Head distiller Russell Thorp is a craftsman at heart and a master plumber by profession. While on the surface it may seem odd for a master plumber and craftsman to become a distiller, Russell says, “It is really about physics and chemistry and building a great still.”
Russell and Vicki’s journey to becoming distillers is rooted in an adventure trip they made to Oktoberfest in Muenster, Texas, in 2014. That was the first time they sampled a honey whiskey. Fast forward to 2017. The leap from enthusiasts to distillers began with a recommendation to watch a couple episodes of “Moonshiners” on the Discovery Channel.
The physics and chemistry of distillation captured Russell’s attention. He built a small still in the plumbing company warehouse and started making moonshine. In the beginning, the taste was not what he desired, but he enjoyed the process. So, he spent the next few months perfecting the blending process, reflecting upon the honey spirit he had experienced in Texas. After a series of trials, Russell says, “We put together a spirit we liked.”
Russell and Vicki set up their distilled spirits production area in the back of the plumbing shop and began the process of gaining federal and state licenses. A larger still was now required to facilitate increased production. Russell re-purposed a 40-gallon brass pot that was a piece of décor and created Castle Spirits’ unique hammered-brass still. With that, Castle Spirits Distillery began bottling featuring their Signature Series Honey Blend Spirit. “We were on the shelves of several liquor stores Christmas Eve of 2018,” Russell says.
Russell and Vicki work jointly, with Russell as the distiller, and Vicki handling production, including the bottling, labeling, corking, and last but not least, waxing the top of each bottle by hand. The result is a beautifully crafted design. “Our desire is excellence. We wanted a bottle that is a piece of art in itself, grounded by our label’s old world Welsh castle,” Vicki states.
The focus is now on expanding the distillery and tasting area, creating additional products, and expanding their presence in the market. In addition, Russell is actively involved in the Oklahoma Distiller’s Guild. Russell explains, “A lot has happened with Oklahoma legislation since 2018, but Oklahoma liquor laws have a long way to go. Oklahoma is ready for new legislation that will pave the way for greater growth and prosperity for the industry. We also want to see Oklahoma become more of a destination location. The interest in spirits is on the rise across the nation. Oklahoma should be a leading destination spot for distilleries.”
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