About Us
Iowa’s New Legend
Honoring the Old Legacy
Welcome to Wildcat Distilling Co., where Iowa history, family farming and a little local folklore come together in every bottle. Growing up on their family farm near Duncombe, Iowa—where Wildcat whiskey is still made today—siblings Brad and Alissa Lemke were captivated by their grandmother’s stories of the “Wildcat Cave” hidden deep in the timber. Carved from limestone and surrounded by sandstone bluffs, the cave carries generations of tales involving mountain lions, secret speakeasies, moonshine and even a little Bonnie and Clyde lore. How much is fact and how much is fiction? That depends on who’s telling the story. One thing is certain: this land has always had a wild side. Today, we carry that history forward through farm-to-glass Iowa whiskey—and share it with you at our tasting room in downtown Webster City.
Till. Mill. Distill.
The Wildcat Way
At Wildcat, we’re committed to creating high-quality products that we’re proud to put our name on. That’s why we’re a TRUE Iowa Distillery, using locally grown grains and fruits from our family farm.
TILL:
Our unique flavors are tailored to perfection. By minimizing transportation and storage time, we capture the freshest and most robust flavors.
MILL:
With our new distillery facility, we handle everything onsite, from fermenting to distilling.
DISTILL:
Our spirits are crafted with the purest water from the same spring that carved our cave. When we say “Farm Fresh Whiskey,” we mean it.
Choose Wildcat Distilling Co. as your true Iowa distillery. Authenticity matters to us, and we know our customers appreciate that.
TONY
ALISSA
BRAD
AMANDA
Tony Nelson
Co-Owner, Director of Sales, Tasting Room Manager
tony@wildcatdistillery.com
Tony’s love for farming runs deep in his veins. And when he married Alissa, who came from a farming family too, his passion for the land only intensified. With over 15 years of sales expertise (and a knack for sipping on some fine whiskey), Tony is your go-to guy for all your product needs. Not only that, but he’s more than happy to lend his taste buds to test out Brad’s innovative new recipes. Trust us, this guy knows his stuff when it comes to both farming and whiskey. As both the tasting room manager and overseer of product sales and distribution, you can trust Tony's authentic knowledge and passion to elevate your Guided Tasting adventure with genuine charm and expertise.
Alissa Nelson
Co-Owner, Creative Director & Event Coordinator
alissa@wildcatdistillery.com
Alissa, a farm-raised firecracker, has always been captivated by her grandparents’ tales of hidden caves, bootleggers, and secret drinking holes. With her design expertise as her ammunition, she’s forged a tasting room and marketing empire that pays tribute to this wild history. But it’s not all smooth sailing – she’s also got to navigate the never-ending stream of opinions from her fellow Wildcatters (we’re looking at you, Tony!). Additionally, as the mastermind behind coordinating all the fun events at the Tasting Room, Alissa can help you book yours. Get ready for a thrilling ride as Alissa channels her heritage and passion into an unforgettable experience.
Amanda Lemke
Co-Owner, Tasting Room Support & Local Sales
amanda@wildcatdistillery.com
Amanda, a farm girl from Whittemore, Iowa, always had a thing for the land. When she met Brad and tied the knot, her passion for farming continued. Now, Amanda lends a hand at the tasting room, offering support to the whiskey venture. In addition to her duties, Amanda also is the contact for local bars to spread the Wildcat word within their own community.
Brad Lemke
Co-Owner, Head of Operations
brad@wildcatdistillery.com
Meet Brad, the ultimate triple threat in the world of whiskey making. As head farmer, head distiller, and head taste-tester, he’s got all the bases covered. With a background in chemical manufacturing, Brad knows the science behind the process like no other. But he’s not just a chemistry whiz; he's a whiskey connoisseur, always on the hunt for that perfect grain bill. So when it comes to quality control, Brad’s got it all figured out. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that every batch meets his exacting standards, resulting in exceptional whiskey every time. Trust us, this guy knows his stuff, and his dedication shines through in every sip. Plus, Brad can also help you discover YOUR ideal grain bill for crafting your own custom Wildcat Whiskey, ensuring your whiskey dreams become a reality.