We are moving Castle Spirits Distillery to the forefront of lobbying for Oklahoma legislative changes for distilleries. Our purpose is, of course, self-centered so our business can grow, but also based on a desire to see Oklahoma become more of a destination.

What people look for in a new city

When people visit a city, they research what there is to do, whether it’s visiting distilleries, breweries or wineries, it’s more and more popular across the nation and Oklahoma City needs to have that to be that destination city as well. If we had been able to sell our product at various festivals and from our distillery. The amount of sales revenue/taxes for the state would have exponentially grown from what they are receiving now. We’re small, but maybe just a small drop in the bucket.

Together we can make positive change

We have partnered with and are working with the ORA (Oklahoma Restaurant Association). They are a force in the industry, in the work they do for lobbying to get laws changed and make things happen in Oklahoma. ‘The ORA promotes and has the same drive as we have to serve the made-in-Oklahoma businesses and keep an eye on what’s going on in the industry,” Vicki said. “we place a lot of value with the ORA. If we can provide support for the work they do, then that’s where we need to be. l think that unless they are in the industry, most people have no idea what goes on behind the scenes. We had a little bit of a picture of it, but now have a much greater vision of what’s needed.”

The foundation of Castle Spirits Distillery is about ways to grow businesses and make a difference in people’s lives.”We’re always thinking about going forward,” Russell said.

Written with excerpts from Oklahoma Restaurateur Article, Fall 2019.