2ND-YEAR WINNER
Central Standard Craft Distillery
Milwaukee
Industry: Manufacturing
Founded: 2014
Projected 2018 revenue: $2 million
thecentralstandard.com
In just four years, hand-crafted spirits company Central Standard Craft Distillery has experienced significant growth.
“Our growth has been exponential due to our new products and the statewide expansion of our sales team,” said Pat McQuillan, co-founder.
Central Standard currently manufactures bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, Scotch Style Whiskey, Washington Rye, Wisconsin Rye Vodka and New American Gin.
In 2018, it launched Door County Cherry Vodka and bourbon finished in California cabernet wine barrels.
The products, according to McQuillan, have exceeded projections in the short time they’ve been on the market.
Central Standard also launched an innovative product in 2018 called Hard2O, a zero-carb, zero-sugar drink made with distilled spirits and flavored with fruit.
The growth has not been without its challenges.
“There are a lot of good distilleries out there and we have to be able to keep our products at the front of buyers’ minds,” McQuillan said. “We work very hard to be active in the community so everyone knows that Central Standard is here to be their beverage of choice.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Always bet on yourself.”
– Pat McQuillan, co-founder.
