OSCEOLA, IA – August 10, 2022
The beautiful copper roofs and 33 foot tall still of the Revelton Distilling Company catch the eye of travelers exiting Interstate 35 in Osceola. The exterior beauty of the building is the first indication that this place is something special. Revelton is putting Clarke County on the national and global stage. One look inside the property confirms that the Revelton Distilling Company is indeed special.
Revelton Distilling Company Founders Rob & Christine Taylor (photo credit Revelton Facebook)
Revelton Distilling Company is the creation of Rob and Christine Taylor. About ten years ago the Taylors attended the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and fell in love with whiskey. After learning that one of the core ingredients used was Iowa corn, the wheels began to turn. As residents of Iowa, the Taylors began to dream about owning their own distillery located in Iowa. After a lot of educating themselves on the ins and outs of whiskey making, including attending Moonshine University, the Taylors put together a business plan and began to share their passion with potential investors. Fifty investors with diverse backgrounds supported the Taylors in their vision and in December 2000 Revelton Distilling Company became a reality.
Revelton Distilling Company is a ten acre facility located in the heart of Southern Iowa, Osceola. With the close proximity to both Des Moines and Kansas City, the location for the multi-million dollar distillery was ideal. The Revelton campus includes the still facility with a tasting room and a rack house. The rack house can hold 2000 barrels containing 53 gallons each of the locally distilled rye whiskey. Currently there are 711 barrels housed on site. To be considered bourbon, a barrel of whiskey must sit for 2 years and a day. While waiting for the bourbon to mature, Revelton has released eight other spirits to the public. These include a variety of spirits like their award winning Mulberry Gin and the award winning Whiskey and Cream Liqueur.
Revelton Distilling Company (photo credit Revelton Facebook)
Osceola was chosen as their flagship location for a variety of reasons. The Taylors have family ties to Clarke County Iowa. The beautiful countryside made for a magnificent view. That, paired with the location of a former winery that had closed, was ideal. The exit off of I-35 has 6.2 million vehicles passing it annually. The proximity to Des Moines and Kansas City and Lakeside Casino were also a plus.
“The Taylors and Revelton are a great addition to this community. They are first class all the way!”
– Bill Trickey, Executive Director, Clarke County Development Corp.
The tasting room at Revelton Distilling Co. draws people from all over. The facility is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday. On Saturdays patrons can expect to listen to live music and partake in some amazing food trucks. Beginning in January of 2023 Whiskey 101 Classes will be available. The classes will include different types of whiskey. This will allow for people to experience the different nuances different labels offer. It is an opportunity for people to experience just how special the Revelton label whiskey tastes.
(photo credit Reveltondistillery.com)
The laidback art deco feel of the atmosphere in the tasting room make for a great night out. The venue is also used for special occasions. Weddings, community events, personal events, and corporate retreats book the venue throughout the week. There is also an outdoor pergola that provides a picturesque view for a wedding ceremony.
Old legislation previously restricted distilleries to only carrying their own spirits. With the new legislation passed this year, Revelton will soon be able to serve other spirits, beers and wines on property. This will only enhance the experience of those enjoying Revelton.
Rob Taylor and “Lucy” the Still (photo credit Revelton Facebook)
If a person wants a hands on whiskey making experience, bottling events happen almost every Saturday from 9 AM- noon. Usually 6-12 people will show up to help label and package the Revelton Spirits. It is a fun way to be a part of the Revelton experience. It is recommended to call the distillery ahead of time to make sure they are bottling before showing up. You can view the still, affectionately called Lucy, from the tasting room. The impressive 33 foot still can be seen poking through the roof line. The vats where the whiskey is cooked and mash is made can also be seen from the windows in the tasting room. They also have a variety of merchandise that can be purchased to help take Revelton home with you.
Currently Revelton spirits can be found in three states; Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. They are found in 98 of the 99 counties in Iowa. 250 restaurants and bars now carry the Revelton Label and Hy-Vee, Fareway and Casey’s locations now have the Revelton Spirits for sale. They are hoping to expand to additional states soon. There is a new international interest in the Revelton products too. It is only a matter of time before they become a global name.
A short documentary titled “Revealing Revelton” is available for viewing on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7yvLjpAxNA&t=176s
For more information about Revelton Distillery, please contact them at 641- WHI-SKEY (944-7539).
Or go to their website www.reveltondistillery.com.
IMAGE:
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Simpson
Clarke County Development Corp
Email: [email protected]
(641) 342-2944
