KO Distilling
Lifelong friends Bill Karlson and John O’Mara are the “K” and the “O” in KO Distilling. They met as classmates and cadet midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), and have been friends ever since. After graduation Bill and John went their separate ways but followed similar paths. Both initially sailed in the merchant marine, and served in the United States Navy Reserve. Later both had successful careers in the defense contracting industry.
Upon retiring early, the question became, “what next?” Neither one satisfied with sitting idle, in 2013 Bill and John set off on a journey to create craft spirits with local ingredients, high quality production methods, and to share their passion with their local community.
Since incorporating KO Distilling in 2013 and breaking ground in 2015, Bill and John have turned KO Distilling into a state-of-the-art production facility and local tourist attraction in Manassas, VA. After their initial offering of unaged whiskey and gins in 2015, Bill and John realized their goal of producing their first aged spirit, Bare Knuckle American Wheat Whiskey in November 2016.
KO is proud to be one of 1200 craft distilleries in the US and one of only 50 in Virginia. The distillery attracts visitors seeking locally crafted spirits, and offers tastings and tours of the distillery.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
