Born from Military Roots
Heritage Distilling Company’s ties to the military run deep and we are unapologetically proud of and grateful to those who serve our nation.
Part of our HDC Family are two military veterans who also happen to be co-founders of Heritage Distilling Co. It was at Drew and Sara Kellerman’s backyard firepit over 12 years ago where the idea to open a distillery was first voiced by co-founders Justin and Jennifer Stiefel (HDC’s CEO and President, respectively). Fast forward these many years later, Heritage Distilling Co. has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America by the American Distilling Institute for 10 years running.
Drew and Sara met at the University of Colorado, Boulder and graduated in 1991 during the first Gulf War as second lieutenants through the Army ROTC program.
Drew accepted a Regular Army commission as an Infantry officer. After attending Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School and Ranger School, he was assigned to 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light). From 1992 to 1995, he served honorably as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer, all with the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds”.
Sara has over a decade of military leadership experience as a commissioned officer, UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot, Flight Instructor & Unit Commander. She was responsible for the training, morale, fitness, and overall combat readiness of pilots and support personnel in Bravo Company, 4th of the 25th Aviation Regiment, “Knighthawks” at Wheeler Army Airfield on Oahu. She also served as an EH-60 Platoon Leader, Assistant S-3 Training, and Company Executive Officer for Bravo Company 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Huachuca, AZ. Sara is a graduate of several U.S. Army schools and professional development courses to include the Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course, Aviation Officer Basic Course, Rotary Wing Aviator Course and Airborne School.
31 years of marriage and two kids later, Drew now serves HDC as the Vice President of Production. Sara is the Vice President of SALUTE Series. There is no project closer to their military servant’s heart than that of the “Special Operations Salute” series. It is with sincere humility and privilege that we honor these service members who deserve so much, from each one of us. We hope you’ll join us in this mission to support these soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so greatly for our nation and who continue to fight for our beloved freedoms, wherever duty calls.