Every bottle of Loup River whiskey has a story to tell. This story begins in the Nebraska soil and ends in your glass. When we started this journey in 2016, our goal to create more than just spirits was clear. We aimed to craft an experience that honors our land, our traditions, and our community. It all begins with the corn. We grow it on our farm in Howard County, Nebraska. After carefully harvesting the corn, we process it at the grain elevator just down the street from our distillery. It’s a short journey, but a crucial one to preserve our ingredients. Once it arrives, the transformation begins.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Mashing: Turning Grain into Possibility
We harvest, mill, and combine the corn with water, cooking it down to release the rich starches locked inside each kernel. As the steam rises, the air fills with the unmistakable aroma of warm grain, the first step in our process of transformation.
2. Fermentation: Where the Magic Begins
Once the mash has cooled, we introduce yeast—the catalyst that turns starches into alcohol. For several days, the mash ferments, bubbling and breathing as the yeast works its magic. This is where the foundation of our spirits is built, developing the depth and character that will define the final product.
3. Distillation: Refining the Spirit
With fermentation complete, we heat the liquid to separate the alcohol from the water and other compounds. At precisely 173°F, the alcohol begins to vaporize, rising through our stills before condensing back into liquid form. This is the heart of the craft—where patience, precision, and experience come together to refine the flavors that make Loup River Distilling unique.
4. Aging: The Gift of Time
Great whiskey isn’t rushed—it’s aged. Our spirits are carefully transferred into charred oak barrels, where time and Nebraska’s changing seasons do their work. The heat of summer expands the whiskey into the wood, drawing in rich caramel and vanilla notes, while the cold of winter contracts it, locking in deep, complex flavors. Every barrel has its own story to tell, and we let them rest until the time is just right.
5. Bottling and Enjoyment: From Our Family to Yours
When the whiskey is ready, we bottle it with care, ensuring that every sip carries the heart and soul of our craft. Whether you’re enjoying a pour in our tasting room, sharing a cocktail with friends, or toasting to a special occasion, we hope you taste not just the whiskey, but the journey behind it.
