What’s new in Newton Falls? Among other things, the Five 4’s Distillery. Located at 417 North Center Street, just outside of downtown, opened to the public for the Eclipse in April. That soft opening was so successful, they decided to stay open.
You probably have seen the building as you drive from town on the way to Route 5. Solid brick building, sitting a bit back from the road. Passing it on numerous walks, this reporter became curious about it, and a call from a town merchant sent me there.
The building was built in 1949, and used as the Utilities Building for decades. After closing, it remained vacant for 3 years. When it was viewed by current owners, Donnie Reid and Mike Lee, the building got a new life. Inspired by the town’s unique zip code, it also got a new name.
Donnie Reid grew up in Lordstown. He joined the Marines just out of high school, and served for 30 years. Thank you for your service! He held the position of Aircraft Maintenace and Engineering Officer upon his 2013 retirement. He wanted to be close to family, so returned to the area. Always interested in aircraft, he took flying lessons in achieved his Pilot’s License. This is how he met Mike.
Mike Lee grew up in Erie County. He graduated from Edinboro University with a degree in business. He attended ATP flight school, and served in the Army for 6 years. Thank you for your service! Upon discharge he and his wife moved to this area from Canton.
Mike and Donnie fly cross country. Their favorite flight path is from Akron Fulton Airport to Ashtabula, Erie, Buffalo and back. During these and other flights, the gentlemen became friends and often discussed business. Mike has a degree in business, Donnie has a background in Vinology-growing grapes and making wine. Their original idea was to open a winery together. However, they quickly saw the many wineries and breweries around, but not so many distilleries…they began to look for a building where they could put this idea into reality.
They viewed several buildings around, but when they saw this building on a Newton Falls Facebook page, they knew this could be the one. They put in an email to the mayor, and set up a walk-thru with a realtor. This was a building with which they could work! The purchase was made, and the renovations began.
Lots of renovations! Aside from electric, plumbing and HVAC, they did everything themselves. Converting this from a government office building to the inviting hangout that it now is required vision and elbow grease. Lots of elbow grease. They added an accessibility ramp, and a lift on the stairs to the restroom. The gentlemen graciously gave me a tour. We passed a pleasant time looking at historical documents, finding the building in them, comparing the area to the past. This was helpful as we descended the stairs and proceeded to the distilling area. The guys are proud of their accomplishment and shared the process with me.
Having heard terms like mash, still, etc. it was interesting to see the process. Starting in an 80-gallon tank, they bring water to a boil then add corn and stir. Then an enzyme is added, and more stirring, let cool to about 84 degrees. Then add yeast and let it ferment for 7 to 10 days. Post fermentation, whiskies go to the copper still, vodka goes to the column still. The vodka is approximately 178 proof on the first run. It is put back to the still for the Spirit Run and comes to 190 proof. Then it is off to bottling. I didn’t know I would be getting a science lesson! Though this summary makes it seem easy, it is a very exacting process and the partners tend it with care.
Their batch is still in process, so they are serving from local breweries currently. Western Reserve is a favorite. They just added Paladin Brewing, Biker Brewhouse and Penguin City beers to their offering. Cocktails are also available.
The bar is staffed by their spouses, Jen Lee and Nicky Ried. All of the partners have fulltime jobs, so the open hours are based on their schedules: Wednesday and Thursday 6:00pm to 11:00pm; Friday 3:00pm to 11:00pm; Saturday 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Bar menus are available for delivery from local restaurants. Sometimes they have food trucks. Customers are welcome to bring in what they want to eat.
Five 4’s has an active social calendar. There is a small stage in the main room that has hosted many musicians. Not Your Grandmother’s Bingo, Paint Your Partner, and a Murder Mystery are just a few of the happenings. September 28 is the Swingin’ Doors at the Five 4s Cruise In from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. With food trucks on site, pinstriping, and live music it looks like a good time! No registration necessary as it is more of a cruise in than a show.
Their 1 year goal is to is to get their own product bottled and available for sale here at their location. In five years, they would like to be working full time at the distillery and saying goodbye to their current jobs. They aim to be wholesaling their product to other businesses.
