Ryan Lang

Crafting Tradition into Innovation

Ryan Lang was born in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1980. He is the co‑founder, CEO, and Master Distiller of Middle West Spirits, a growing craft distillery based north of Columbus, Ohio. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State, Lang launched the company in 2008, building on a family legacy—he is a fourth‑generation distiller whose ancestors ran small farm distilleries in the early 1900s.

Growing up with an agricultural background—his family owned farms in Pennsylvania—Ryan originally trained as an engineer. But after moving from Charlotte to Columbus and exploring opportunities in craft distilling, he decided to launch his own distillery using Ohio-grown soft red winter wheat. Their first product was vodka, followed closely by whiskey, gin, and other spirits.

Middle West Spirits quickly made a name for itself by emphasizing local ingredients and traditional methods. Their flagship vodka, OYO American Character, is crafted entirely from Ohio wheat, and their unique Vim & Petal gin blends 18 botanicals—like elderberry, mace, and black tea—for a bold, culinary-inspired flavor. On the whiskey side, Ryan has overseen the development of innovative mixes like four-grain bourbons finished in sherry casks and pumpernickel‑rye blends aged up to five years.

Beyond distillation, Ryan helped shape Ohio’s craft distillery landscape. He co-founded the Ohio Distillers’ Guild, which successfully lobbied for state laws permitting onsite bottle sales and bar service, boosting local producers like Middle West. Middle West now operates two major facilities: their original location with a tasting bar, and a larger operation on Allen Creek that includes a restaurant.

Lang carries a bold entrepreneurial spirit. In interviews, he’s described himself as “tenacious,” and his leadership reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Under his guidance, Middle West has expanded its reach to 45 U.S. states—and even begun exploring international markets.

Lang merged deep family tradition with modern ambition to build Middle West Spirits into a craft-distilling leader. As a visionary entrepreneur, he champions local agriculture, bold flavors, and supportive legislation. He remains a quiet but influential figure in the American spirits world—passionate, private, and forward-thinking.

Contributed by Tracy McLemore, Fairview, Tennessee

Sources: 1.  AmericanLiquorCompany.com, website, 2025.

2.  Barrelsahead.com, Drew Hendricks, 2023.