Episode 10

Belle of Dayton Distillery + Crafted & Cured

Episode Overview

How do you transition from running a family mattress business to operating one of the most respected distilleries in Ohio? For the Season 1 finale of From Bottle to Bar, Dino travels to Dayton to uncover the history, humor, and high-proof spirits of the Gem City.

We start at Belle of Dayton, where brothers Mike and Murph share how they built an award-winning distillery from the ground up, starting with ideas brainstormed on the mattress store sales floor. Rejecting the common practice of sourcing third-party whiskey, the brothers distill everything entirely in-house—including an incredibly rich, five-grain oat “Detrick” bourbon and a single-barrel, foolproof rye.

Dino then follows a local recommendation to Crafted & Cured, a breathtaking bar operating out of a monumental, historic bank building. Dubbed a “whiskey wonderland” by Dino, the bar features a gin-forward Bee’s Knees and a custom, high-proof Old Fashioned that completely converts Dino from a skeptic to a believer. The episode wraps up with great drinks, local charcuterie, and Dino hilariously swallowing a cured mushroom whole just to prove a point. It’s the perfect, high-spirited end to an unforgettable season.

Find Belle of Dayton AT OHLQ
A city skyline of Dayton, Ohio, with tall buildings, a river, bridges, and DAYTON, OH written in bold white text across the center. The scene hints at local favorites like Belle of Dayton Distillery and Crafted & Cured—spotlighting the city’s vibrant downtown spirit.
A bottle of Belle of Dayton Distillery gin sits on a wooden bar counter at Crafted & Cured, with blurred bottles and bar equipment in the background.

The Full Bottle

Belle of Dayton

In this episode of The Full Bottle, we step inside Belle of Dayton for an unscripted, deep-dive tasting through one of Ohio’s most uncompromising lineups. We explore the patience and precision behind their Dietrich Foolproof Bourbon—a 5-grain oat whiskey that packs a total flavor bomb—and discuss why clear ice is the ultimate secret weapon for high-proof pours.

A bottle of Belle of Dayton Gin from Belle of Dayton Distillery, a whole lemon with leaves, and a jar of honey with a paper cover and twine—all thoughtfully arranged on a white background—capture the essence of Crafted & Cured sophistication.

Learn the Build

Featured Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees Recipe

A Prohibition-era classic that proves sometimes the simplest combinations are the most legendary. This bright, refreshing cocktail showcases the lighter side of Belle of Dayton’s estate-distilled gin. The spirit’s bold, juniper-forward profile cuts beautifully through the sweet, rich notes of real honey and the sharp kick of fresh lemon. It’s crisp, perfectly balanced, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser to toast the end of an incredible season.

0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

0.75 oz Honey Syrup

Find Belle of Dayton AT OHLQ