Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike & Murphy LaSelle.
Hi Mike & Murphy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Belle of Dayton Distillery estd 2014
Murphy and Mike LaSelle were lured by the century-old mystique of distilling spirits the old-fashioned way—with hard-work, ingenuity, and honest craftsmanship. The brothers were inspired to create the finest small-batch artisan spirits. Belle of Dayton-genuine and unique-began with the resurgence of the American Craft Spirits- drawing from the area’s deep, mineral-rich water of the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer.
The Belle of Dayton label on each bottle, and the spirit contained therein, pays homage to that time and celebrates our American distilling heritage. Since their first spirits were released, Belle of Dayton has won national and international awards from top judges and critics around the world. The brothers’ passion for the trade and their personal craft and artistry is embodied in each and every masterpiece they bottle. The LaSelle Brothers proudly offer you the Belle of Dayton.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What began in 2009 brewing beer in our kitchen quickly grew into a bigger vision: opening our own distillery. In 2012, we received our DSP 20012 permit, and by 2013 the buildout of our distillery was underway. The following year, we distilled our very first batch of vodka.
In 2018, we transformed our distillery tasting room into the Van Buren Cocktail Bar inside the Belle of Dayton Distillery. In 2020 during COVID-19, we expanded the cocktail bar to include an open-air covered patio. In 2021, we resurrected the pre-prohibition brand Detrick Fine Whiskies and proudly released Detrick our Four Barrel, 4-grain Rye Whiskey, the first whiskey made in Montgomery County since Prohibition. And in 2025, our Detrick Single Barrel Full Proof Bourbon earned a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, marking another milestone in our journey.
From kitchen brewing to award-winning spirits, it’s been a journey to say the least and we’re just getting started.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Murphy and I own Mattress Innovations, the Belle of Dayton Distillery, and the Van Buren Room Cocktail Bar inside the distillery. We are deeply passionate about everything we do and pride ourselves on being extremely hard workers. Our focus is on creating products that are unique, high-quality, and something we are genuinely proud of.
At Mattress Innovations, we design and spec all our own mattresses and have developed several distinct brands, including DeLux Bedspring, our super high-end mattress line.
At the Belle of Dayton Distillery, we craft small-batch, hand-distilled spirits with a unique twist that sets them apart on liquor store shelves. Our offerings include vodka, gin, Hells Vodka, Habana Joe Handmade Spiced Rum, and our Detrick Fine Whiskies line featuring Single Barrel Full Proof Bourbon and Rye Whiskies inspired by pre-Prohibition traditions. Every spirit is carefully crafted to deliver something truly different from anything else on the market.
The Van Buren Room Cocktail Bar is home to some of the most talented bartenders in the industry. We give them full artistic freedom to create innovative and unforgettable cocktails, while still being able to craft any classic cocktail a guest desires, even if it’s not on our menu.
What sets us apart is our dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and quality whether it’s in mattresses, spirits, or cocktails. We are most proud of creating brands and experiences that are distinct, memorable, and deeply personal, and we hope our customers leave with something they can’t find anywhere else.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to us is creating products and experiences that we are proud of and that bring joy, quality, and uniqueness to our customers’ lives. From designing high-end mattresses to distilling small-batch spirits and crafting one-of-a-kind cocktails, we pour our passion, creativity, and hard work into everything we do. We care deeply about maintaining integrity, innovation, and craftsmanship in all our endeavors. Why? Because we believe that doing something with care, thought, and a personal touch not only sets us apart but also leaves a lasting impact on the people we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MattressInnovations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belleofdayton/
