Cleveland Whiskey makes a quality drink in days instead of years

CLEVELAND - Whiskey has been manufactured the same way for generations. The pore structure of wooden barrels gives it flavor. It can take as many as 20 years to achieve the flavor that many consumers look for in a whiskey.

"The whole idea that there was this industry that was doing things the same way for centuries and taking decades to produce a product fascinated me. It seemed like there was an opportunity there," said Tom Lix, CEO of Cleveland Whiskey.

Lix came up with a way to speed up the aging process required to manufacture quality whiskey. He started experimenting in his basement. After coming up with a rough technology Lix partnered with Cleveland's Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network. With Magnet's experience and guidance, Cleveland Whiskey became a reality.

The consumption of whiskey has been steadily growing over the past several years. There has been huge growth in India and people in China are mixing whiskey with green tea.

"I think our product tastes as good as a number of premium products that are out there today. I hope to be exporting our product," said Lix.

Cleveland Whiskey hopes to have its product available to the world towards the end of summer 2012.

While the company may be called Cleveland Whiskey, there may very well be a different name on the label.

"Cleveland Whiskey is definitely one of the names we're considering. We're doing some consumer research right now. We want to see what will work best," said Lix.

Visit the Cleveland Whiskey website for more information.