Evan Hughes

Evan Hughes is the Co-Founder and CEO of Central Standard Craft Distillery, a Milwaukee-based craft distillery founded in 2014.32 He started the company with his business partner Pat McQuillan, turning their shared passion for flavor and quality spirits into a successful business venture.2

Prior to founding Central Standard, Hughes had a notable career in the beverage industry. He served as the publisher of DRAFT Magazine from 2010 to 2019, a nationally distributed publication covering beer, food, and lifestyle topics.13 Before that, he was the associate publisher at DRAFT Magazine from 2005 to 2010.3

Hughes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing/Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas, which he completed in 2004.13 His entrepreneurial spirit has been recognized with several awards, including:

• Spark Award - Millennial Entrepreneur of the Year (2017)
• 40 Under 40 by Milwaukee Business Journal (2015)
• Future 50 by MMAC (2017 and 2018)
• Diversity In Business Award by Milwaukee Business Journal (2018)3

Under Hughes' leadership, Central Standard Craft Distillery has grown significantly, producing a range of spirits including bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin.5 The company has won 40 medals across multiple craft distilling categories and is known for using locally sourced ingredients in their products.5

Hughes is actively involved in the company's operations and expansion efforts. He has overseen partnerships with other brands, such as the collaboration with Hofbräu München on a beer brandy product4, and has been instrumental in the company's growth and innovation initiatives.6