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, “Craft distillation is really about physics and chemistry and building a great still.”
Russell and Vicki’s journey to becoming distillers is rooted in an trip they made to Oktoberfest in Muenster, Texas, in 2014. That was the first time they sampled honey whiskey. Fast forward to 2017. The leap from enthusiasts to distillers began with a recommendation to watch a few episodes of “Moonshiners” on the Discovery Channel.
The physics and chemistry of distillation captured Russell’s attention. He built a small still in the warehouse of the plumbing company and started making moonshine. In the beginning, the taste was not what they desired, but they enjoyed the process. So, Russell and Vicki spent the next few months perfecting the blending process and reflecting upon the honey spirit they 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 licensing. 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 for excellence. We wanted a bottle that is a piece of art in itself, grounded by our label’s old world Welsh castle,” Vicki states.
Russell now offers a unique apprenticeship program for clients who want to experience the distillation process in an exclusive hands-on setting. At the conclusion of the apprenticeship program, clients will have created their own special spirit from beginning to end and will leave with a personalized barrel and cases of their own crafted spirits.
Russell is actively involved in the Oklahoma Distiller’s Guild. Russell explains, “A lot has happened with Oklahoma legislation since 2018 and Oklahoma is ready for new legislation that will pave the way for greater growth and prosperity for the industry. We also desire for Oklahoma to 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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