Distributes throughout New England
Number one craft gin in the country (Greylock)
- New York Times
First legal distillery in Berkshire County since Prohibition
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SHEFFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Mountain Distillers has been producing artisanal spirits since 2007.
Owner and founder Chris Weld always had an interest in the spirits industry and, after 20 years in the field of medicine, invested in his favorite hobby by buying a neglected apple farm and putting his biochemistry degree to work.
We sat down with Weld and operations manager William Winn to talk about how far the distillery has come over the years.
Tell us about your company and how it got started.
In 2007, I was looking to change careers and wanted to take advantage of the historic spring water and apples that were on the farm that I had just moved to with my family. Naturally, starting a distillery came to mind.
What inspired the business or idea originally?
The myriad factors involved in starting and running a craft distillery seemed to align with many of my interests, so I jumped in feet first. Distilling seems to be a great amalgamation of many of my interests: farming, science, sustainability and, well, spirits.
What products or services does your company provide?
A full line of spirits, vodka, bourbon, rye rum as well as multiple one-off specialty distillates that are available on site only.
What makes your products or business unique?
In the alcohol production scene, versatility and remaining relevant is the name of the game. Despite our small footprint, we are able to produce at scale because of the relatively large still we have that is the cornerstone of our business. Larger equipment allows us to produce our standard line of spirits while allowing us time to work on some of the more eclectic one-offs that we love to make.
Are your products sold locally, regionally, or nationally?
BMD products are sold throughout the greater New England area. You can come directly to the distillery to pickup some exclusive bottles or check in with your local store for what they have.
Why has Berkshire County been a good place to build your business?
The community around us is very supportive. Whether it is a new restaurant, retail shop, or beverage manufacturer, Berkshire residents have always shown up and supported the businesses that are local. When the system is working, it should end up being a two-way street.
How important is the local community to your company?
Extremely. We value being good shepherds of our community and environment and also enjoy the support that we receive in return. We are proud to have sponsored countless entities within the Berkshires, that in turn help to make the Berkshires the Berkshires.
What do you think makes Berkshire County unique for entrepreneurs and manufacturers?
The closeness of NYC, Boston, and Hartford. All major cities that are within a two-hour drive. This allows the area to not only sell goods but to market them in these areas that bring attention back to the Berkshires. It is a great melting pot of New England.
What have been some of the biggest challenges for your business?
Our industry is very competitive and also has a constant need for innovation. "What's new?" may be the most asked question we get and it is not always easy to have a new product every month or year. Whiskeys take time to age, 4-5 years for us, and not knowing how a new product will be in that time is always a challenge. So we take a lot of risk with time but keep faith in our knowledge and process.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Providing award winning, locally produced spirits thus allowing people to be altruistic — drink locally — without having to compromise on quality. Additionally, we are proud to be strong supporters of and good stewards for our community.
*Additionally, BMD recently started a brewery called Two Lanterns Brewing Co. at the distillery and has curated a line of light gin that has a smaller concentration of alcohol.
What keeps you motivated?
The ever changing demand from our customers. The alcohol industry is always evolving, whether it's certain flavors, category, or drink specific. There is always something new to work on.
What advice would you give someone looking to start a business in the Berkshires?
You have to learn how to get through the slow times. The tourism around here is cyclical. Summers are busiest, foliage is a burst and the winter holidays are a quick push and then done. Make sure that you are still working on producing in the down times so that when the business hits hard, you have some room to breathe.