Cardinal Spirits thrives at the intersection of science, nature, and creativity. 

Science

We believe in the mantra Better Spirits Through Science™ and practice what we preach. We make all of our spirits in a state-of-the-art 2.4 gallon-per-minute continuous distillation system that was invented by an engineer in Montana who designs and builds chemical refineries. We test our proof with density meters, not just old-fashioned hydrometers. We have a partnership with Indiana University's Chemistry Department, and analyze spirits and fermentations using their gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer. We've researched the sciences and histories of fermentation, distillation, alchemy, botany, physics, cellular biology, neuroscience, astronomy, sociology, and organic chemistry. Amazingly, all of these disciplines play a role in our distillery. Everything is connected. Nothing is accidental.

Nature

Science is essentially just humans trying to understand nature in all its forms. Well, we love nature in all its forms. We believe in trying to protect our natural world from ourselves, because we as a species are really in the driver's seat. It's up to us to figure out how to live with and among nature, not just set aside little areas of it to visit occasionally. We want to become examples of how to do this as a company and still have a successful business. That's why we spend so much time researching our suppliers of raw materials and packaging, and it's why we chose to locate our distillery on the B-Line instead of miles outside the city. We ride bikes and walk, because we live in a city where that's possible, and because it lets us experience the natural world on a daily basis. 

Creativity

Creativity is difficult to define, but you know it when you see it. When a work of art catches your eye, makes you laugh and scratch your head at the same time, makes you cry like a baby, that's creativity. When we invent a new flavor by combining herbs and fruits that have never been combined in a bottle before, that's creativity. When our metal fabricator takes our logo and transforms it with his hands into gleaming red steel bike racks, that's creativity. Even finding an old warehouse and turning it into a distillery is a creative act. Creativity is one of the gifts we humans use most gracefully. We truly value it.

Let's Talk!

If you are a non-profit, we have several ways to work together:

Become one of our five annual partners: Our internal process for deciding on non-profit partners extends to every single employee. We read every submission, and narrow them down before voting on them. If your organization also plays at the intersection of science, nature, and art (or any of them individually), we have an intro form for you here.

In-kind donations: We have a limited number of bottles to give away each month for various causes. If your event is happening sometime in the next two weeks, chances are it's too late this time. If not, fill out this form and we'll be in touch.

Auction Items: We know how important unique items like a private tasting and tour of our distillery can be in the success of your auction fundraiser. Here's the form for that!

Private Events: We occasionally will host private events at the distillery for not-for-profit organizations. Please fill out this form with your event information and we'll be in touch.

Custom Bottling: Custom bottling is something we are very good at. We have several corporate clients for whom we create unique custom whiskey bottles, custom vodkas, and other customized labels. We can even create custom flavors. We provide non-profit organizations with this service at a discounted rate. Contact us here for more information about custom spirits.