Ransom Distillery was founded in 1997 by Tad Seestedt, who’s life savings (and a few credit cards!) were what helped him name the business; paying his own ransom to realize his dream. Ransom started out making Eau de Vie, Grappa and Brandy, before branching out to make fine Wines.
It wasn’t until 2007 that the company started distilling grain-based Spirits; Gin, Whiskey and Vodka. Three years later, in 2010, the company combined its grape and distilling skills to make its first Vermouth. The distillery has been certified organic since 2011.
The base Spirit is made on site in small batches every week, with locally grown grain and barley from the Ransom Distillery farm. The Spirits are distilled in a hand-made alembic pot still, which is operated by hand. Testing the Spirits by smell and taste – without the use of computers – is a traditional, labor intensive process, but for Tad, it’s a labor of love.