Belle of Dayton Distillery

This was an interesting place. I grew up in a smaller town like Dayton, but now live in a large city with real cocktail joints. It’s tough in a small town, you try to make a name for your establishment, delivering quality and a unique experience. But this place, the bartenders (probably should really specify it was only one guy) makes up fictional rules about how to make or shake (or stir) cocktails that don’t exist. He literally claimed statements that are totally fictitious and don’t exist in reality. I appreciate a barkeep with pride and unique twists on drinks, that’s what makes a place fun. But making up fictional rules and statements just doesn’t have any place in a real cocktail bar. So perhaps lose the ego, make the drinks as requested, and leave your opinions to yourself.

Had the manhattan and tasted the rye and bourbon. Great place, love the atmosphere, the drinks were amazing, bought a bottle of rye. Highly recommend

We had a good experience. The drinks are strong. We had the gin and tonic for 2, cosmopolitan, and the old fashioned. See pics. They were all very good. The place is like a speakeasy. I would definitely recommend this place.

My husband and I love distilleries and have done the Kentucky Bourbon Trail several times. We were traveling and passing through Dayton and wanted to stop in for a cocktail (still pretty early in the afternoon, around 4:30-5ish). We had a minor with us, and as soon as we walked in we were told by the bartender, in front of all the other patrons, that we needed to leave because it’s 21 and over only. We didn’t argue, just apologized and left. It’s an awkward situation because I understand why they might not want minors in, however I wish they would clearly post this policy on their website. It was a really embarrassing situation that wasn’t handled well by the staff. Thankfully I know of other distilleries that don’t frown at minors, my teenage sister sometimes travels with us and enjoys a good mock-tail when we stop in at distilleries, but apparently we would have been asked to leave if she was with us too. Again, I wish this was clearly posted on their website since it’s their policy.

The bartender (Douglas — assuming that’s even his real name) was unbelievably rude and made every single one of my friends deeply uncomfortable. We’ve all worked in the service industry, so we know what baseline professionalism looks like—and this was nowhere close. His tone was condescending, his attitude was hostile, and he treated us like we were a nuisance from the moment we walked in. It was so uncomfortable we had to leave after just a couple drinks. I will never come back here, and I’ll go out of my way to make sure others don’t either. Absolutely absurd behavior.

Stopped in to check out the facility. We got to sample the vodkas and Gin. It was a phenomenal product and a great atmosphere. Definitely check it out if you're down in the Oregon.

Went on the tour tonight and was extremely surprised on all the educational things I learned about alcohol in Dayton Ohio. Highly recommend this to everybody great time

What a great place. Their spirits are amazing. I can’t wait until their Rye Whiskey finishes aging. Their Dayton Vodka was smooth as silk from start to finish. Their Dayton Gin was amazing too - and I don’t really like gin! But whoa their Hells Vodka was spicy! 🌶 🥵 Quite different but amazing. I had their scorpion cocktail to start the tour - it was delicious! Take their tour learn about them, their story, and a little of the history of distilling spirits. Afterward stick around for a few tasty beverages with their fine offerings.

2 stars for existing in a tough environment, especially in Dayton, where folks are constantly closing up shop. -3 stars for consistently rude male bartenders over the last 5 years. I'm here 1-2x per year if friends request to go. I'm usually one and done. Drinks aren't that great, and they're not well-balanced. They are more affordable than craft cocktails elsewhere, but you get what you pay for. Back to the service. We have experienced the most awkward rude service here repeatedly, which is so odd, as we know most of the long time bartenders around town and don't experience the same elsewhere. I'm not sure if it's management, a bro, toxic male culture, or what, but these dudes are jerks. It had to be said. If it was once or twice, fine, but something's amiss. Sorry, guys. Do better. We are trying to support you, but you make it so difficult.

Didn't have food, however the drinks and view are amazing. Very classically done view. Guy at the door explained how it works very well. Next time in Ohio will be coming back.

Great cocktails, knowledgeable staff and a nice patio. They give you a bottle of cold water for the table too. Check it out some evening.

They use a hybrid copper pot still and their motto is "they make spirits they like to drink." And thank god for these guys - no offense bourbon belt but I was WAITING for someone like the Belle of Dayton to come in and shake up the game. Right now their signature products are their -- Dayton Gin: DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 - So popular and riotous was gin in 1700s Britain, Parliament passed five laws to beat it back. Gin's been glorified, vilified, waylaid and run out of town. Now, Dayton dry Gin, crafted in a small-batch, artisan distillery, shoots the notorious juniper berry full with a mutiny of flavors--rye, hops, lemon peel and coriander--steam-injected, vapor-infused flavors held captive in a four-plate copper column. belle of Dayton offers a revival of the spirit for the audacious palette. 46.5% abv (93 proof) Dayton Small Batch Vodka: (Platinum Medal 2015 SIP Awards,Silver Medal 2014 and 2015 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition)- We handcraft Dayton Small Batch Vodka from 100% corn spirits, artisan pot distilled in our 350 gallon copper still. We use naturally filtered, mineral-rich water from Dayton's Great Miami Aquifer creating an extremely smooth and clean Vodka. 40% abv (80 proof) Hell's Vodka®: Abandon all hope, ye who enter here. Deep inside the ninth ring of Dante's Inferno, the final ring of Treachery, is where Hell's Vodka goes to chill. Made from seven of the hottest peppers on earth, including one 800 times hotter than the jalapeño, comes this fiery vodka that may burst your flesh aflame. Drink if you dare. May Hell's Vodka wash your sins away. 40% abv (80 proof) All Natural Peppers- Carolina Reaper, Trinidad Scorpion, Smoked Ghost, Habanero, Jalapeno, Ancho, Belle- some settling may occur A tasting is only $5 bucks and you get to try all three. The vodka was smooth, but next to the flavor bombs of the gin and hell's vodka it was forgettable. The gin was super fragrant and one of the best I have had. It didn't have that sting at the back of your throat. Super excited to start seeing this around town. As for the Hell's Vodka. I LOVE SPICY 'TINGS! BRING ON THE HEAT! This vodka delivers on it's name. Obviously used for mixing. They suggested Bloody Mary's (obviously) but the neat suggestion was adding it to a margarita to get a kick of heat to combat the sweetness. This was my favorite product because I love habanero's and the habanero flavor notes came forward the most for me. We didn't get a chance to take a tour, looking forward to it next time. Be sure to check hours before you come - they are super wonky. Cool story read more about the brothers and the history of the Belle of Dayton here: http://www.belleofdayton.com/our-story Check these guys out, buy a bottle and support local makers!

I was really excited about visiting this establishment. I was born and bred in Dayton but currently reside in the State of Texas. I wanted to buy some liquor from this distillery. I was chatting with the bartender when all of a sudden he pulls out a pistol from under the counter and proceeded to wipe it down and then place in the back of his pants. Wait !! Was I threatening to him in some way?? Was this 63 y/o veteran wife Mother grandmother "threatening " oh yes and African American.. Threatening?? I spent 170$ at this place. I will NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN!!! Thanks for the memories

Went two night in a row while in town on business. Great craft cocktails. Loved the "Woodsman" and I also had old fashions. Service was great and the atmosphere perfect. The patio was nice too.

Now, it was a few years ago that we toured this place, so keep that in mind. The place was still pretty new when we did our tour. I still remember it was $10 for the tour, a tasting (of four, I think?), tasting glasses, and stickers (I know some people collect those, I'm a glass hoarder myself). The introduction to the distillery was interesting, giving the history of distilleries in the Dayton area and explaining their name and inspiration. When we went this was a small facility, but looked very shiny and fancy - the equipment was gorgeous. We got to smell and taste a wide variety of things, and then the seating area was cozy and comfortable, and provided with mixers for the liquors. I wasn't a huge drinker of liquor at the time, but what I tried seemed good. I'd love to go back and try again now that I drink a wider range of things, let me tell you. It was a comfortable, casual evening and a real pleasure. Hope to stop in again in the not too distant future.

Super cool bar!! The Belle of Dayton tasting room is now the Van Buren Room. It's a super cool bar with bomb craft cocktails. Many cocktails are crafted with their own Belle of Dayton spirits. It has very sexy decor that's a perfect beginning to a upscale night out or an intimate night cap. It's a nice change from the grungy Oregon District.

Go seek this place out. Yeah it's a little off the beaten path but damn it's worth it. Their small batch distilled spirits are just amazing. They have two vodkas - the Dayton Vodka is smooth as silk and the Hells Vodka is just incredible. Hot? Heck yeah!! But it tastes great too - it's not just heat but flavorful as well. I don't really like gin but their Dayton Gin is really good. Their Van Buren room is a cool space. Great drinks and atmosphere. Also take the tour - you won't be disappointed!

Quaint little bar that recently expanded their space to a large spacious patio. I absolutely recommend seeking these guys out for a unique Daytonian experience. They make their own Gin and two types of Vodka. I got to try a couple of their homemade gin cocktails (Negroni, martini) and they did not disappoint. Go check them out!

The drinks here are fantastic! They have something for every taste preference and their Gin is so good. The space is also really cozy and has a great vibe, highly recommend to anyone!

This place was fantastic. Best old fashioned I've ever had. Vibrant and fun atmosphere. Great place to go when you want an expertly prepared craft cocktail.

A must see/can't miss experience! Try the wonderful spirits. Take a tour. Learn about the history of the business and the distilling processes. Fun and delicious! I can't wait until the whiskey has matured and the cocktails are ready to serve...

WATCH THE HELL OUT OF THE BARTENDERS in the Van Buren Room. We were short-poured on everything. I suppose they think you won't notice because they mix with finesse; however, when they're not filling up a jigger, there's an issue. Y'all, a Dark 'n Stormy: 2 oz. Gosling's Black Seal rum, 3 oz. ginger beer, lime wedge. I got 2+ oz of lime sour mix (?!), splash of ginger beer, with hardly 1 oz Kracken dribbled on top. That's barely a Rum Buck and certainly not what I ordered. Maybe they were short-pouring because they wanted people out of there before 10 pm on a Saturday, and it certainly worked for our party. All of us had a one-and-done "cocktail", then left. Go in on a night that isn't busy, and you MAY get what you ordered. Absolute craziness, especially when you're paying $11 for a drink.

Super fun tour and tasting. The three brothers have a great spirit and some great spirits. Rum, Vodka and whiskey on the way. I really appreciate the one of a kind Hell's Vodka. Check them out and be part of creating history. My wife and I did the tour and tasting and enjoyed it, great way to kill an hour or so.