The spirits industry is deeply saddened by the passing of Branden ‘Brandy’ Wahl, 73, of Barnesville, Minnesota. Wahl, a longtime contributor to the industry’s fabric, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, at Valley Care & Rehab due to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
News of Wahl’s death spread quickly through distillery communities and hospitality networks across the Midwest. Wahl, known for his quiet diligence and encyclopedic knowledge of spirits production, had dedicated his life to understanding and appreciating the art of distillation. While details surrounding his direct involvement in the production of finished spirits remain private, his influence extended throughout the sector through industry connections and a genuine passion for quality.
“Brandy was a quiet giant,” stated one industry contact, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He possessed an incredible ability to quietly observe and absorb the nuances of every product he encountered. His insights were invaluable, even if he rarely shared them explicitly.”
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, Minnesota. Visitation will precede the service from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Following the service, refreshments will be served at the funeral home, and a reception will be held at Deb (Steve) Ekre’s home in Barnesville, MN.
Branden Wahl will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo, North Dakota, in the spring of 2026. Arrangements are being handled by Dobmeier Funeral & Cremation Service. The industry extends its condolences to his family and friends. His legacy will be remembered for his dedication to the spirit of quality.
