OWNER & OPERATIONS

8th Day Distillery was co-founded by Matt, an engineer passionate about whiskey. While working in corporate America, Matt realized that the typical path of working towards retirement wasn’t for him. During his travels for work, he visited breweries and distilleries across the country, sparking a desire to create his own. Partnering with his wife, Jaime, he developed a business plan and in 2015, they signed a lease and began distilling. Matt worked two jobs until 2020 when he transitioned to focusing solely on 8th Day, marking a pivotal moment in the distillery’s growth.

Since then, 8th Day has expanded to include a full range of spirits, including whiskey, gin, and rum. In 2018, they opened the Bottle Shop & Cocktail Bar, where Matt also started building a dedicated team to help with distilling operations. As the business integrator, Matt oversees the day-to-day operations and finances of 8th Day, playing an essential role in its success. Outside of the distillery, Matt enjoys working out, grilling, spending time with his family, and being a proud dad.

OWNER + SALES & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Jaime has been with 8th Day from the start, encouraging Matt to take the leap and bring their vision to life. After working as a Dental Assistant until 2022, she transitioned to focus on the distillery full-time. Jaime manages the front-of-house team, schedules weekly events and coordinates private parties. Though she’s not behind the bar as much anymore, she’s still a key presence at 8th Day.

Together with Matt, Jaime helps lead the business by complementing each other’s strengths and prioritizing both family and team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring Indy’s food scene, traveling, and being a mom. Jaime feels incredibly grateful to be part of a business that has fostered such a strong community.

DISTILLER & BARREL/WAREHOUSE MANAGER

Phil joined 8th Day in 2021 as Distillery and Barrel/Warehouse Manager, where he oversees barrel inventory and distillation processes with a keen eye for detail. Known for his hard work, great sense of humor, and caring nature, Phil is a beloved member of the team who values both his work at the distillery and his family. Outside of the distillery, he’s often working on home improvement projects, and if you're lucky, you might even catch him impressing everyone with his ability to do the splits! Phil’s dedication, personality, and unique flair make him a standout part of the 8th Day family.

SALES REP

Forrest joined the team back in August of '24 as our first full-time sales representative. He's been in the craft spirit industry for 10 years - bartending, managing, and teaching. These days he's busy selling 8th Day spirits to bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. Catch him guiding distillery tours on Saturdays or leading cocktail classes.

When he's not at work you'll find him at his favorite bar in town, The Snug, or out playing bass guitar in his band, Rocking Chair. In his homelife, Forrest loves reading any book about booze, playing TTRPGs with friends, rewatching Star Trek, and taking his doggo, Dax, on adventures. 

BAR MANAGER

Kayleigh joined the 8th Day team in Fall 2022, transitioning from a longtime patron to bartender and eventually bar manager. In her role, she is responsible for managing daily bar operations, overseeing inventory, training and mentoring staff, and ensuring the highest standards of service.

With her creative, expressive approach to the craft, Kayleigh takes pride in curating the rotating weekly cocktail features and highlighting the unique flavors of the distillery’s spirits. Always punctual and dedicated, she plays a key role in maintaining an efficient bar environment. Outside of work, Kayleigh enjoys tending to her plants, spending time with her "woggles" (a mix of cat and dogs), and socializing with friends. Her combination of professionalism and creativity makes her an invaluable part of the 8th Day team.

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER & BARTENDER

Mia joined 8th Day in August 2023, bringing a unique blend of creativity and experience to her role as both Bartender and Marketing Manager. With a background in copywriting, videography, and education, Mia has a strong eye for capturing and communicating the essence of 8th Day.

After attending bartending school on a whim, she quickly fell in love with mixing cocktails and connecting with patrons, becoming a familiar, smiling face behind the bar. In 2024, Mia transitioned into the role of Digital Marketing Manager, where she now leads our marketing efforts, creating engaging content and overseeing marketing projects. When she’s not at 8th Day, Mia enjoys salsa dancing, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends at locally-owned restaurants.

EVENT MARKETING SPECIALIST & BARTENDER

Adrienne has been a valued member of the 8th Day team since December 2021. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, she began as a bartender and quickly advanced to bar manager before transitioning into her current role as our event marketer. Her passion for the 8th Day community and her eye for design makes her the perfect fit for this position.

Adrienne handles our events marketing, creating flyers and promotional materials for the many events we host at the distillery. Known for her calming presence and having the most stylish outfits out of our entire team, Adrienne enjoys spending time with loved ones and relaxing at home with her family.

MARKET ORGANIZER/BARTENDER

Olive joined the 8th Day team in 2023, bringing a creative and artistic flair to everything they do. As the leader of our Canvas & Cocktail classes, Olive combines their passion for art with mixology, crafting cocktails that transform simple ingredients into flavorful masterpieces. They also design our chalkboards and are often behind the bar during our weekly trivia events every Sunday.

Recently, Olive earned their master’s degree in Art Therapy. In addition to bartending, they’ve taken on the role of Market Organizer, using their love of spreadsheets to plan our quarterly markets. Outside of 8th Day, Olive enjoys spending time with friends, hanging with their girlfriend, and showcasing their artwork around Indianapolis.

BOTTLING, CONTRACT & WAREHOUSE

Owen joined 8th Day in July 2022 and plays an essential role in bottling, pulling barrel samples, and managing the flow of products going out and barrels coming in. His attention to detail ensures everything runs smoothly in the warehouse and production areas.

Owen is known for his wit and sense of humor, and as the tallest member of the team, he’s hard to miss. Outside of work, he values quality family time, especially since his family all lives in the same neighborhood. He also enjoys riding his bike, gaming with friends, and, of course, sipping on 8th Day’s spirits.

BARTENDER

Jalen has been an integral part of 8th Day since we first opened in 2018, transitioning from a loyal patron to bartender in the summer of 2021. Known for her wisdom, strength, and infectious laugh, Jalen is a beloved member of the team. In addition to her work at 8th Day, she serves as the Lincoln Center Director, where she excels at connecting people, making tasty lattes, and championing small businesses.

Outside of work, Jalen enjoys discovering local spots, sipping on craft beverages, and spending time with friends who support and appreciate all that she does. Her warm personality and dedication to community make her a true asset to both 8th Day and the Indianapolis area.

BARTENDER

Mirra joined the 8th Day team in early summer 2023, bringing with her years of experience in the hospitality industry. Known for her talent in blending flavors from around the world, she creates unique, memorable experiences for every guest. Her passion for mixology, combined with her sweet and approachable demeanor, makes her a standout behind the bar.

After taking some time to focus on grad school, Mirra is back at 8th Day, and we couldn’t be happier to have her return. Outside of bartending, Mirra is also a talented artist, with her work displayed in galleries around Indianapolis. She enjoys spending quality time with her sister, traveling, and taking long walks with her handsome dog, Lou.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Grant has been an integral part of the 8th Day family since 2018, when he married Matt’s sister. As the distillery's photographer, he captures the dynamic energy of our team during events like shakedowns, where he photographs and films the process of crafting cocktails for our menus.

In addition to his work at 8th Day, Grant runs his own video and drone service business, offering professional photography and videography services. Outside of work, Grant enjoys spending his summers at Crooked Lake, cooking on his Blackstone griddle, experimenting with his new pizza oven, and cherishing time with family and friends. Above all, he treasures his role as a dad.

DESIGNER

Aaron has been a creative force behind 8th Day’s branding since 2013, designing everything from our iconic labels to logos and overall brand identity. His work has helped shape 8th Day’s brand, including the design of our bottle labels, which stand out on both shelves and behind the bar.

A talented artist, Aaron also creates for other local and national brands and even collaborated with 8th Day to craft a special rye whiskey for his own brand, Ronlewhorn. Outside of design, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife, AJ, supporting local arts and foodie spots, and taking his pups around Indianapolis.

BARREL BEAST

Cino, our beloved "Barrel Beast," became part of the 8th Day family in late 2020 as a playful kitten, and she’s been the center of attention ever since. Known for being the most people-loving cat, Cino thrives on affection, treats, and the attention of our team and guests.

Whether she's chasing birds that fly into the distillery or hunting the occasional mouse, Cino is always on the move and ready to make her presence known. She’s become an iconic figure at 8th Day, with everyone who visits wanting to meet her or give her a scratch behind the ears. Spoiled? Absolutely—but it’s hard to resist her charm!