WEBSTER CITY — Wildcat Distilling Co. actually started eight years ago as Alissa Nelson, who also serves as Creative Director was sitting in a cubicle at work daydreaming about not being in a cubicle anymore and back on the farm when the idea came about. “I thought we could use some of the corn we grow to make whiskey and become a family-run distillery. That is why we say we Till, Mill, Distill our whiskey.”

As with any new whiskey entrepreneurial adventure, there has been a lot of experimenting with the distillation process which is Brad Lemke’s job as Master Distiller. Soon they had their trademark product “Harvest Moon” which combines apples and cinnamon and makes an excellent signature drink called the Iowa Mule. Additional whiskeys include Honey Moon and Woodshed Red; all three can be purchased at Liquor Stores around Iowa.

The other partners in this new adventure make this a true family affair with Amanda Lemke as General Manager and your hostess at the Wildcat Distilling Co. Tasting Room. Tony Nelson is the Director of Sales and Marketing who has been busy working on the licensing and alcohol sales processes with the State of Iowa.

Additional whiskeys that are available are called small-batch whiskeys. They include the Plow Point and Tillman’s, which can be preordered and have a special label added.

Recently they introduced the Planter’s Pride Whiskey, a custom batch of whiskey using grain provided directly from your farm or from their farm. It makes a fantastic gift and keepsake for whiskey lovers.

The Planter’s Pride custom whiskey has been so popular that it has created another opportunity for the Wildcat Distilling Co. where they produce custom whiskeys for businesses to give to clients and customers.

And now with the new Wildcat Distilling Co. Tasting Room open in Webster City, it is time to celebrate with the community by hosting a Webster City Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Members Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, March 16th starting at 4:00 pm.

The community celebration will continue on Friday and Saturday, with events for the public to enjoy.

On Friday, they will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by opening from 3 to 10 p.m. to the public. Special Irish music and special signature Irish drinks will be available.

The Grand Opening will be Saturday as they celebrate Brad Lemke, Master Distiller’s birthday by opening from 3 to 10 p.m. Specially designed commemorative t-shirts will be available for the first 50 people along with birthday cake, while it lasts, and special signature drinks.

Starting March 23 they will have regular hours for the public on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., Fridays from 3 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 to 9 p.m., and starting in April they will add Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. On the first Saturday of every month, the Tasting Room will be closed for Guided Tastings and will open to the public at 4 p.m.

Wildcat Distilling Co Tasting Room is located at 626 2nd St. Webster City, IA 50595. To learn more, visit http://www.wildcatdistillery.com, call 515-524-6018, or email info@wildcatdistillery.com.