This innovative new local distillery makes its home in the old Boone Co. Jail building, combining three generations of liquor-industry expertise with a historic location. From moonshine, to vodka, to bourbon and beyond, BCJD has hit the market with full force, even winning several tasting awards with some of its very first products.
Location History
In 1832 Indiana legislation commissioned a group to create a County Seat (the city/town in a county where government buildings are located) somewhere geographically centered in the the state. The group decided on the city of Lebanon, Indiana, just 30 minutes northwest of the state capital of Indianapolis. At that time, the jail was little more than a wooden shed attached to the courthouse. It wasn’t until nearly 50 years later, that the Jail moved to its permanent home across the street, at the corner of Washington & Meridian.
In 1938, the Boone Co. Jail was upgraded and fortified, ensuring the building would stand strong against potential civil unrest. At that time, a secret tunnel was installed for quick entry and exit, adding to the building’s already impressive architecture and design.
The building served the local Sherriff’s department faithfully until a new facility was built on the outskirts of town in 1992. The old jail’s historic and stunning architecture were the perfect features to inspire brother-sister team Nicki and Sean Stoller to cultivate a brand new distillery experience, and the Boone County Jail Distillery was created.
A Family Legacy
Proudly female and veteran-owned, The Boone Co. Jail Distillery is the brain-child of brother-sister team Nicki and Sean Stoller. The two are backed by three generations of expertise in the liquor industry, and an exceptional understanding of taste profiles consumers want in their vodka, bourbon whiskey, gin, moonshine, and more.
The Stollers’ grandfather was the origin of the family’s passion for the industry, driving liquor to local stores after the repeal of prohibition. From there, he began a trucking company and brought his three sons into the industry, who eventually went on to own Stoller Imports, beginning the family’s “traditions of excellence”.