Blackfish Family

We are distillery owners. We are family. We self-funded our business back in 2013 when we decided we wanted to create and serve up high-quality spirits to our community. It took over a year to get our license and our startup equipment. It was a steep learning curve; getting a distillery license is not easy and we leaned on our online community and consultants to get through the process. We made test batches and relied on our neighbors to give us feedback and ideas, and now 9 years later, we are extremely proud of our products.

We are a small batch, “Harvest to Glass” distillery. We buy our grain locally and produce spirits made from Washington -grown harvests. We take personal care in every step of our process from receiving grain, fruits and spices, to mashing, fermenting, and distilling to create the flavors we are so proud to share with you.

We chose the name Blackfish, an old sailor term for the orcas that live in Puget Sound, as it captures the adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest. The thrill and magic we feel when we see our resident orcas are equal to the thrill we feel as we watch each drop of our spirits emerge from our stills. Being a distillery owner is the greatest adventure we have embarked upon to date, and the greatest pleasure next to working our trade is creating happy customers.

Thinking about becoming a distillery owner?

Craft distilleries have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people looking to start their own businesses in the spirits industry. With the right knowledge, resources, and passion, starting a craft distillery can be an exciting venture. However, as with any business, there are many factors that need to be considered in order to ensure success. We are more than happy to talk about our journey and help you with yours.

Develop a Strong Business Plan

The first step for distillery owners to start any successful business is to develop a strong business plan. This plan should include a detailed market analysis, a competitive landscape analysis, and a detailed marketing strategy. Additionally, it should also include a financial projection for the first three years of business, including start-up costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections.

Choose the Right Location

The location of your craft distillery is an important consideration, as it will have a direct impact on your business’ success. You should consider factors such as local regulations, the cost of rent and utilities, and the proximity to your target market. Additionally, you may also want to consider the cultural and economic climate of the area, as well as the local competition.

Obtain the Proper Licenses and Permits

Before you can start producing and selling spirits, distillery owners will need to obtain the proper licenses and permits. This process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations in your state or country. You may also want to consider working with a lawyer who specializes in alcohol law to help you navigate the process.

Invest in High-Quality Equipment

To produce high-quality spirits, you will need to invest in high-quality equipment. This can include distillation equipment, bottling equipment, and packaging materials. You should also consider the cost of maintenance and repairs, as well as the cost of replacement parts.

We purchased our whiskey still at Hoga Stills.

Create Unique and Distinctive Flavors

Craft distilleries are known for their unique and distinctive flavors. To stand out from the competition, distillery owners should focus on creating a line of spirits that are different from what is already available on the market. This may include experimenting with different types of grains, spices, and herbs, or developing unique aging techniques.

A great place to find wonderful spices is World Spice Company in Pikes Place Market.

Build Strong Relationships with Distributors and Retailers

To build a successful craft distillery business, distillery owners will need to build strong relationships with distributors and retailers. This may include attending trade shows, participating in local events, and offering tastings and samples. Additionally, you should also focus on building a strong online presence, including a website and social media accounts to reach a wider audience.

Maintain Quality Control and Compliance

To maintain the quality and reputation of your brand, it is important to maintain quality control and compliance with all regulations. This may include testing your spirits for purity, as well as conducting regular audits of your production process. Additionally, you should also invest in labeling and packaging that accurately represents your brand and complies with all regulations.

Craft distilleries have become an exciting and growing industry in recent years, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to start their own businesses and build their own brands. However, starting a craft distillery is not without its challenges. By considering these key elements, distillery owners can increase their chances of success and build a successful craft distillery