Watershed Distillery
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Distilled spirits |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Greg Lehman, Dave Rigo |
| Headquarters | Columbus , United States |
Area served | Central Ohio |
| Products | Vodka, gin, bourbon, nocino, bottled Old Fashioned cocktail |
Watershed Distillery is a microdistillery located in Columbus, Ohio, established in 2010 by entrepreneurs Greg Lehman and Dave Rigo. It holds the distinction of being the second distillery to open in Central Ohio after Prohibition and was responsible for producing the area's inaugural legally made bourbon whiskey in 2012. The distillery provides public tours and became the first in Ohio to feature an on-site dining establishment in February 2017, following the enactment of Ohio House Bill 351. Its range of products consists of six different spirits: vodka, two varieties of American-style gins, bourbon, nocino, and a pre-mixed bottled Old Fashioned cocktail.
History
Greg Lehman and Dave Rigo initiated plans for Watershed Distillery in 2008, drawing inspiration from similarities between the craft beer movement and microdistilling. Their goal was to establish Central Ohio’s first distillery since Prohibition.
The distillery obtained its Distilled Spirits Plant license (DSP) on September 1, 2010, and launched its first offerings—Watershed Vodka and Gin—by December of that year. Because Ohio operates as an alcoholic beverage control state, Watershed initially had to distribute products through the state system and was prohibited from selling bottles directly on-site. At that time, only one distillery per major county could hold an A3-a permit allowing direct sales; Franklin County’s permit was held by Middle West Spirits.
To promote industry development, Lehman co-founded the Ohio Distiller's Guild alongside representatives from Middle West Spirits and Tom's Foolery Distillery. This coalition successfully lobbied for legislative changes in December 2011 that expanded eligibility for A3-a permits to all microdistillers producing under 10,000 proof gallons annually, thereby permitting on-site sales and tastings.
In October 2015, Watershed revealed plans to increase production capacity fourfold by installing a new American-made still supplied by Headframe Spirits of Butte, Montana, which became operational by June 2016. This growth aligned with efforts to revise state liquor regulations as Watershed and Middle West approached the 10,000 proof gallon threshold limiting their A3-a licenses. The guild supported House Bill 351, which passed with little resistance and was signed into law on June 28, 2016. This legislation enabled distilleries to acquire A1A licenses permitting them to operate bars or restaurants on their premises, thereby expanding business opportunities and customer engagement.
Vodka
Watershed Distillery launched its vodka in 2010, initially crafted from locally grown Ohio corn. The current formulation combines distillate derived from fresh-pressed Ohio apple cider with the original corn-based spirit. The vodka is bottled at 80 proof.
Four Peel Gin
Previously known as Watershed Gin until a renaming in 2011 due to trademark issues, Four Peel Gin is the distillery’s flagship spirit. This American-style gin delivers a citrus-forward profile featuring eight botanicals such as orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit peels, along with coriander, allspice, cinnamon, and juniper berry. It is bottled at 88 proof.
Bourbon Barrel Gin
Introduced in 2012, Bourbon Barrel Gin is an aged variation produced by maturing Four Peel Gin for one year in used bourbon barrels. Bottled at 88 proof, it has become one of Watershed’s best-selling offerings.
Bourbon
Launched in 2012, Watershed Bourbon initially featured a two-year aging process; the current range is matured for three years, with intentions to increase aging to six years. This bourbon employs a five-grain mash bill consisting of corn, wheat, barley, rye, and spelt, and it is aged in 53-gallon barrels charred at level 4. The spirit is bottled at 94 proof.
Nocino
Watershed introduced its Nocino in late 2014, a black walnut liqueur with 48 proof strength. Crafted from black walnuts sourced in Ohio, along with vodka, vanilla bean, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar, the formulation was created under the guidance of a local physician aiming to bring Nocino production to the U.S. market.
Bottled Old Fashioned
In November 2014, Watershed Distillery unveiled a ready-to-serve Old Fashioned cocktail, reflecting the growing demand for premium classic craft cocktails. This distinctive beverage combines bourbon with orange and aromatic bitters, raw sugar, and Ohio cherry juice, bottled at 70 proof. It enhances Watershed’s product lineup and broadens its appeal within the market.
Watershed Kitchen & Bar
Watershed Distillery broadened its operations in late 2016 by opening Watershed Kitchen & Bar, marking it as the first Ohio distillery to run a restaurant under the newly introduced A1A "brewpup" license. The establishment is led by Executive Chef Jack Moore, formerly of The Greenhouse Tavern, and bar director Alex Chien. This initiative diversifies the company’s services and reinforces its foothold in the local market.