bourbon & Spirits
where we meet in the middle
Mean Spirits Distillery
Mean Spirits Distillery
our mission
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Our Mission is to Craft Exceptional Distilled Spirits that Awaken the Senses, Elevate Every Occasion, and Honor the Art of True Craftsmanship. From Bold Bourbon and Smooth American Single Malt to Spicy Rye, Crisp Vodka, and Refreshing Gin, Every Bottle is Crafted On-Site with Dedication and Skill.
who we are
founders
Lou Shepard and Dave Hall, Co-Founders of Mean Spirits Distillery in Norfolk, Virginia, Share More Than a Business—They Share 56 Years of Combined Service in the U.S. Navy, Where they Operated at the Highest Level of Naval Special Warfare. They Apply that Operational Excellence and Experience to Everything they do at Mean Spirits Distillery.
Our Story
Craft, Service, and Soul
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Every bottle begins long before the label. We hand-select grains, mill fresh, and mash with exacting temperatures, then guide slow, clean fermentations to build true flavor. Distillation is deliberate—measured runs with precise cuts to capture the heart of the spirit. We choose barrels by toast, char, and season, fill at intentional proofs, and let Norfolk’s climate shape maturation while we taste and test each cask. Finally, we blend for balance, proof with patience, and bottle on-site. It’s disciplined, hands-on work—born of service, executed with precision, and tasted in every pour.
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our philosophy
family, friends & community
We founded Mean Spirits Distillery on the belief that premium spirits bring people together.
When you have a population mass that comes together, that central point is the Mean. We celebrate what unites us, our shared connections, and commonalities through every bottle we produce.
Our vision
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