5 Reasons Why Knox Joseph Distillery At The OTR StillHouse Is Cincinnati's Hottest Destination Right Now
Step inside The OTR StillHouse today, December 21, 2025, and you'll immediately sense the energy of a venue that’s far more than just a distillery. Located in the heart of Cincinnati's vibrant Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood, the Knox Joseph Distillery at The OTR StillHouse has rapidly become a central hub for craft spirits, live entertainment, and community engagement. This establishment stands out not only for its high-quality, house-distilled products but also for its unique role in the city's social and cultural landscape, challenging the status quo of traditional distilleries.
The vision for this multifaceted destination, which began in 2014, has come to full fruition, offering a blend of high-proof spirits, low-proof craft beers, and an expansive indoor/outdoor setting. As one of the first distilleries to open in Cincinnati since the Prohibition era, it carries a historical weight while pushing forward with modern, innovative distillation techniques and a commitment to flavor science.
The Essential Profile of Knox Joseph Distillery at The OTR StillHouse
The story of Knox Joseph Distillery is deeply intertwined with the revitalization of Cincinnati's craft beverage scene. Its profile is defined by a commitment to quality, a unique ownership structure, and a dedication to creating a comprehensive entertainment experience.
- Location: 2017 Branch St, Over-the-Rhine (OTR), Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Founding Vision: Conceived in 2014 with the goal of challenging tradition and elevating the craft spirit experience.
- Key Figures: Led by Michele (a local female owner), in collaboration with whiskey legion Larry Eversold and a dedicated PhD flavor scientist.
- Unique Status: One of the first distilleries to operate in Cincinnati since Prohibition.
- Venue Identity: Functions as a combined distillery, brewery (Knox Joseph Brewing Company), concert venue, and large indoor/outdoor bar.
- Core Products: A range of high- and low-proof spirits distilled in-house, including Straight Bourbon, Single Barrel Straight Bourbon, Blended Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka.
- Recent Recognition (2022/2023): Multiple medal winner at prestigious regional competitions, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze for its bourbons and whiskeys.
- Community Tie-In: Designated as an official 2024 FC Cincinnati Pub Partner, cementing its role in local sports culture.
1. An Award-Winning, Female-Owned Powerhouse
One of the most compelling aspects of the Knox Joseph Distillery is its unique ownership structure. It proudly stands as a local, female-owned venue, which is a distinctive feature in the often male-dominated world of distilling.
This leadership has not only fostered a welcoming atmosphere but has also driven the distillery to produce critically acclaimed spirits. The dedication to quality, guided by a PhD flavor scientist and whiskey experts like Larry Eversold, is evident in their medal haul. The distillery has secured multiple awards, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for their flagship products.
The award-winning spirits include their highly sought-after Straight Bourbon (which won Gold), the Single Barrel Straight Bourbon (Silver), and the distinctive James Scott Blended Whiskey (Bronze). This recognition proves that the distillery is not just a trendy bar but a serious player in the world of American craft spirits, offering a unique blend of clean gin, spicy whiskey, and smooth bourbon.
2. The OTR StillHouse: Cincinnati's Premier Entertainment Hub
The name "OTR StillHouse" hints at its function, but the venue is a massive, multi-purpose complex that transcends the typical distillery or tasting room. It is widely recognized as OTR’s largest indoor/outdoor bar venue.
The facility includes the Knox Joseph Distillery Platform, which serves as a dedicated space for curated performances. This makes it a major concert venue, regularly hosting a mix of up-and-coming new artists and established favorites. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a vibrant social experience that combines exceptional craft beverages with live music and entertainment.
This dual identity as a serious distiller and a major entertainment hub is a key part of its appeal, drawing in a diverse crowd looking for a complete night out. It’s a place where you can enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail made with house-distilled vodka or gin and then step out to catch a live show.
3. A Full Spectrum of House-Made Craft Beverages
While the award-winning bourbon and whiskey are the cornerstones of the operation, the Knox Joseph Distillery produces a full spectrum of high- and low-proof spirits and beverages. This comprehensive offering is a major draw for any craft beverage enthusiast.
The distillery’s range includes:
- Bourbon: Straight Bourbon and Single Barrel Straight Bourbon, which showcase the distillery's mastery of traditional American whiskey.
- Whiskey: The unique and medal-winning James Scott Blended Whiskey.
- Gin and Vodka: Clean, high-quality spirits perfect for classic and innovative cocktails.
- Craft Beer: The Knox Joseph Brewing Company operates on-site, offering a selection of craft beers, including stouts with a velvety smooth finish.
They also feature wines, ensuring that every patron—from the dedicated whiskey aficionado to the casual beer drinker—can find a high-quality, house-made drink. This commitment to variety and in-house production elevates the OTR StillHouse beyond a simple bar into a true craft beverage destination.
4. Historical Significance Since Prohibition
The distillery's location in Cincinnati carries significant historical weight. The city was once a major hub for brewing and distilling before the temperance movement and Prohibition shut down operations. The Knox Joseph Distillery holds the distinction of being one of the first distilleries to open in Cincinnati since that era.
This historical context informs the brand’s mission: to "challenge the status quo and elevate tradition." By reviving the craft of distilling in a city with such a rich beverage heritage, the Knox Joseph team is actively participating in a modern-day renaissance. They are not just making new spirits; they are reclaiming a lost part of Cincinnati's identity.
5. Community Focus and Modern Amenities
In addition to its spirits and entertainment, the OTR StillHouse is deeply embedded in the local community. A recent example of this is its designation as an official 2024 FC Cincinnati Pub Partner. This partnership highlights the venue's role as a gathering place for local sports fans and a key part of the city's social fabric.
Furthermore, the venue addresses a common headache in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood: parking. In a rarity for OTR, the StillHouse offers available parking, including street parking on Central and other nearby spots, making it an accessible and convenient destination for both locals and visitors.
The large space is also highly versatile, capable of hosting private events and functions, making it a go-to spot for everything from casual drinks and live music to major celebrations and community gatherings. Whether you're there for a sip of their Gold-winning Straight Bourbon or to enjoy a concert, the Knox Joseph Distillery at The OTR StillHouse offers a dynamic, fresh, and essential Cincinnati experience.
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