Kansas City has a rich history of distillation that dates back to the late 1800s, when the city was a major hub of commerce and industry. During this time, a number of local distilleries were established, producing a variety of spirits, including whiskey, gin, and other types of alcohol.
One of the most prominent distilleries of the time was the J.H. Wiley Distillery, which was founded in 1879 and was known for producing high-quality whiskey and other spirits. This distillery was considered one of the largest and most successful distilleries in the Midwest, and it continued to operate for many years until it was closed in the early 1900s due to Prohibition.
After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, a number of local distilleries reopened in Kansas City, including the J.H. Wiley Distillery, which was renamed the J.H. Wiley Company. However, the company struggled to compete with larger, national distillers, and it eventually closed for good in the mid-20th century.
Despite the closure of many local distilleries, the distillation tradition in Kansas City has continued to thrive in recent years, thanks in part to the revival of the microdistillery movement. Today, the city is home to a thriving distillery scene, with a number of local microdistilleries producing high-quality, innovative spirits that are capturing the attention of consumers and industry experts alike.
One of the most well-known distilleries in the city is J. Rieger & Co., which was founded in 2014 and is known for producing a variety of spirits, including whiskey, gin, and liqueurs. J. Rieger & Co. has quickly established a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative spirits, and its products have won numerous awards and accolades.
Another popular distillery in the city is Tom’s Town Distilling Co., which was founded in 2016 and is known for its handcrafted, small-batch spirits, including whiskey, gin, and other types of alcohol. Tom’s Town Distilling Co. has a unique approach to distillation, using only the finest ingredients and carefully aging its spirits to perfection.
In addition to these larger, more established distilleries, there are also several smaller, up-and-coming distilleries in the city that are worth checking out. Union Horse Distilling Co., for example, is a newer distillery that is quickly making a name for itself with its high-quality, innovative spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, and other types of alcohol.
Another newer distillery in the city is Lifted Spirits Distillery, which was founded in 2018 and is known for its innovative, flavorful spirits, including gin, vodka, and other types of alcohol. Lifted Spirits Distillery has a unique approach to distillation, using only the finest ingredients and carefully crafting each spirit to achieve the perfect flavor profile.
Overall, the distillation scene in Kansas City is thriving, with a variety of local distilleries producing high-quality, innovative spirits that are capturing the attention of consumers and industry experts alike. Whether you’re a fan of whiskey, gin, or any other type of spirit, you’re sure to find something to love in Kansas City.
In addition to the distilleries themselves, there are also a number of bars, restaurants, and other establishments in the city that feature a wide selection of locally-made spirits. These establishments provide a great opportunity for visitors to try a variety of local spirits, learn about the distillation process, and meet the people behind the brands.
Furthermore, there are also several events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate the distillation scene in Kansas City, including
the Kansas City Whiskey Festival and the Kansas City Distillers Guild’s annual cocktail competition. These events bring together distillers, mixologists, and spirit lovers to sample the best local spirits, enjoy cocktails made with local spirits, and learn about the history of distillation in the city.
The distillation scene in Kansas City continues to grow, with new distilleries popping up all the time, and the existing distilleries continuing to expand and refine their product lines. The city is quickly becoming a hub for innovative, high-quality spirits, and visitors are sure to find something to suit their taste.
In addition to the distillation scene, Kansas City is also home to a thriving bar and cocktail culture, with a number of local bars and restaurants featuring creative and innovative cocktails made with local spirits. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails, modern twists on old favorites, or unique and creative drinks, you’re sure to find something to love in Kansas City.
Overall, the distillation scene in Kansas City is thriving, and visitors are sure to find a wide variety of high-quality, innovative spirits to enjoy. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to take the time to explore the city’s rich distillation history and sample the best local spirits for yourself.