The Cincinnati Distillers Distributing Company has a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century. The story begins in 1794 with Christian Waldschmidt, a veteran of the American Revolution and businessman, who became the first distiller in the state of Ohio. He established a settlement named New Germany, where he built a distillery along with other businesses like a paper mill, the first of its kind in Ohio.

After Waldschmidt’s death in 1814, his son-in-law, Mathias Kugler, took over the businesses. Despite a devastating fire in 1828 that destroyed most of the mills and the distillery, the Kugler family managed to rebuild and expand their enterprise. They purchased another distillery and also got involved in the meat packing industry, contributing to Cincinnati’s nickname, “Porkopolis.”

In 1843, John Kugler, Mathias’s son, built a distillery at 220 Mill Street, which at its peak produced 3814 barrels of whiskey a year. The Kugler family’s influence extended to various industries in Cincinnati, making them a significant part of the city’s economic history.

The legacy of the Cincinnati Distillers Distributing Company continues today, with the historic buildings being preserved and repurposed for modern use. The company’s commitment to quality and tradition is a testament to their place in the history of American distilling.