WHERE THE CHASE BEGAN
The Idea
While sitting at a local watering hole, I had an idea. After scribbling it down on a bar napkin, I shared it with a friend of mine, James Brozek of Norfolk. I had a simple goal – create the best tasting spirits that would beat premium spirits in blind taste tests, and maintain an affordable price for the customer.
Opening Nebraska's First Distillery Since Prohibition
In the fall of 2009, my partner and I started Cooper’s Chase Distillery. After a couple years, my partner retired, and I became the sole owner. His legacy will always be the foundation of Cooper’s Chase, which is Nebraska’s first federal and state licensed distillery.
Our Operation
Cooper’s Chase Distillery is located on my farm southeast of West Point, Nebraska – in one of the greatest grain-growing regions of the world. And a good grain is the essence of good spirits.
The equipment required for this kind of venture is not easily obtained, and when found, is fairly expensive. Using good old Nebraska ingenuity, we have built most of our equipment.
One example is a one hundred gallon still, which I call a “hybrid”. It has the look of a pot still, but can function equally as well as a column still. A pot still is generally used to produce whiskey, brandy, and bourbons that must retain much of the original mash flavor, where as a column still is used to produce grain spirits, such as vodka and gin, where a higher percentage of alcohol is required during distillation.
Our Customers Are America's Finest
At Cooper’s Chase, we pride ourselves with being accessible to our customers. By visiting all parts of the Midwest, we have the ability to be hands on with customers and build relationships with each of them. We understand, simply placing a bottle on a store shelf doesn’t mean it will sell, we have to tell our story every day.
We cover over 400 miles a week because we truly believe that our customers are gained one bottle at a time.
We are very proud of our loyal customers. They inspire us in every decision that is made for the company.
New products are in the works, and we can’t wait to share them with you – but patience is a must in the distilling business. It has to meet our high standards before Cooper’s Chase will place it on the shelf or in your liquor cabinet.
If you have product feedback or suggestions, feel free to contact me!
