Backroads Distilling CompanyBackroads Distilling Company, founded by Jeremy and Jennifer Lutter, exemplifies homegrown quality and heritage. Nestled within the grounds of Country Heritage Winery & Vineyard, this distillery carries forward the same dedication and stewardship that the Lutters have cultivated for over a decade. Crafted from the freshest ingredients harvested from the family farm with a century-long legacy, Backroads Distilling Company is built on tradition. Every step of their farm-to-bottle process ensures superior craftsmanship in each batch.
Get To Know UsOur distillation process begins with a commitment to quality, using Estate Grown grapes to craft our first premium vodka. This unique approach not only showcases the flavors of our region but also reflects our dedication to farm-to-bottle principles. Every product we create is made from produce and grains harvested directly from our family farm, ensuring freshness and exceptional quality. As we expand our offerings, we remain focused on crafting spirits that embody our agricultural heritage and passion for distilling. Experience the difference of handcrafted spirits born from the land!
Distillation
At Backroads Distilling Company, we are committed to supporting local farmers and sustainable practices. One way we do this is by repurposing spent grains from our distilling process to feed local cattle. Each week, our distillery produces over 8,000 pounds of spent grains, which would otherwise go to waste. Instead of discarding this valuable byproduct, we partner with nearby farms to provide it as a nutritious supplement for cattle feed. This helps reduce waste, provides an affordable and sustainable food source for farmers, and supports the local agricultural community.
Supporting Local
At Backroads Distilling Company, by reusing spent grains, we not only contribute to the local farming economy but also minimize the environmental impact of our distilling process. These grains are rich in protein and fiber, making them an excellent addition to livestock diets. Our commitment to using what would otherwise be waste to support local farmers demonstrates our dedication to both sustainability and community. Each week, with thousands of pounds of spent grains, we’re honored to support the well-being of local farms, minimize our environmental impact, and foster a sustainable cycle of resource recycling.
About The Still
Pot Still
Pot stills are large, pot-shaped copper vessels used for batch distillation, favored for their ability to enhance flavor by removing sulfur compounds. They produce rich, full-bodied spirits with higher alcohol content, making them ideal for aging beverages like whiskey and rum.
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Pot stills are traditional, pot-shaped copper containers designed for batch distillation, known for their excellent heat conductivity and capability to improve flavor by eliminating sulfur compounds. The distillation process involves heating a liquid to collect alcohol vapors, after which the still must be cleaned before the next batch, making it less efficient than other methods. Spirits produced in pot stills boast a richer flavor and heavier texture, as they allow more congeners to pass through. This method is particularly well-suited for creating aged spirits like whiskey and rum, achieving an alcohol by volume (ABV) of up to 80% after multiple distillations.
Column stills are tall, cylindrical vessels designed for continuous distillation, allowing for a more efficient and faster production process. They produce purer, lighter spirits with higher alcohol content, making them ideal for beverages like vodka and gin.
Column Still
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Column stills are tall, cylindrical distillation units that enable continuous production of alcohol, making the process faster and more efficient than traditional pot stills. This method allows for a steady stream of spirits, achieving alcohol by volume (ABV) of up to 96%. The resulting spirits are generally purer and lighter in flavor, making them perfect for creating beverages such as vodka and gin. Column stills are favored for their consistency and ability to produce high-quality spirits in larger quantities.
A rectifier is a vital part of the distillation process that purifies alcohol by removing impurities through repeated distillation, ensuring a high-purity final product. Additionally, the still safe monitors the distillate flow and quality, while the shotgun condenser cools and refines vapors, enhancing the purity of spirits like vodka and whiskey.
Rectifier
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The rectifier plays a crucial role in the distillation process by purifying alcohol through repeated or fractional distillation, effectively removing impurities such as water and fusel oils to achieve a high-purity final product. This step is particularly important for spirits like vodka, where a clean, neutral flavor is desired. Additionally, the still safe is essential for monitoring and controlling the distillate flow, ensuring that only the desired alcohol is collected while impurities are separated. The shotgun condenser further refines the distillate, cooling hot vapors to enhance the purity of the final product, allowing for precise control over the separation of different fractions during distillation.
The Backroads Stillhouse is an elevated, 21-and-over cocktail lounge offering a stylish ambiance paired with exceptional service. Featuring over 40 barstools, 20 tables, an artisanal bar, and panoramic views of the outdoor Courtyard and Winery Patio, it’s the perfect place to relax and socialize. Guests can enjoy 16 specialty cocktails, an impressive selection of craft cocktails showcasing our premium spirits, the complete Country Heritage wine menu, and a decadent food menu.
Backroads StillhouseBackroads Distilling spirits are grown and produced right here on our family farm in LaOtto, Indiana, where heritage and craftsmanship are at the heart of every bottle. Learn about our farm-to-bottle process and join us for a memorable experience where every sip is a celebration.
