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How a Midwestern Distillery Built a Craft Spirits Brand from a Lost Finger

Brad Colver and Lisa Ellis share how Four Finger Distillery grew from a backyard hobby to a craft spirits brand with locations in Noblesville and Lebanon.

Podcast Summary

On today’s show I sat down with Brad Colver and Lisa Ellis, co-owners of Four Finger Distillery, to discuss their unique journey in the craft distilling industry.

Brad shares the origins of the distillery, including the story behind his lost finger which eventually became central to their branding.

Our conversation covers the challenges and triumphs of establishing a craft distillery, innovative product creations like their peated bourbon and rhubarb liqueur, and how they navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brad and Lisa also discuss their expansion to Lebanon, Indiana, and future plans for the distillery.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast

You are going to learn about:

  • Brad and Lisa’s Journey in Craft Distilling

  • The Origins and Expansion of Four Finger Distillery

Thank you to our partners:
Elements Financial
Fire & Ice Café

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:36 Guest Introduction: Brad Colver and Lisa Ellis, Four Finger Distillery
02:38 The Origin of Four Finger Distillery
04:57 Challenges and Growth
08:53 Expansion and Community Engagement
13:42 Navigating the Pandemic
15:02 Lebanon Tasting Room and Future Plans
23:25 Restoring Historical Charm
24:35 Revitalizing Small Towns
25:59 Craft Spirits Market Insights
26:29 Innovative Distilling Techniques
29:31 Hamilton County Smash Cocktail
30:22 Rhubarb Liqueur and Local Partnerships
34:46 Future Plans for Four Finger Distillery
37:05 Indiana's Hidden Gems and Local Support

Guest(s)

Brad Colver and Lisa Ellis

Date Published

December 15, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

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A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.