About Heritage Distilling Company, Inc.
Like many great adventures, the idea to start Heritage Distilling Company, Inc.® (HDC) started around a campfire amongst friends. HDC was founded in 2011 by Justin and Jennifer Stiefel and Drew and Sara Kellerman on a perfect Pacific Northwest evening; the foursome now referred to as the company’s “Campfire Co-Founders”.
With the fire roaring, whiskey flowing, and good cigars being enjoyed by all, glasses were raised high and discussions turned to making a whiskey better than the one they were drinking. Justin’s background in chemical engineering and law, Jennifer’s experience in education and next-level customer service, and Drew and Sara’s prior experience as military officers made for a lively exchange of entrepreneurial ideas. There in the dusky shadows of giant fir and cedar trees, the core ideas that form the basis of HDC were excitedly vetted as the night wore on.
The next morning, as the fog of the previous night’s festivities lifted, thoughts turned to action, ideas into products, and a new business concept in the still-infant craft distilling space was born.
Today HDC is among the top premier craft distilleries in the United States, making a variety of whiskeys, vodkas, gins and rums from as many local ingredients as possible. HDC is one of the largest craft distilleries on the West Coast and is the largest independently owned craft distillery in Washington. Heritage Distilling is the most awarded craft distillery in North America by the American Distilling Institute for the past ten years out of nearly 3,000 craft distilleries. HDC is a majority women-owned enterprise.
HDC’s line of spirits include Special Operations Salute Whiskey, 1st Special Forces Group Whiskey, Cocoa Bomb Chocolate Whiskey, the Elk Rider® series, the HDC series featuring a full series of naturally flavored vodkas, the BATCH NO. 12® line of spirits, Florescence (a partnership with Cookbook Author, Food Stylist & TV Personality Danielle Kartes & Rustic Joyful Food), Stiefel's Select premium whiskeys, Spirits Advent Calendars, and more. HDC’s products can be found in bars, restaurants, and retailers in select states.
HDC currently operates 5 Tasting Rooms in Washington and Oregon. HDC's first Tasting Room is located in beautiful Gig Harbor, WA, and features spirits tastings, cocktails and retail sales. HDC’s second full-scale production distillery opened in Eugene, Oregon in October 2016 and was immediately one of the largest craft distilleries in Oregon upon its opening. HDC Roslyn, a 10,000 sq. ft production and tasting facility opened in November 2017. HDC Tumwater opened in June 2021 in partnership with South Puget Sound Community College and the Tumwater Craft District. Heritage Distilling Co. at Talking Cedar in partnership with Chehalis Tribal Enterprises opened in July 2020 as the first project as part of the Tribal Beverage Network (TBN) after HDC and the Tribe successfully convinced Congress to repeal the 184-year old, Andrew Jackson era statute prohibiting the operation of distilleries on Tribal lands.
HDC is an active member of the community helping to raise money for various charities and non-profit groups across the Pacific Northwest and nationally. The company’s philanthropic efforts were rewarded with the Secretary of State’s “Corporations for Community” award for the state of Washington in 2015 and “Manufacturer of the Year” Award from the Association of Washington Businesses in 2017.
HDC's leaders and visionaries: Justin Stiefel, Jennifer Stiefel, Sara Kellerman, and Drew Kellerman.
Born from Military Roots
Heritage Distilling Company’s ties to the military run deep and we are unapologetically proud of and grateful to those who serve our nation.
Part of our HDC Family are two military veterans who also happen to be co-founders of Heritage Distilling Co. It was at Drew and Sara Kellerman’s backyard firepit over 12 years ago where the idea to open a distillery was first voiced by co-founders Justin and Jennifer Stiefel (HDC’s CEO and President, respectively). Fast forward these many years later, Heritage Distilling Co. has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America by the American Distilling Institute for 10 years running.
Drew and Sara met at the University of Colorado, Boulder and graduated in 1991 during the first Gulf War as second lieutenants through the Army ROTC program.
Drew accepted a Regular Army commission as an Infantry officer. After attending Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School, he was assigned to 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light). From 1992 to 1995, he served honorably as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer, all with the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds”.
Sara has over a decade of military leadership experience as a commissioned officer, UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot, Flight Instructor & Unit Commander. She was responsible for the training, morale, fitness, and overall combat readiness of pilots and support personnel in Bravo Company, 4th of the 25th Aviation Regiment, “Knighthawks” at Wheeler Army Airfield on Oahu. She also served as an EH-60 Platoon Leader, Assistant S-3 Training, and Company Executive Officer for Bravo Company 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Huachuca, AZ. Sara is a graduate of several U.S. Army schools and professional development courses to include the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course, Aviation Officer Basic Course, Rotary Wing Aviator Course and Airborne School.
31 years of marriage and two kids later, Drew now serves HDC as the Vice President of Production. Sara is the Director of Human Resources. There is no project closer to their military servant’s heart than that of the “Special Operations Salute” series. It is with sincere humility and privilege that we honor these service members who deserve so much, from each one of us. We hope you’ll join us in this mission to support these soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so greatly for our nation and who continue to fight for our beloved freedoms, wherever duty calls.
