Our Team

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.