HIGH BANK TO RELEASE FOUR EXCLUSIVE “ARTIST SERIES” BOTTLES
COLUMBUS, OH — Aging spirits is an art form - and these bottles prove it. High Bank Distillery Co. is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated “Artist Series”, launching Friday, June 6th, 2025 across all retail locations in Grandview, Gahanna, and Westerville.
This year’s release features four imaginative barrel-aged spirits that blend High Bank’s signature craftsmanship with vibrant artistic storytelling—each bottle a canvas of complex flavor and creativity while giving back to the future creatives of our city.
Inspired by the energy of and partnership with the Columbus Arts Festival & Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), the 2025 Artist Series showcases two inventive Barrel Select Statehouse Gins and two bold new Whiskey War Barrel Selects.
“As creators, we are storytellers. This year’s Artist Series was a joy to create—each spirit expresses something imaginative and unexpected. We’re excited to share these first ever experimental barrel finishes that blend creativity and complexity - said Adam Hines, Master Distiller and Co-Founder of High Bank Distillery Co.
‘Myself, our Director of Distilling Operations Mike Smith and Creative Director Tony Thomas, are all alumni of Columbus College of Art & Design. We’ve teamed up with Steven Kropp, a previous classmate of mine and Tony’s, to collaborate on the four designs.
Our inspiration behind the two Whiskey War label designs, was to showcase the contrasting views on Prohibition. This is a nod to the story behind our Whiskey War brand. For the Barrel Select Statehouse Gin labels, we really wanted to lean into Steven’s unique style and for him to be expressive in what he does best.
All four of these bottles represent artistry inside and out.“
— Master Distiller and co-founder Adam Hines
A portion of proceeds from every bottle sold in the 2025 Artist Series pick benefit the Columbus College of Art & Design Student Wellness & Success Fund. This fund fosters a holistic approach to student well being, supporting student resources like the campus food pantry, student emergency fund, and mental health and wellness services. This CCAD program is near and dear to our hearts and allows us to encourage and grow the next generation of creatives in our great city.
Take a look at the four limited edition bottles.
WHISKEY WAR BARREL SELECT “CREAMALICIOUS”
BATCH #22
750 mL | 117 proof | 58.50%
Our classic rye-heavy mash bill that has been second aged in a high-end Armagnac brandy cask for 4 months (total age of 6 years).
Tasting Notes: Notes of leather and apricot on the nose, with waffle cone, leather, dried apricot and custard on the tongue, followed by a finish of leather and baked apple.
WHISKEY WAR BARREL SELECT
”HERBALICIOUS”
BATCH #23
750 mL | 118.44 proof | 59.22%
Our classic rye-heavy mash bill that has been second aged in a high-end Balsamo cask for 1 month (total age of 6 years).
Tasting Notes: Notes of cranberry, marzipan and clover on the nose, with oak, lemongrass, spearmint and sage on the tongue, finishing with leather.
BARREL SELECT STATEHOUSE GIN
”SODALICIOUS”
BATCH #8
750 mL | 82 proof | 41.00%
Our classic Statehouse Gin aged for 2 years in our Whiskey War Barrel Select Right Zinfandel barrel then blended to perfection.
Tasting Notes: Notes of bubblegum and mandarin orange on the nose, followed by a palate of hard berry candy, chewy peppermint and light caramel, finishing with heavy oils and zest.
BARREL SELECT STATEHOUSE GIN
”BUBBILICIOUS”
BATCH #9
750 mL | 82 proof | 41.00%
Our classic Statehouse Gin aged for 4 years in Double Oaked barrels then blended to perfection.
Tasting Notes: Notes of vanilla and lemon-lime soda on the nose, with taste of lemon-lime soda, fruit punch and orange creamsicle on the tongue, finishing with orange creamsicle, gingerbeer and a low viscosity.
This release is available in person only starting at 11AM on Friday, June 6th, exclusively at High Bank’s three retail locations in Grandview, Gahanna and Westerville.
About High Bank Distillery Co.
High Bank Distillery Co. is a local Columbus distillery, founded in 2017. Operating an award-winning distillery that obsesses on the creation of high quality, handmade spirits with a focus on blended whiskey. Won Best Blended Whiskey in America in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Drink Local. Drink High Bank. For more information, visit highbankdistillery.com