How It Started
Bringing People Together, One Sip at a Time
Wild AZ Distillery began with a love of whiskey, a table full of family and friends, and one late-night question: "Why aren't we doing this?"
We've always loved bringing people together—to share a meal, pour a drink, support one another, and make room for one more chair. That sense of connection is at the heart of our family and everything we're building at Wild AZ.
Whiskey has long been part of that shared passion. Josh serves as president of a whiskey club, Randy as vice president, and Kristen jokingly calls herself "the buyer." For Josh and Kristen, traveling to distilleries around the world became a favorite adventure, filled with new spirits, memorable stories, and friendships along the way.
One of those adventures brought us to Ferino Distillery in Reno, Nevada, where we met owner and master distiller Joe Cannella. What began as a visit grew into a dear friendship and mentorship—and gave us a reason to return time after time.
Around 10 p.m. one evening in late November 2024, Kristen turned to Josh over cocktails and asked, "Why aren't we doing this?"
By January 2025, that question had become a plan.
The road from idea to reality tested us. Plans fell through, locations changed, and there were times when we had to pause and wonder whether our dream would survive. We prayed, cried, regrouped, and leaned on one another. Through it all, we held onto our faith and kept finding the courage to take the next step.
Then, in July 2026, we learned that Wild Hare Distillery was for sale. When we met owners Wendy and Jim, we immediately connected with their story, passion, and drive. Within days, we committed to purchasing Wild Hare. Kristen stepped away from corporate life and devoted herself to the dream we had worked so hard to pursue.
Becoming Wild AZ meant carrying a meaningful legacy forward. Wendy and Jim built something special through their hard work and dedication, and honoring that foundation is part of our purpose. Their contributions to the industry—and to our story—will always have a place here.
Today, Wild AZ Distillery is a family-owned, Hispanic woman-owned distillery in Tempe, Arizona, with Kristen, Josh, and Randy at its heart. We bring our love of hospitality and craft spirits to our gin, whiskey, and tasting-room cocktails, creating a place where people can gather and connect.
To us, the distilling community is a family, and our guests are part of that connection. We hope every visit feels like gathering around our own table: a warm welcome, a good pour, and room for you.
Our story is still being written. Pull up a chair and become part of it.
Bringing people together, one sip at a time.
Meet the Founder
Kristen Chavez-Hatch
Founder, Co-Owner & Master Distiller
An Arizona native, Kristen's story is rooted in faith, family, heritage, and community. After nearly 20 years in the financial industry, she made the decision to step away from her longtime career and turn a dream into reality — building Wild AZ Distillery while proudly carrying forward the Wild Hare Distillery name and legacy.
As a business owner and Master Distiller, Kristen is passionate about creating Arizona-inspired spirits, honoring local craftsmanship, and building something meaningful for the next generation. Through Wild AZ and Wild Hare, she hopes to celebrate Arizona, preserve the sense of community that brings people together, and honor the family roots and heritage that shaped who she is.
Outside the distillery, Kristen is a devoted wife to Joshua Hatch and proud mom to their son, Dominic. She also volunteers as a booster mom at Dominic's school, dedicating her time and service to supporting her son, his teammates, and their football program.
Whether she's at the distillery, in the stands, serving her community, or spending time with family, Kristen keeps her faith at the center of it all. Being a wife, mom, business owner, and volunteer are not separate parts of her story — they are the heart of it.
Meet the Co-Owner
Joshua Hatch
Head Distiller & Co-Owner
An Arizona native, Joshua brings more than two decades of engineering experience and a passion for crafting premium spirits to Wild AZ. His technical background, attention to detail, and love for the craft bring precision and Arizona pride to every spirit he helps create.
Joshua is also the founder and president of a local whiskey club, where he has spent years bringing whiskey enthusiasts together to share knowledge, appreciation, and fellowship around great whiskey.
Outside the distillery, Joshua is a devoted husband to Kristen Chavez-Hatch and proud father to their son, Dominic. He also enjoys spending time with his best friend, Randy, sharing bottles, stories, and plenty of laughs with close friends.
Meet the Distiller
Randy Klingenmeier
Distiller & Manager
Randy grew up in San Diego before making Goodyear, Arizona home in 2001. His journey into spirits began about eight years ago when his best friend, Joshua Hatch, introduced him to the world of whiskey. What started as late nights sharing bottles, learning about different spirits, and introducing friends to new favorites soon grew into a true passion.
At Wild AZ Distillery, Randy brings that passion and a fresh perspective to the craft. While whiskey started the journey, gin captured his imagination. Inspired by Arizona's desert botanicals and unique local flavors, he enjoys creating spirits that feel truly homegrown and reflect the wild beauty of Arizona.
When he's not experimenting with new recipes at the distillery, Randy enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Community First
We're a Tempe business through and through. We support local, hire local, and give back to the community that made us.
Craft Over Volume
We'll never sacrifice quality for quantity. Small batches mean more attention, more care, and better spirits.
Arizona Proud
From our ingredients to our inspiration, everything we do is rooted in the spirit of the Sonoran Desert.
Come See Where the Magic Happens
Tour our distillery, taste our spirits, and meet the team behind every bottle.
Plan Your Visit