Honoring the spirit of William J. McRoberts Jr., the founder of Willow Run Distilling Co. in 1865, the new establishment is set to celebrate its grand opening on Sept. 12, which coincidentally falls within National Bourbon Heritage Month. Located in the city's heart at 645 Walnut St., the location is filled with a cocktail of old and new, standing directly across from the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Local12 news.
Embarking on its latest chapter, the distillery and bourbon bar will occupy what was once space for the former Okto restaurant. Before transforming into Cherrywood, the ivy-walled locale served E+O New Asian and originally housed the Ivy Lounge. Sprawling over a generous 2,500 square feet, patrons will be welcomed to a fusion of the region's distilling heritage with today's craftsmanship, according to Bizjournals.
While detailed plans for the distillery's offerings are still aging like a fine bourbon, anticipation grows among fans eager for a taste of Willow Run's custom blends. The grand opening promises a unique experience that bridges generations of bourbon-making tradition with the contemporary desire for high-quality, artisan spirits. Celebrating its launch during the homage-paying month, the new Willow Run Custom Bourbon may pour into the hearts of bourbon lovers just as it once drenched the city's thirst for local distilleries.
For the folks at Willow Run Custom Bourbon, resurrecting a distilling legacy is about reliving history and shaping the future of craft spirits in Cincinnati. Adventurous drinkers and tradition enthusiasts alike can soon raise their glasses to a revived piece of the city's storied past, whose echoes resonate amid the clink of ice and the warmth of a well-aged drink. The promise of reconnecting with the roots of Cincinnati's distilling prowess has local connoisseurs to witness the revival stirred, but not shaken, with anticipation.
