State Representative Kathy LaNatra is honored to announce that Dirty Water Distillery of Plymouth is a 2024 recipient of the “Making it in Massachusetts” Manufacturing Award presented by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership skills in the manufacturing industry. The company was presented with this award at the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25th at the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
“It is such an honor to be able to nominate one of the many impressive manufacturers that the 12th Plymouth district has to offer, and I was thrilled to be able to choose Dirty Water Distillery as this year’s Manufacturer of the Year, said State Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Dirty Water Distillery is one of those businesses that make Plymouth and the South Shore special and unique. From pivoting to making hand sanitizer during the COVID pandemic as one of the first to do so in the Commonwealth, to hosting many great community events in their taproom, Dirty Water is truly a steward of their community, and I was thrilled to be able to present them with this honor.”
Dirty Water Distillery, a micro-distillery in Plymouth’s Cordage Park, has been crafting unique artisanal spirits since its founding in 2014. As the first distillery to open in Plymouth and only the 12th in Massachusetts at the time, it has become a local favorite. Owner Pepi Avizonis, who holds a Ph.D. in physics, leads the operation alongside a head brewer, Andrew Hill, who balances his passion for distilling with his career as a high school English teacher. Together, they bring creativity and expertise to their craft, producing a distinctive range of artisanal liquors.
“We were surprised, thrilled, and honored to be State Rep. Kathy LaNatra’s nominee,” said Pepi Avizonis, Owner of Dirty Water Distillery. “We are proud and humbled to be considered among the state’s best, and we love doing what we can to support our community.”
Each year, the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosts the Manufacturing Awards Ceremony to highlight many of the Commonwealth’s most noteworthy manufacturers and celebrate their successes as leading manufacturers in the industry. This recognition is reserved for Commonwealth manufacturers that exemplify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts” and propel their industry towards continued growth and innovation. This year, over 50 diverse manufacturers were selected by legislators from across the Commonwealth to be recognized at the awards ceremony.
Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors. The Caucus is chaired by Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) and Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).