Preserving Heritage Through Distilling : Cornfields to Cocktails
We're thrilled to welcome Ryan Bare, founder of Century Farms Distillery based in Spencer, Iowa. Ryan’s journey is one of grit, innovation, and tradition. With a background in mechanical engineering and a career that’s spanned oil refining, ethanol production, and now whiskey distilling, he brings a unique perspective to what it means to grow value from the land. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to build a farm-to-bottle distillery, the legacy behind Century Farms, and how storytelling, soil, and spirit come together in one compelling brand.
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Show Notes
In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Bare, the visionary behind Century Farms Distillery—a craft distillery rooted in agricultural tradition and dedicated to producing premium farm-to-bottle spirits. Growing up on his family’s Iowa farm, Ryan learned early the value of hard work, precision, and pride in the land. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University, Ryan spent over 15 years refining oil and producing ethanol before circling back to his agricultural roots with a bold idea: start a distillery that pays tribute to the very ground he grew up on.
Founded in 2017, Century Farms Distillery celebrates the legacy of Iowa’s multigenerational farms. Ryan walks us through the journey—from navigating complicated distilling regulations to sourcing high-quality local grains that deliver standout flavors in every batch. We discuss the differences between producing energy and crafting spirits, how farm practices directly influence taste, and what it means to distill with purpose and pride.
Ryan also shares insights on branding, connecting with consumers through storytelling, and expanding the distillery’s reach beyond Iowa. Whether it’s whiskey, bourbon, or celebrating agricultural heritage, Ryan’s mission is clear: honor the past while innovating for the future.
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