Our Team
Alan R. Bishop - Head Alchemist
Alan is the driving creative and conceptual force of our production team and lays out products and protocols, sources ingredients, and is responsible for quality control as well as managing our yeast and grain production and varieties.
A native of Pekin IN, Alan grew up working the family tobacco farm his grandparents purchased in the 1940's and his father took over in the 90's. Alan can trace his distilling heritage across all branches of his family and grew up with the production of not only fine Burley tobacco but also with distilling. His family, particularly his dad, Dale, took a keen interest in teaching Alan the skills of distillation, and Alan and his Dad have both been a part of the Old Homestead team since the beginning. Alan recalls stills being as ordinary as any other piece of farm machinery and the production of illicit Moonshine as yet just another way to pay for property taxes, emergencies, and for Christmas gifts. In his 20's he converted the old farm to the production of organic produce and, more importantly, seeds. Always loving sustainable agriculture, he was drawn to breeding new varieties of plants for various domestic uses, and it was at this time that he started to realize the parallels between agriculture and distillation as well as exploring the deeper cultural and historic context of both in Southern Indiana alongside a blossoming interest in Alchemy and the Esoteric.
By age 30 Alan was working as Assistant Distiller at Copper and Kings American Brandy Company but knew that in the long run he wanted to contribute to the distilling legacy of the Hoosier State, particularly than of the Black Forest, and soon took a job at Spirits of French Lick where he served as Head Alchemist for 8 years, putting into place a program of whiskies and brandies as well as a single barrel program that was wildly successful and popular based around his interest in local history. Alan came to Old Homestead as a founder and now co-owner with a full lifetime of experience distilling. Alan is also heavily involved in writing about the history of distilling in Indiana and has appeared in several documentaries. He has distilled for George Washington's Mount Vernon and created a protocol for Apple Brandy there as well as writing the mash bill and process for their first American Whiskey. Alan was a longtime volunteer of Locust Groves farm distillery program where he laid out programming alongside Brian Cushing of the Victorian Barroom. Alan has also written for many distilling publications, taught classes, spoken at seminars, and participated at various distilling related demonstrations, and he works closely with Spring Mill State Park on restoring the historic distillery there. Alan is a co-host of the popular podcast Distillers Talk and runs a channel about distilling called the One Piece At A Time Distilling Institute as well as a podcast called Sacred & Profane alongside Tyler Ritchison. In addition, he has released a number of books about the art of distillation and publishes an annual Practical Distillers and Alchemists almanac while finding time to host the If You Have Ghosts You Have Everything podcast. He was also the subject of a documentary called "The Alan Bishop Experience" directed by Bo Cumberland, and has been the recipient of many distilling awards.
Jolee Kasprzak - VP of Operations and Tasting Room Manager
Jolee Clarke-Kasprzak is an experienced marketing and hospitality professional in the Southern Indiana craft beverage industry. Currently a key member of the team at Patoka Lake Winery and Patoka Lake Distillery, she brings a deep background in brand development and industry storytelling to the region’s tourism landscape.
Originally from California, Jolee transitioned to Indiana and established herself as a prominent voice in the state's wine and spirits community. Before joining the Patoka Lake team, she served for several years as the Marketing Director for French Lick Winery and Spirits of French Lick. During her tenure there, she became well-known for her expertise in promoting artisan spirits and her ability to educate the public on the rich history of Indiana distilling.
Jolee is recognized for her "hands-on" approach to marketing, often appearing on industry podcasts and social media to share the stories behind the products. Her work focuses on creating memorable guest experiences and building strong community connections within the growing Southern Indiana "stay and play" tourism sector.
Dale Bishop - Assistant Distiller
Dale Bishop, often affectionately known as "Ol' Dale Bishop," is a foundational figure in the Southern Indiana distilling community, serving as an Assistant Distiller at Old Homestead Distilling Co. A lifelong resident of the "Black Forest" region of Indiana, Dale’s influence on the craft is perhaps most visible through his role as the primary mentor to his son, Alan Bishop (the Head Alchemist).
Dale’s roots are deeply tied to the farming and "traditional" distilling culture of Southern Indiana. He is credited with sparking his son’s lifelong obsession with the craft. When Alan was just 15 years old, Dale gave him his first still, fashioned from an old coffee canister, with the famously succinct instruction: “Don’t blow yourself up and don’t come back until you have something worth drinking.”
At Old Homestead Distilling Co., Dale brings a unique skillset cultivated from decades of experience in both farming and distillation. His expertise spans:
Traditional Distillation: A mastery of pot still distillation and heritage techniques that pre-date modern industrial methods.
Agricultural Wisdom: A deep understanding of land and crops, essential for a distillery focused on the "Farmer-Distiller" philosophy.
Legacy and Storytelling: Dale is a living link to the historical moonshining traditions of the region, helping to preserve and translate that history into legal, commercial spirits.
Though he often works behind the scenes, Dale’s preferences have influenced commercial releases. He is notably a fan of the Mattie Gladden high rye bourbon, a spirit he helped inspire through his mentorship during Alan's tenure at Spirits of French Lick.
Today, as Assistant Alchemist at Old Homestead, he continues to work alongside Alan and the team, ensuring that the spirits produced are not only technically sound but remain true to the rugged, spiritual, and historical identity of Indiana’s Black Forest.
Tyler Ritchison - Assistant Distiller
Southern Indiana born and raised, hailing from the limestone capital of the world, Bedford, Indiana’s own pot still whisperer: Tyler Ritchison. Who prides himself on work ethic, has put in the time and effort to explore and practice the art of distillation, and who is very proud to be an integral part of production at Old Homestead Distilling Co.
Tyler Ritchison is a professional distiller and industry commentator known for his deep commitment to the technical, historical, and traditional aspects of the craft. He is a central figure at Old Homestead Distilling Co., where he has been instrumental in the development of the distillery’s spirit portfolio.
At Old Homestead, Ritchison has managed the entire lifecycle of spirit production—from developing complex mash bills and overseeing fermentation to the distillation and maturation of the distillery’s first legal whiskey. His work often focuses on the intersection of heritage techniques and modern precision, exploring the nuances of yeast types, base fermentables, and the "spirit" of a distillery.
Ritchison is the co-host of the podcast OPAATDI: Sacred and Profane, a production of the One Piece At A Time Distilling Institute. Alongside co-host Alan Bishop (the "Alchemist of Indiana’s Black Forest"), Ritchison leads deep-dive discussions aimed at both professional and home distillers. The show is known for its "diatribes" and technical treatments of complex topics, including:
Technical Processes: Detailed explorations of condenser types, copper vs. stainless steel stills, and specific yeast misconceptions.
Philosophy & Tradition: Discussions on the liminal and spiritual aspects of distillation, terroir, and the balance between tradition and innovation.
Sustainability: Practical approaches to distilling as a survival tool and a sustainable craft.
Through both his production work and his educational contributions to the podcast, Tyler Ritchison has established himself as a respected voice for those looking to understand the deeper, often overlooked details of the distilling world.
Steve Bartels - Partner
Stephen Bartels began his journey at Patoka Lake in 1998, helping a friend at a small marina. He soon became a partner and has been growing the vision ever since. A key part of that mission was ensuring everyone could enjoy the lake, regardless of their budget or needs. Whether a guest is looking for a simple room, a unique suite, a whole house, or a houseboat, Steve made sure there are options for everyone.
Innovation has been a hallmark of his leadership, from building the first floating cabins in Indiana to opening the Patoka Lake Winery in 2016. In 2023, he expanded further by bringing in world-class brewers to open the Patoka Lake Brewing Company, followed by the opening of the Distillery and Hotel in 2024. Today, the complex is one of the only places in America to offer a winery, brewery, distillery, and hotel all in one location. For 27 years, the mission has remained the same: to build a place where people can come, relax, and have a good time. In recognition of these achievements, Steve received the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award, the state's highest honor in tourism. Even with such a high distinction, Steve stays true to his roots, treating his employees like family and pouring his profits back into the business to support the local community.
Heather Setser - Partner and Senior VP of Operations
Heather Setser is Vice President of Operations and Partner at Patoka Lake Marina and Patoka Lake Winery, and Senior Vice President of Operations and Partner at Old Homestead Distillery & Hotel. She oversees marketing, management, and guest experience initiatives, bringing creativity, strategic vision, and operational excellence to each organization.
A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Psychology, Heather combines strong leadership skills with a deep understanding of people and hospitality.
Deeply committed to her community, Heather serves as President of the Orange County Convention & Visitor Bureau and Secretary of the Radius of Indiana Executive Board. She is also a member of the Lugar Series Board of Governors.
Her dedication to Hoosier hospitality and leadership has been recognized with several honors, including the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award, the Hoosier Hospitality Award, and the 8th District Republican Women’s Honoree Award.
Steve Shirk - Investor & Co-Founder
Steve grew up in Ohio and was the founder and co-founder of numerous electronic communications businesses as well as being a co-owner of Patoka Lake Winery and Patoka Lake Marina. He brings his years of business experience to Old Homestead Distillery as well as extensive electronics experience and planning. Steve is an Amateur Radio enthusiast in his spare time as well as a Licensed Airplane and Helicopter Pilot.
