Corsair Artisan Distillery

Childhood friends Andrew Webber and Darek Bell started homebrewing beer and wine in Bell's garage after running into some difficulties working on a biodiesel plant prototype.[2][5] Webber developed the idea after remarking that putting all their efforts into making whiskey would be far more satisfying.[5]

Co-founded by Andrew Webber and Darek Bell, Corsair Distillery began operations in 2008 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The owners had a strong connection to Tennessee, and established a second location in Nashville, TN, in 2010, making Corsair the first legal craft distillery in Nashville since Prohibition.[2] With the slogan "Innovate or Die" in mind, Corsair has produced hundreds of experimental products that include grains such as quinoa, spelt, triticale, and buck wheat, as well as hop variations. Their quinoa whiskey is considered one of a kind, being featured on Episode 393 on the cooking show, Chopped. [6] In addition to whiskey, Corsair produces a small amount of craft beer for consumption at their distilleries.

In 2016, Corsair opened a third location in the Wedgewood/Houston (WeHo) neighborhood in Nashville, TN. Opening the WeHo headquarters gave the company the opportunity to increase production while freeing up capacity at its Marathon Village location. The WeHo site also houses additional office space and barrel storage, deeming the location their Headquarters.[2]

On August 31, 2018, Corsair closed the Bowling Green distillery. According to Corsair's Chief Operating Officer, Tyler Crowell, the company plans to focus future efforts on additional expansion of its two locations in Nashville as well as national distribution.[7]

In March 2020, Corsair launched a rebrand of their spirits to prepare for wider distribution and a smaller line of products, varying changes in spirit names and proofs. At this same time, the distillery received local and national media attention for producing hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 Pandemic, providing thousands of gallons to healthcare facilities. [8]

Corsair has a stated goal to put "Nashville in a bottle" by tapping into the resources of Darek Bell's local farm, using their own local malthouse and smokehouse. The company offers tours at its multiple locations in Nashville to show off its craft spirits and local craft beers.[2]

As of 2018, Corsair has produced 28 types of spirits. Currently, 11 are usually offered for sale, six are classified as seasonal or experimental varieties, and 11 have been discontinued.[9]

As of 2018, the company says that its spirits have won more than 800 medals at national and international spirits competitions.[5]

• Official site