Episode Overview
What if you could build a bourbon specifically for your palate? In Episode 04 of From Bottle to Bar, Dino heads to Cincinnati to explore a city where the history is deep and the spirits are personal.
We start at Willow Run Custom Bourbon to share the incredible story of W.J. McRoberts, a conductor on the Underground Railroad whose legacy still fuels the distillery today. Dino dives into their custom blending process to see how maple, European, and 200-year oak finishes can transform a bottle—and reveals a “pairing secret” that will have you raiding the pantry.
The journey ends at the Bay Horse Cafe, the second oldest bar in Cincinnati. From the story of the runaway horse that gave the bar its name to the chocolate-infused “Cincinnatian” Manhattan, we’re celebrating the endurance of the Queen City’s bar culture. It’s a mix of history, innovation, and a neighborhood partnership you have to see to believe.
Episode Features
Willow Run Distillery is a downtown Cincinnati bourbon experience focused on personalization and education. It offers immersive tastings where visitors can blend and bottle their own custom bourbon, combining historical techniques with modern tools like AI-guided recommendations. Rooted in Cincinnati’s 1800s bourbon heritage, the concept aims to revive the city’s legacy while delivering a contemporary, interactive spirits experience.
Bay Horse Cafe is a historic bar and neighborhood institution located in downtown Cincinnati, with roots dating back more than 200 years to the early 1800s. Originally named after a bay horse that famously wandered into the bar in the late 19th century, the establishment has moved locations and evolved over time while maintaining its legacy as a gathering place for locals.
The Full Bottle
Bay Horse Cafe
Step inside one of Cincinnati’s oldest bars for an unfiltered conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.
In this episode of The Full Bottle, we visit The Bay Horse Cafe—a historic downtown staple with over 200 years of stories behind the bar. From its legendary past to its role in Cincinnati’s modern drinking culture, we sit down for a raw, unscripted conversation about what makes this place truly special.
We get into the grit, the history, the regulars, and the moments that have defined The Bay Horse over generations. If you care about authentic bar culture, Cincinnati history, dive bars, or the people behind the pours, this episode is for you.
Learn the Build
Featured Cocktail
The Cincinnatian
A sophisticated, chocolate-forward riff on a classic Manhattan. Built with the Bay Horse Blend—a custom bourbon designed for approachable smoothness—this cocktail is layered with rich Luxardo cherry liqueur and the deep, spicy notes of Aztec chocolate bitters. It’s a refined tribute to the Queen City, striking a perfect balance between its historic roots and a modern palate.
2 oz Bay Horse Blend Bourbon
.5 oz demerara syrup
1 dash Luxardo cherry liqueur
1 dash Aztec chocolate bitters
Stir, and garnish with a Maraschino cherry