Lt. Governor stops at Revelton Distillery on 99 County Tour

After watching the progress of Revelton Distillery via social media for over a year Lt. Governor Adam Gregg wanted to take a tour in person and used the opportunity of the Clarke County stop on his 99 County Tour March 25.

Having been friends with Rob and Christy Taylor, owners of Revelton Distillery, and working with Rob during his time in the Iowa legislature, Gregg was excited to see what this new Clarke County business had to offer.

“I wanted to see the place for myself but in doing so I also get to promote a great Iowa business and a great Iowa entrepreneur who has made a significant investment in this distillery and I think they have developed an outstanding product as well,” said Gregg.

Gregg sampled Revelton Root Beer on his tour. As he was shown around the distilling room he witnessed the first batch of Revelton Bourbon in the fermenting tanks. The bourbon will be ready for sale in 33 months.

In talking with Taylor about the regulations regarding distilleries both at the state and federal level, Gregg learned just how difficult the process was to get from concept to reality.

“People associate breweries with distilleries and the rules and regulations are completely different,” said Taylor. “This is the second most regulated industry in the United States right now.”

Gregg is taking the information regarding how difficult regulations make marketing spirits and the amount of risk involved in opening distilleries back to the capital.

“It [99 County Tour] allows us to have conversation with business owners and entrepreneurs to understand some of the barriers that they face from regulations and taxation and all the other things that can impact a business,” said Gregg.