Welcome to Staley Mill Farm & Indian Creek Distillery where Joe and Missy Duer invite you to step back in time.
This historic farmstead is a glimpse into the past and will return its visitors to an earlier time with its timeless beauty, ageless spirit, and family heritage. Situated along meandering Indian Creek, the 160-acre farm was purchased in 1820 by Elias Staley who built a commercial-sized distillery across from the grist mill that he and his brothers had built several years earlier for the previous owner. “Liquid Gold” was produced by the mix of grains from the Grist Mill and his handmade double copper distilled rye whiskey became the “profit of the times” for his pioneer family. Staley Rye Whiskey became famous for its quality. Customers (including Indians) came from miles around to get their jugs filled with the tasty liquid.
After Elias’ death in 1866, sons Andrew, Simon, and John continued the distilling operation. During their lifetimes, the grist mill was expanded, a two-story warehouse was built, and the construction of a 1500 gallon mash tub enabling them to increase production. At times, there were 100 barrels aging in the Bond House and the distillery ran 24 hours a day.
Simon’s son, George Washington Staley continued to operate the distillery after the death of his father and two uncles. It was his sad duty to close the doors of the family’s profitable whiskey distillery when Prohibition was made the law of the land in 1920. With great foresight, George hid the old stills and associated distilling equipment from the government agents on the top floor of the warehouse. He also recorded the mash bill or recipe that the family had used for 100 years.
After George passed away, two generations came and went with only memories of whiskey-making times at The Staley Mill Farm. But the past met the present when the next generation (Joe and Missy) resurrected history.
Today, a new artisan farm distillery has been built, and once again Staley Rye Whiskey is flowing from the still house. The distillery represents the legacy of early farm distilling: past, present, and future. It’s the only family-owned historic artisan farm distillery in the United States using the old-fashioned double copper distilling method. Whiskey is distilled using the original copper pot stills that Missy’s great-great-great-grandfather Elias used in 1820, the same mash bill, and the same water source (spring water).
A “true sip of history”, these whiskeys are uniquely small batch where art and science meet in the middle to produce a spirit like no other. Award-winning, old-fashioned frontier whiskeys are created with a passionate dedication to authenticity using the Early American Distilling Method. Produced by the 6th generation, these historic artisans, keepers of the past, fan the flames of the future… The spirit of America in a bottle!
A visit to Indian Creek Distillery will transport you to the “Old Northwest Territory” where the Frontier was wild and whiskey was king!
So come to the farm where it all began two centuries ago. Learn about upcoming events. Sample and purchase Early American Rye Whiskeys and shop for flasks, glasses, t-shirts, and more in the retail shop. The tasting room features the family’s historic photos and artifacts, some dating back to the early 1800s when Staley’s whiskey-making legacy began.
Hours are Thursday – Saturday from 10-5. Still House tours are scheduled Saturdays at 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00. For additional information, click here.
