Brewers, Distillers Expanding In Tulsa's Kendall Whittier District

Three breweries, a cidery, and the first distillery in Tulsa since prohibition are all located in one block of Tulsa’s Kendall Whittier District.

They say the new liquor laws are helping them grow business and, in turn, the neighborhood.

The area near 7th and Utica has been an industrial area for a long time, but these buildings are perfect for breweries – something developers are taking notice of.

The cocktail bar is coming along, and so is the rest of the expanded space that houses Oklahoma Distilling Company near 7th and Utica.

“We couldn’t have tasting rooms or have anyone take any type of samples,” said Hunter Stone Gambill, the owner of Oklahoma Distilling Company.

The new liquor laws have relaxed those restrictions and Gambill is making sure to take advantage of that.  He’s even found a use for a run-down shed on the property.

His distillery sits directly behind Cabin Boys Brewery.  American Solera will be renovating and moving into the building next door.  And, just up the street, Marshall Brewing Company’s new tap room is open for business.

“Once we got through the legislative process and we saw that was going to be an option, we started planning, and it was just a matter of deciding when to pull the trigger,” said Eric Marshall, the owner of Marshall Brewing Company.

Tasting rooms are now legally able to stay open until 2:00 a.m.  Also, children are allowed, with restrictions on where they can and cannot go.

Marshall and Gambill say they want to help grow this area into a popular destination outside of downtown.

“We will have plenty of stuff to do that you can come on a Friday night.  You can come here, park your car, get a beer at Marshall’s, Cabin Boys, and, when American Solera is up, get a night cap,” said Gambill.

“Really just enjoy the camaraderie of the industry, the different take that people put on beer styles,” said Marshall.  “Enjoy some really good beer made here in Tulsa, and just enjoy the community aspect of it.”

All of the upgrades at Oklahoma Distilling Company are expected to be ready for the public to enjoy in the next month or two.