High Bank Distillery announces a third location featuring a historic speakeasy is in the works
One of Columbus’ most popular distilleries is unveiling a third location that pays homage to the Prohibition Era and Westerville’s rich history. Anticipating to open in Spring of 2024, High Bank Co. announced today their acquisition of a historic building on 28 South State St. in Uptown Westerville, and despite Westerville’s complicated past with alcohol, the community couldn’t be more thrilled.
Photo via press release
Adam Hines, the co-founder and Master Distiller of High Bank Co., expresses that High Bank Distillery’s newest location at the old Post Office will be entirely different from current High Bank locations. “We want to honor and preserve the history of Westerville by bringing our third location to a city with such a rich story. We’re excited to create experiences for the community through both our restaurant and distillery.”
High Bank’s classic industrial aesthetic will be present in the restaurant area, aesthetically blending with the historic building’s in-tact crown-molding and original brickwork.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
The downstairs speakeasy, however, with a specialty cocktail menu in a sophisticated, intimate space will propel you back into the times of the Whiskey Wars in the late 1800’s, where opening a bar or even consuming alcohol could mean putting yourself, and your saloon, in danger. In fact, actual Prohibition, Anti-Saloon League propaganda was mailed out from this exact Post Office. Westerville was known as “The Dry Capital of the World;” the community used to vehemently oppose the consumption of distilled spirits, to the point where Westerville saloons, like the ones owned by Henry Corbin, were blown to bits. Undeterred by diversity, Corbin established his own clandestine speakeasy in his downtown Westerville pool hall, selling beer to patrons who opposed Prohibition. He would be shocked to find that now, an elevated distillery will be gracing the same streets that once posed a threat to him.
Photo via press release
Although Westerville played a pivotal role in the prohibition of alcohol until 2004, the city is whole-heartedly embracing the arrival of High Bank Distillery. Westerville City Manager, Monica Irelan enthusiastically explains the synergy between High Banks and Uptown. “Everything is right about this High Bank investment in Westerville. The co-founders, Adam Hines and John Brooks, are part of this community, and they have a vision for this space that perfectly complements what is special about Uptown. The High Bank brand in Uptown makes it an even more compelling destination for food, fun, and entertainment.”
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
