Origin Story

We are really into origin stories at Woden Still, which must be part of why we chose a pagan prototype of Odin to represent us. As of this date, we have been hammering away at this business for three years. Structurally, we are a business, but practically, we are just spending money!

So I wanted to do a super-condensed version of our journey so far just to have it on record I guess. Why do that now, instead of three years ago? You'll see :)

In 2015 we decided to start a distillery so I cashed in my microscopic IRA, took the hit on the tax penalty and bought some fermentation gear and a toy still. We spent a couple years experimenting. We attended the ADI conference every year, took a brandy making class and hacked out a silly business plan with financial projections. We secured a live/work space and got everything in order with the city, but legal battles with the rigid condo HOA shrunk our funds and shut down our hopes.

We kept fermenting and experimenting with fruit, acquiring legal representation and a trademark. We took Rusty Figgins' distilling course and worked with a financial advisor. By 2017, we had our zillionth business plan draft and like 300 bucks. Heather sold some stock to fund us until we get our SBA loan in fall, 2018. That brings us up to date.

So, why start blogging now? Today, we put the down payment on the still - the biggest chunk of cash I’ve ever dropped at one time.

Scary! Exciting!

It's summer, we've got clover honey mead fermenting in the basement, raspberries and blackberries and peaches are ripening. We are actively searching for the next big piece of the puzzle: a space to put the still in (kind of essential I would say). Once we get the space, then it's on to the TTB for our federal permit.

And then there's the loan. We will be talking to our SBA guy next week to make sure all is in order for August/September. Check back for updates!