Crafting a Modern Spirit: How Agency Replacement Redesigned McLaughlin Distillery’s Website

When Sewickley’s own McLaughlin Distillery approached Agency Replacement for a complete website redesign, our mission was clear — to create a digital experience that embodies the craftsmanship, community, and spirit behind their award-winning lineup of bourbons, whiskeys, and moonshines.

From a handcrafted operation tucked in the woods to a destination for craft spirit lovers across the country, McLaughlin Distillery has always been about authenticity and connection. Our goal was to bring that same energy online — making it easier than ever for customers to explore, shop, and engage with the brand they love.

A Modern Platform for a Timeless Craft

We rebuilt the McLaughlin Distillery website from the ground up using a responsive WordPress framework powered by Betheme and hosted on WPEngine. This combination ensures top-tier performance, security, and scalability — all while giving the McLaughlin team a flexible backend they can easily manage and grow with.

Each page was crafted with intent, from immersive visuals to intuitive navigation. The design celebrates the brand’s rustic charm while embracing a clean, modern aesthetic that mirrors the evolution of McLaughlin Distillery itself.

Crafting a Seamless Shopping Experience

One of the biggest transformations came in the online shopping experience. The new site features a more robust user experience — fully integrated with Big Thirst and Ecwid for fulfillment and Mailchimp for marketing automation.

Customers can now browse McLaughlin’s entire lineup of handcrafted spirits, including:

• Bourbons & Whiskeys
• Flavored Moonshines
• Vodka & Clear Spirits
• Creamy Spirits

Engraved Bottles, Gift Sets, and even “Age Your Own” Bourbon Kits

We also added filtering, related product recommendations, and a streamlined checkout process that keeps customers informed at every step. Whether shopping for themselves or gifting to a fellow whiskey lover, users now enjoy a frictionless path from discovery to delivery.

Engaging Experiences Beyond the Bottle

McLaughlin isn’t just a distillery — it’s an experience. To capture that, we developed a Visit & Explore section that highlights distillery tours, tastings, and special events. Using the Appointy booking system, visitors can easily schedule tours or purchase vouchers for unique experiences like Date Night Tastings or Home Tasting Parties.

A virtual tour video and dynamic Instagram feed invite visitors to connect with the distillery atmosphere before ever stepping foot onsite, blending storytelling with visual immersion.

SEO, Performance, and Marketing Integration

Behind the scenes, we ensured the new McLaughlin site was built for growth:

• Yoast SEO and keyword-optimized landing pages boost search visibility.
• Mailchimp integration supports lead generation, newsletters, and automated campaigns.
• Google Analytics, Search Console, and Tag Manager deliver actionable insights for ongoing optimization.
• SSL encryption, CDN integration, and automatic backups provide security and peace of mind.

Together, these tools help McLaughlin Distillery not just reach new audiences but convert visitors into loyal customers and brand advocates.

A Collaboration Rooted in Craft and Community

This project was a true partnership. Working closely with Matt DiPietro and Kim McLaughlin, we combined their passion for handcrafted spirits with our expertise in digital storytelling and design. Their feedback, vision, and collaboration made this redesign not just a project — but a shared creative journey.

The Result: A Website Worth Raising a Glass To

The new McLaughlin Distillery website is more than a digital storefront — it’s a virtual reflection of the brand’s spirit, craftsmanship, and community roots. With its seamless e-commerce experience, engaging visuals, and mobile-first design, the site now delivers a true taste of McLaughlin’s magic to customers everywhere.

Explore the new experience for yourself at www.mclaughlindistillery.com  and see how we brought Sewickley’s favorite distillery to life online.