DAAD Distilling Company

Founded in April 2023 in Lexington, KY, DAAD Distilling Company LLC was born from a succession of bold dreams. The dreams were more than just a business, but a way to revive the soulful spirit of the Appalachian Mountains while proudly celebrating Black ownership in the craft distilling landscape. Although our story begins as a wholesaler and importer, DAAD is rapidly evolving to become a future, immersive distillery and tourist destination, where every visitor will be able to experience the artistry and passion behind our premium spirits.

At DAAD, tradition meets innovation. Each product is a tribute to rich flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, and our commitment to providing consumers premium spirits. Beyond our spirits, we are devoted to enhancing the quality of life in Eastern Kentucky. Through initiatives in wildlife conservation and rural development, every bottle we create represents a promise of sustainability and community empowerment. Join us on our journey as we blend heritage with forward-thinking vision to craft not just great spirits, but a vibrant future for our region and beyond.

Dream beyond limits-envision bold ambitions and possibilities.
Aspire to reach greatness, pushing boundaries with passion and purpose.
Achieve your highest potential through persistence and excellence.
Dedication fuels success- commitment turns dreams into reality.

Meet the Dads Behind DAAD

  • Principal Owner/CEO

    Aaron Floyd, the CEO of DAAD Distilling Company, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his role. With a background in business development and a keen understanding of the spirits industry, Aaron has successfully steered the company towards growth and innovation. His strategic vision has been instrumental in expanding DAAD's brand and market reach. Under his leadership, the company has flourished, staying true to its passion of bourbon and love for Kentuckians. Aaron's dedication is evident in every aspect of DAAD Distilling Company's operations.

    Aaron Floyd is a seasoned professional with 15 years of experience in the spirits industry. Starting his career as a distillery technician, Aaron quickly demonstrated a deep passion for the craft of bourbon making. Over the years, he honed his skills in every aspect of the distillation process and bourbon industry, from selecting the finest grains to leading others in the bourbon manufacturing and warehouse sector. His depth of understanding of the intricacies of bourbon production, aging, and flavor profiles is truly remarkable. Whether it's discussing the mash bill of a particular bourbon, the impact of different barrel char levels, or the significance of the location where the barrels are stored, Aaron's insights are always enlightening.

    With years of experience and a true passion for the craft, he has dedicated his time to mastering the art of distilling beloved spirits and growing DAAD Distilling Company.

A collage of four photos: Top left shows a man and a young girl smiling for a selfie, the girl wearing glasses and a bow in her hair; top right features a man carrying a young girl on his shoulders outside a brick building, both smiling; bottom left depicts a man standing beside a girl holding a bouquet of flowers, they are outdoors with greenery background; bottom right shows a woman wearing a mask shopping for toiletries at a store, reaching for a product on a shelf.

  • Co-CEO

    Antonio Santago, appointed as the Co-CEO of DAAD Distilling Company in 2023, has showcased exceptional leadership skills since the start of his tenure. With a strong focus on growth and sustainability, Santiago has steered the company towards new heights in the bourbon industry. Under Santiago's guidance, DAAD Distilling Company has expanded its presence while maintaining a commitment to brand awareness and prospective customers. Known for his approachable nature and diligent work ethic, Santiago continues to inspire and drive the company towards continued success in the competitive market.

    Antonio Santago is a veteran in the world of bourbon, with an impressive seven years of experience under his belt. His journey began at a small-batch distillery known for its commitment to using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Antonio’s respect for the heritage of bourbon has set a new standard in the industry, inspiring both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. The dedication he has to expanding his bourbon knowledge shines through in his passion for exploring new distilleries, attending tasting events, and sharing his insights with fellow enthusiasts.

    Antonio Santago's involvement with DAAD Distilling Company continues to shape the company, ensuring a legacy of excellence for generations to come.

A collage of four photos featuring a group of African American children and adults enjoying various outdoor activities and events, including a photo with children and an adult on a sidewalk, a family at a fair, a group at a stadium or concert, and children at a restaurant.

Our Brands.

Our Spirits.

Your Licensed Bridge in Alcohol Distribution

We proudly serve as the federally permitted, licensed, and trusted bridge between premium alcohol producers and discerning retailers. With rigorous regulatory compliance and deep industry expertise, our mission as a wholesaler/importer is to ensure every step meets the highest standards. Our commitment builds reliability and trust throughout the supply chain.

Create your account to learn more information about the benefits of DAAD as your wholesaler!

DAAD+
Kentucky

  • DAAD Distilling Company’s presence in Clay and Eastern Kentucky represents more than fine spirits — it’s a commitment to people. By partnering with local leaders, small businesses, and cultural organizations, we aim to create spaces where heritage is celebrated, voices are heard, and opportunities are shared. From hosting tastings that draw visitors into the heart of Appalachia to supporting initiatives that strengthen education, arts, and entrepreneurship, our engagement is about building bridges between tradition and possibility, ensuring the story of these communities is told with pride and authenticity.

  • The mountains and valleys of Eastern Kentucky are home to rich biodiversity — from elk roaming the reclaimed hillsides to native flora that defines the landscape’s beauty. DAAD’s future in the region includes advocating for and contributing to conservation efforts that protect these irreplaceable natural resources. Whether it’s supporting habitat restoration, partnering with wildlife organizations, or using our platform to raise awareness, we believe that preserving the land and its living treasures is essential to honoring the spirit of place and safeguarding it for generations to come.

  • True rural development blends economic vitality with respect for the land and culture it grows from. DAAD Distilling Company sees its future in Clay and Eastern Kentucky as a catalyst for sustainable growth — generating jobs, attracting tourism, and inspiring complementary industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and the arts. By investing in infrastructure that supports both local livelihoods and long‑term resilience, our goal is to help transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring these rural areas not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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Distillery+
Tourist Destination

  • DAAD’s future distillery will weave together a cutting-edge design, sustainability, and immersive storytelling.

    • Production Viewing & Viewing Galleries

    • Flexible Multi-Use Spaces

    • Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Features

    • Cultural & Artistic Installations

    • Interactive Technology Integration

    • Signature Tasting & Culinary Experience

  • DAAD’s future Tourist Destination will feature leisure activities, recreational, cultural, and bourbon historical experiences.

    • Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

    • Freshwater Aquarium

    • Distillery Themed Lodging

    • Horse Kicks & Horse Farm *

    • Bourbon Museum

    • Bourbon Themed Eateries

    • Cigar & Tasting Lounge

    • Wing KYng *

    • Kentucky Beard Lounge*

    • Hiking Trails & Clay County’s Beauty

    * Businesses formed/currently operating in Lexington-Fayette County that are interested in expanding and/or building on site.

3% Cover the Fee

Photo Gallery

Three people standing on a red carpet in front of a backdrop with repeating logos that read "5 ACROSS." The woman in the middle is wearing glasses, a patterned pink blouse, and black pants. The man on the left has short hair, glasses, a beard, and is
A collage of five images depicting children and young adults in a school or community setting. The top image shows children in a library classroom, some raising their hands. The middle row contains smaller pictures of children playing, participating
Group of four people at a table, two facing forward and two facing away, indoors with backlit windows, casual attire with matching t-shirts, one with a name tag reading 'Aaron' and another with 'Antonio', engaging in conversation.
Three men standing together inside a room with beige walls and a large window behind them, smiling at the camera.
Two men standing beneath a decorative balloon arch made of blue and bronze balloons in an outdoor setting.
Three people standing on a stage with a brick wall background and a large screen displaying logos, two of them wearing black polo shirts with a logo on the left chest, and the woman wearing a patterned blouse with a brown vest. There are balloons and
Two men standing side by side on a stage in front of a screen with the words 'StartUp Appalachia.' One is holding a plaque. Balloons and decorations are on either side of the stage.
News anchor standing in front of a digital screen displaying two men talking and looking at charts or diagrams displayed on a table.
A man taking a selfie in a meeting room with three women and one man in the background, chairs, and a clock on the wall.
Three men standing outside a building, two wearing black T-shirts with a gold crown logo and the text D.A.A.D Distilling Co. LLC, and one in a light blue checkered shirt and beige pants. A woman is sitting at a table in the background. There is a sig
Group of men standing together in a room for a photo, with a backdrop displaying logos including CocaCola, blubk, and Lex18. They are smiling and dressed in casual to business attire.
Group of eight people standing indoors, two men seated in front, with American flags and a window in the background.
Two men wearing black collared shirts with logos pose for a photo inside a brick-walled room with white chairs in the background.
Two men sitting at a table, one pointing at a laptop, with a poster behind them displaying a map of a venue and images and information about a whisky collection. There are informational pamphlets on the table, and a server cart stacked with chairs is
Two men and two women engaged in conversation in a kitchen during a presentation for D.A.A.D Distilling Co. LLC, with a display board showing images and information about distilling.
Three men posing together indoors, one taller man in the center wearing a bucket hat and a white T-shirt, and two shorter men on either side wearing black T-shirts with a crown logo and the text "D.A.A.D. Distilling Co. LLC."
Two men standing in front of a brick wall, both wearing black collared shirts with logos and text. One has a beard and tattoos, the other is clean-shaven with a goatee.
Three men standing outside a store with a sign that says "Copper Still Saloon." One of the men is holding a bottle. All are dressed casually.
Man sitting inside a vehicle wearing a wide-brimmed hat, black hoodie, and bracelets, holding a bottle of Kentucky whiskey labeled 'DAAD' in front of him, with a serious expression.
Three men standing behind a table displaying bottles of liquor and small sample cups in a room with wooden paneling and plants.
A Facebook post featuring three individuals in black shirts, a bottle of whiskey labeled 'DAAD,' and promotional text announcing a sponsorship with DAAD Distilling Co. LLC.
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The image shows a large wooden barrel with a label affixed to the top, situated in a warehouse or storage facility with boxes and shelves in the background.
Flowing liquid and dark particles on a metal surface under a wooden structure, likely part of a manufacturing or processing equipment.
A stainless steel distillation machine filling glass bottles with amber-colored liquid, likely alcohol, on a stainless steel countertop in a distillery or production facility.
Multiple glass bottles filled with amber-colored liquid arranged on a metal surface in an industrial setting.
Four bottles of Daad Kentucky Whiskey lined up on a wooden shelf in a distillery with wooden barrels in the background.
Screenshot_16-8-2025_202257_www.instagram.com.jpeg
Three bottles of Daad Kentucky Whiskey on a wooden shelf in a distillery setting with barrels in the background.

Video Gallery

Bourbon-whiskey dump and filtration process.

DAAD Whiskey Bottles (Barrel Proof)

Three men standing in a living room, raising glasses of bourbon in a toast. One man is wearing a black cap and a brown shirt, another is bald with a beard wearing a gray shirt, and the third has a beard and is wearing a gray shirt. There are stairs in the background.
Two men standing inside a room with brick walls and large windows. They are wearing black polo shirts with the logo and names of their business, D.A.A.D. Distilling Co. The man on the left has a beard and short hair, while the man on the right has tattoos on his arms and a beard.

Let’s work together

Interested in partnering with DAAD as your trusted bridge to retailers or, interested in picking up our product? Fill out some details and we will be in touch shortly. We can't wait to hear from you!

Our Partners

  • A white H on a dark gray background.

    Whiskey House

  • Turner Labels logo with black and red design elements and text stating 'EST. 1967' and 'Turner Labels'.

    Turner Labels

  • Logo for Burch Bottle & Packaging featuring a stylized illustration of three bottles and bold text.

    Burch Bottling

  • Illustration of three blue bottles with a smiling Earth character with a heart, clouds, and the text 'Bluegrass Bottling'.

    Bluegrass Bottling

  • A sneaker that looks like a patriotic basketball shoe, featuring black, white, and blue colors with a Nike swoosh, placed on a blue surface against a yellow background.

    Horse Kicks

  • Logo for Halligans Bar & Grill in Lexington, Kentucky, featuring bold white text on a black and red background with a stylized outline of a mountain or hill.

    Halligans Bar & Grill

  • Prestigious Entertainment

  • Smoke N' Bourbon

  • Black Azz Camping Trip

Licenses & Permits

  • Kentucky alcohol license certificate with green border, blue state emblem at top, and large grey year 2025 text in center.

    Limited In-State Distilled Spirits Supplier's License

  • Kentucky alcohol and tobacco permit issued to D.A.A.D DISTILLING CO. LLC at 1129 Gainesway Dr, Lexington, KY, valid from August 9, 2024, with the Kentucky Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau seal.

    Wholesaler Federal Permit

  • GS1 US GTIN Certificate with licensee D.A.A.D Distilling Company LLC, GTIN-12 number 199284290631, issue date 04/22/2025, GLN 1200180364773, account number 30321279, signed by Bob Carpenter.

    GS1 US GTIN Certificate