In a year marked by a downturn in whiskey sales, Starlight Distillery has emerged as a beacon of craft distillation from an unexpected place: a seventh-generation farm in Indiana. The 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Starlight’s Mizunara Reserve Finished Bourbon as the Best Overall Bourbon, solidifying its reputation within the national whiskey discourse.

Starlight Distillery, run by the Huber family since 1843, has nurtured both the land and its distilling craft over generations. In an interview, winemaker and distiller Christian Huber expressed the overwhelming joy of their recent accolades, noting that their approach emphasizes quality over the marketing buzz often associated with the spirits industry.

The family’s history stretches back to 180 years ago when Simon Huber, a winemaker from Germany, settled in Indiana, cultivating vineyards and producing wines. Through Prohibition and economic challenges, the Hubers preserved their wine legacy, transitioning into distilling fruit brandies in the early 2000s. Their commitment to craft led to successful grassroots efforts to legalize artisan distilling in Indiana, which positioned them favorably as they ventured into whiskey production.

What sets Starlight apart is their meticulous philosophy, valuing independence and quality. Without external debt or investors, the family has turned down acquisition offers, prioritizing the craft and legacy over quick profits. Their distillation process, led by master distiller Ted Huber, involves a winemaker’s mindset, highlighting long fermentations and specific yeast selections to enhance the whiskey’s character. This meticulous attention to detail culminated in their award-winning Mizunara Reserve Bourbon, aged in rare Japanese casks for a year, yielding unique floral notes and complexity.

Their second honor at the competition, Best Craft Distiller Whiskey, was awarded to the Starlight Single Barrel Bourbon, crafted by Blake Huber, showcasing the family’s dedication to producing standout, unique offerings.

As the Hubers celebrate their 25th anniversary of distilling in 2026 and prepare for their farm’s 185th anniversary in 2027, they are looking forward to launching a 25-year-old brandy and planning future expansions, including boutique lodging and a farm-to-table restaurant.

The essence of Starlight Distillery lies in their long-term vision, avoiding the pitfalls of the fast-paced whiskey industry. They focus on nurturing their craft to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, embodying a commitment to patience and quality, which is now resonating with a broader audience in the whiskey world.