Ginger is the unstoppable engine behind Ko’olau Distillery’s success, quietly ensuring everything runs smoothly. She oversees all administrative, regulatory, and compliance operations, keeping the distillery organized, licensed, and on track. Meticulous and dependable, Ginger prefers working behind the scenes and avoids the spotlight, finding her greatest satisfaction in a job done right. The only thing she works harder on than the distillery is her family, which remains her top priority. Her steady dedication and attention to detail are foundational to everything Ko’olau does.
OUR STORY
Imagine the lush, green Windward side of O‘ahu, where the verdant Ko‘olau Range receives more rainfall than anywhere else on the island – about five million gallons a day!
This life-giving rainwater is naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock for decades, until it reaches the aquifer that feeds the pristine artesian well Ko‘olau Distillery uses for its spirits.
Ko’olau Distillery was founded in 2018 and is a disabled veteran-owned business. Just as our founders dedicated their lives in service to the country with the United States Marine Corps, earning honors and commendations — often at great sacrifice — they believe in earnest stewardship of our beautiful island home and its finite resources, giving back to the local community as well the military community.
OUR ʻ OHANA
Eric Dill
Partner - Chief Executive Officer
Eric, a U.S. Marine Corp veteran, served 27 years in a variety of combat units, deploying three times to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. He first became intrigued about distilling spirits while in Iraq when soldiers in another unit were busted for making moonshine in their barracks. Eric later learned how to distill whiskey from a fellow Marine and friend who owns an amazing distillery in Indianapolis. While distilling with that friend, he decided that upon retirement from the Marine Corps he would make whiskey and surf. So here he is making whiskey and surfing as much as he can…
Ian Brooks
Partner - Chief Operations Officer
Ian, also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served 24 years as a Marine Infantry Officer with multiple combat deployments overseas. In 2007, he was designated the U.S. Civil-Military Leader of Ramadi, Iraq, during the “Awakening,” when U.S. forces partnered with local leaders to defeat Al Qaeda in Iraq. His leadership was featured in an award-winning National Geographic special, and a street in Ramadi bears his name. Ian enjoys sweet bourbons with a single large ice cube and is a warm, generous host at Ko’olau Distillery, always welcoming friends and visitors alike.
Ginger Dill
Administrative Director
Olivia Babiec
Lead Distiller
Olivia brings a strong foundation in distilling from Philadelphia, where she completed her undergraduate degree and began her distilling career in 2015. Originally from the East Coast, she relocated to Oahu in June 2021 and joined the Ko’olau Distillery team, where her passion for the creative side of distilling continues to grow. Olivia is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling, further sharpening her technical and artistic skills. Outside the distillery, she is an experienced rower and enjoys challenging puzzles that keep her mind engaged.
Justin Rivera
Tasting Room General Manager
Justin, a retired U.S. Navy Chief from Waimanalo and raised in Texas, brings Texas-sized aloha to Ko’olau Distillery. An experienced homebrewer, he expanded into distilling with the goal of one day owning his own brewery and distillery. In early 2023, he appeared on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners: Master Distiller, earning the title of Hawaii’s “Master Distiller” for Ko’olau. Later that year, Justin became General Manager, shaping the Tasting Room into a vibrant hub for community events, live music, comedy, fundraisers, food trucks, and special guests.