Guy Rehorst

Guy Rehorst is the founder of Great Lakes Distilling, the first distillery to open in Wisconsin since Prohibition. He started the company in 2004, after realizing there were no local distilleries making high-quality spirits in the state. His goal was to bring craft distilling back to Milwaukee, and he worked hard to change outdated laws that made it difficult to open a small distillery. Thanks to his efforts, Great Lakes Distilling opened its doors in 2006.

Spirits are in Rehorst’s blood. “On my grandmother's side, they owned a bar (in Milwaukee), and until the last decade, we had a family bar operating there,” says Rehorst, “I can still remember going there with my parents when I was a kid. My grandmother, who lived upstairs, would be sitting in the bar, keeping an eye on the business, tending bar well into her 90s.”  Even so, Guy did not always want to be in the liquor business. “As a kid, I wanted to be an archaeologist or truck driver. I've unloaded a lot of trucks, but not driven too many!” So, he admits that Great Lakes is the best job he has ever had, and also his longest tenure at any job. “We're making alcohol here. Nobody is ever sad to see us,” laughs Rehorst.

Guy, 61, is known for his passion and creativity when it comes to spirits. Under his leadership, the distillery has created award-winning products, including vodka, gin, absinthe, and several types of whiskey. One of their most popular products is Rehorst Gin, which features unique ingredients like sweet basil and ginseng. Guy is deeply involved in every part of the business, from developing new recipes to talking with customers in the tasting room.

In addition to his work, Guy lives a full personal life. He is married to his wife Leigh and has children. Guy often talks about how important it is to find a balance between work and home. When he’s not at the distillery, Guy enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and learning more about the history of spirits.

Thanks to Guy’s vision and dedication, Great Lakes Distilling has helped Milwaukee become a destination for craft spirit lovers. His story shows how one person’s determination can make a big impact on both a city and an industry.

Contributed by Tracy McLemore, Fairview, Tennessee

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Kristine M. Kierzek, January 2016.