T12 Distillery is expanding its footprint in the Des Moines metro area, establishing a new satellite location at The Foundry in Historic Valley Junction. Located at 111 S. 11th St., Suite 100, in West Des Moines, the venue will feature the brand’s signature spirits and cocktails. This expansion serves as a precursor to the distillery’s upcoming production facility in Bondurant, which remains in development.
Where is the new T12 Distillery location?
The new T12 Distillery satellite location is situated within The Foundry, a mixed-use redevelopment project in the heart of Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines. The space, located at 111 S. 11th St., Suite 100, is designed to function as a public-facing tasting room and bar. By positioning the brand in this high-traffic district, the company aims to increase its visibility while work continues on its larger manufacturing site in Bondurant.
What is the status of the Bondurant Grain District project?
T12 Distillery is currently developing a larger facility as part of the Grain District Downtown Redevelopment in Bondurant, Iowa. While the Valley Junction location provides an immediate public touchpoint for the brand, the Bondurant site is intended to serve as the primary production hub. The Grain District project is a broader municipal effort to revitalize downtown Bondurant by attracting commercial tenants and improving local infrastructure to support private investment.
Who founded T12 Distillery?
The distillery was founded by Scott Turczynski. According to company statements, the name "T12" is a personal reference to the T12 vertebrae, which Turczynski damaged during a spinal cord injury. Turczynski has stated that the brand’s mission is to maintain a focus on high-quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing a "genuine" approach to spirits production rather than mass-market manufacturing.
Key Facts About T12 Distillery’s Expansion
- Primary Location: The company is currently developing its main production site within the Grain District in Bondurant.
- Satellite Venue: The West Des Moines location at The Foundry serves as a public tasting room for T12 brand cocktails.
- Brand Philosophy: Founder Scott Turczynski characterizes the business strategy as focused on simplicity and community, inspired by his personal recovery journey.
- Regional Context: The expansion into West Des Moines follows a trend of local distilleries using satellite tasting rooms in popular retail districts to build brand awareness ahead of full-scale production.
Comparison: Satellite vs. Production Facilities
| Feature | The Foundry (West Des Moines) | Grain District (Bondurant) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Tasting Room & Bar | Manufacturing & Production |
| Status | Open/Active | In Development |
| Strategic Goal | Brand Visibility | Scaled Production |
The addition of the Valley Junction location marks a transition for T12 Distillery from a startup concept to an active participant in the Des Moines regional hospitality market. As the Bondurant facility nears completion, the company is positioning itself to manage both high-volume production and direct-to-consumer sales.