The legacy of Kansas City distilleries is nearly as old as the city itself. It is a story full of late-night jazz performances, political machines, bootleggers as well as nicknames such as “The Wettest Block in the World!”
And although times may have changed, modernity still brought the city to the forefront of craft spirits scenes, thanks to award-winning and down-to-earth liquor production operations and yearning drinkers!
So, grab a seat and get ready to plunge in on high-quality booze from top whiskey distilleries in Kansas City, MO!
1. Mean Mule Distilling Co.
1733 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Although relatively new to the distillery scene, the Mean Mule Distilling Co. is a prideful Midwestern label which handcrafts its sole product— the Mean Mule Silver American Agave Spirit.
And although this Silver Mean Mule is not technically a tequila and is a region-specific liquor from Mexico, it is made from 100 percent blue agave, making it tastes pretty close, but with a bit of its own Heartland twist!
2. J. Rieger & Co. Distillery
2700 Guinotte Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120, USA
In the year 1887, the J. Rieger & Co. Distillery was founded in the West Bottoms and re-emerged from the past of Prohibition in the year 2014 with a sherry-blended liquor they call Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey.
Ever since then, the countrywide-praised company, which is now based in East Bottoms, has offered several other products, including vodka and gin as well as experimental spirits like Left for Dead and coffee liquor— which are all available at bars and restaurants throughout the metro area.
3. Restless Spirits Distilling Company
109 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, USA
The Restless Spirits Distilling Company is well-situated in the flourishing North Kansas City area and uses Irish-American traditions in order to create amazing liquors with such unique flavors. Go for a blended whiskey or taste the Irish Whiskey straight on and savor something that is completely out of this world.
Oh, and not to mention the company’s botanical gin which you should definitely try! Why? Well, this gin won gold at the 2016 New York International Spirits Competition!
Sign up for updates on whiskey events and save 30% on your first purchase!
4. Holladay Distillery
1 Mc Cormick Ln, Weston, MO 64098, USA
Known for many great things, Holladay Distillery is the oldest distillery out in the west of Mississippi which remains on its original state. You can take a day trip tour to the company’s distillery and even try out some of their finest offerings.
The company is one of the main tourist attractions in Weston, Mo. In addition, it is also the producer of the planet’s first eco-friendly and gold-winning vodka they call 360 Vodka and the McCormick Vodka.
5. Lifted Spirits Distillery
1734 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Distilled, bottled and then aged all right in the Midwest, the Lifted Spirits Distillery marries distillery and tasting rooms in a beautiful way!
The distilling facility is a former stable, so the atmosphere pays tribute to those rustic roots. Take a seat anywhere and choose from their extensive menu, featuring the distilleries vodka and gin which is their first product offerings and even several other spirits that are crafted by local distillers.
6. Tom’s Town Distilling Company
1701 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Pendergast’s Royal Gold Bourbon
With roots that dated back to the “Paris of the Plains” heyday in Kansas City, the Tom’s Town Distilling Company is a perfect combination of a tasting room and distillery that can be found at the heart of the Crossroads Arts District.
The team produces exceptional and award-winning gins and vodkas as well as several specialty cocktails available for order. By the way, don’t forget to try their bourbon that is finished in 14-year-old port casks that offers a smooth and great flavor!
7. S.D. Strong Distilling
8500 NW River Park Dr #136a, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
Recognized for its outstanding gin and vodka spirits, the cave-bound distillery S.D. Strong Distilling is the only legal one-of-its-kind in the entire United States.
Yep— each spirit is produced and crafted from 65 feet way below the ground that adds unique distinction to the company and racked up to 6 awards— including a Washington Cup Spirits Competition back-to-back gold awards (Pillar 136 Gin, 2015 – 2016)— since the year 2013.
8. Union Horse Distilling Company
11740 W 86th Terrace, Lenexa, KS 66214, USA
The Union Horse Distilling Company is a family-owned, craft-distilled company that produces strong stables of products, including their signature rye whiskey, made from 100 percent rye mash.
Every batch is created from a copper pot still and then finished in oak barrels before they are bottled and signed by hand. Get to see their distilling process on a 2-hour tour in one of the Lenexa-based company and then experience the Rider Room to try the company's 4 prize-winning products.
For more information and upcoming events, visit our website at BeSocialScene.com.
Join our giveaway and Win A Bourbon Trail Trip for 2, all expenses paid! Enter To Win!
About Social Scene
Social Scene creates a “scene” an environment to connect people, create memories and build relationships through online and on-premise social campaigns; focusing on providing exposure to partnering brands, venues, and clients to connect with a great social audience - Experiential Marketing.Social Scene builds brand awareness for partnering venues and brands, connecting them with a targeted audience to build relationships and create memories. Visit BeSocialScene.com for the most up to date events and to partner on an upcoming experience.Want to build a live or online experience around your company’s brand or venue, email connect@besocialscene.com or send a message directly at BeSocialScene.com. Be Social. Be Seen.
References:
http://nyispiritscompetition.com/2016-winners/
https://techcrunch.com/2008/03/20/360-vodka-worlds-first-eco-friendly-spirit/
Mary Ann Talaman
Professional Content Writer
Social Scene
