[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING BEAR WALLOW DISTILLERY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TODD C. YOUNG

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2015

  Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, small businesses across my 
district work every day to produce the goods and services needed to 
drive our economy, and today it is my honor to highlight one of them. 
My home state of Indiana has a long heritage of agriculture and 
manufacturing business, as well as a spirit of entrepreneurship and 
innovation. One small business in Indiana's 9th District, Bear Wallow 
Distillery, sits at the center of these proud Hoosier traditions.
  Bear Wallow Distillery, located in scenic and historic Brown County, 
Indiana, is a home-grown success story. Founded and still owned by Mike 
and Susan Spagnuolo, their craft distillery opened its doors in August 
2014. In the year since, the company has expanded its initial offering 
of Hoosier-made moonshine to include bourbon and several different 
whiskeys; all crafted from locally grown and supplied ingredients. 
Operating a still and a serving room, Bear Wallow has served thousands 
of thirsty Hoosiers. Visitors can see the distillery operation on 
behind-the-scene tours and sample local foods as well as drinks.
  Bear Wallow does its part to support our long tradition of quality 
craftsmanship. The company creates its signature spirits using a 
traditional copper still from another family-owned small business, 
Vendome Brass and Copper of Louisville, KY. The small-batch, 
handcrafted spirits that Bear Wallow produces are then aged in charred 
American White Oak barrels and served-up straight or as part of a 
cocktail. The business is known for its ``Moonshine shake-ups,'' made 
with fruit elixirs and served in a tasting area featuring Prohibition-
era decorations and a bare-wood bar made from locally milled red oak.
  Bear Wallow refers to itself as ``the first legal distillery in 
Indiana.'' The claim rings very true, as the success of Bear Wallow 
would not have been possible even two years ago. Previous Indiana law 
prevented would-be entrepreneurs from operating small distilleries in 
the state. Following changes to the law in 2013, Mike and Susan 
Spagnuolo were on the front line pioneering this industry that is 
flourishing in Indiana's 9th District. Their small business, like so 
many others, is helping to create needed jobs, drive our local economy, 
and generate tourism throughout the state.
  It is an honor representing entrepreneurs like the Spagnuolos who 
took a risk opening Bear Wallow Distillery. I hope their example serves 
to inspire other would-be entrepreneurs, and am pleased to highlight 
their good work today in this installment of Indiana's 9th District 
Small Business Spotlight.

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