Loup River Distilling announces that Nebraska native Dirk Petersen has become the sole owner of the grain-to-glass distillery, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued commitment to local agriculture and high-quality, Nebraska-grown spirits.
Founded in 2016, Loup River Distilling was created to bring added value to family-grown Nebraska corn and showcase the quality of local agriculture. The distillery embraces a true grain-to-glass philosophy—growing the grain, crafting the spirits, and sharing the final product in a welcoming tasting room.
Dirk Petersen joined the distillery’s ownership group in 2022. Born and raised on a farm outside Wisner, Nebraska, he brings a deep appreciation for agriculture, decades of leadership experience from his career with Nucor Steel, and a strong commitment to supporting Nebraska-grown products. His transition to sole owner continues the distillery’s focus on hard work, stewardship of the land, and community-centered values.
Under Petersen’s leadership, in conjunction with founder Eric Montemagni, Loup River Distilling will continue to honor its founding principles while preparing for future growth. The distillery remains dedicated to using local grain, producing high-quality corn-based spirits, and offering an authentic Nebraska experience to customers both in the tasting room and beyond.
