ALT Distilling, Inc.
Year founded: 2020
Number of employees: 4 (2 full time, 2 part time)
Founders: Becca Gardner, CEO and president, and Larry Wu, chief innovation officer
Amount of capital raised: Approximately $1 million
Notable investors: N/A
Explain what your company does: ALT Distilling (ALT) is an innovative and technologically advanced low and zero proof alternative beverage company. Based along the Bourbon trail, we’ve partnered with traditional industry players to develop and market a unique range of products that respond to today’s customers’ desire for healthier and ‘cleaner’, more sustainable, premium, and socially responsible social beverages.
Our first brand, NKD LDY, is a premium line of non-alcoholic spirits made from real spirits. NKD LDY makes it easy to order your favorite drink and enjoy it without any compromise (i.e., a naked Manhattan).
What are some major milestones in the company’s history?
- January 2020 – Began incubation at Bardstown Bourbon Company
- July 2021 – Joined forces with Larry Wu, a renowned food and beverage scientist
- August 2021 – Completed commercial formulations for NKD LDY
- November 2021 – Awarded a fellowship with Milk Agency to provide pro-bono creative services
- January 2022 – First production run
- February 2022 – Launch
What is your company working on right now?
Currently we are focused on ramping up for our official launch in February and completing our first capital raise.
What’s on the horizon for your company in 2022?
We will officially be launching our e-commerce platform for NKD LDY in February then expanding our footprint to bars and restaurants in Louisville, Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles later this spring. Later this year, customers can also expect the release of our pre-made canned cocktails.
Why grow your company from Kentucky?
There was no question as to where we should be located. We love the saying “uncertainty craves authenticity.” Non-alcoholic spirits are a new concept to many, and we wanted to build this company in the heart of the existing industry. We are based here because we want to offer customers everything they know and love about traditional spirits, just without the alcohol.
