Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/72473
IN THE BIZ Middle Way A The DEATH'S DOOR SPIRITS SAILS INTO THE MID-CAP WITH HELP FROM PARTNER SERRALLÉS USA by Tom Caestecker Jr. / photos by Jay Schroeder lthough Death's Door Spirits takes its name from treacher- ous straits between Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula and Washington Island, its origin might be indirectly traced to the experiences of founder and President Brian Ellison. No, it wasn't that the driven and enthusiastic craft distiller had some chilling premonition that spirits would be the only route to professional and personal survival. Rather, Ellison's experiences with making something flourish where blight and despair once ruled truly illuminates how he and the team at Death's Door Spirits have built the largest craft distillery in Wisconsin. Brian Ellison, Founder and President of Death's Door Spirits, enthusiastically cuts the ceremonial ribbon, declaring Death's Door Distillery open for business. Founder and President of Death's Door Spirits Brian Ellison stands by his trusty 1997 Volvo wagon, which he formerly used to transport mash to an Iowa winery for making Death's Door Vodka. 46 / the tasting panel / july 2012