adminIf you’re a big fan of spirits, like we are, then you’ll love exploring to find the best Kansas City Distillery. Spanning from the city’s signature brandy liquor to its locally made vodka and whiskey, there’s something for every spirits fan to love. We will take a closer look at what makes Kansas City’s distilleries so special and give you some highlights of the top tours and tastings that Kansas City has to offer.
What liquor is Kansas City known for?
Kansas City is known for its signature liquor, which is a type of sweet, fruit-flavored brandy called “Kansas City-style” brandy. This unique spirit has been produced in Kansas City since the 1800s and is still popular today. Some of the best distilleries in Kansas City that produce this Kansas City-style brandy include J. Rieger & Co. and Tom’s Town.
What is Kansas City-style brandy?
Kansas City-style brandy is a fruit-flavored brandy in production in the city since the 1800s. Made by blending grape brandy and fruit juice and sugar, giving it a distinctively sweet and fruity taste. Kansas City-style brandy is created by using local fruits including peaches, plums, and apples. These fruits add to the unique flavor.
The history of Kansas City-style brandy
Kansas City-style brandy has a long and storied history in the city. It first became popular in the late 1800s, when German immigrants began producing it in the West Bottoms neighborhood of Kansas City. By the turn of the century, Kansas City-style brandy became a popular drink across the city and even exported to other parts of the country.
During Prohibition, Kansas City-style brandy production went underground. This allowed them to continue to be produced and sold illegally. When Prohibition ended in 1933, Kansas City-style brandy made a comeback and has been a popular drink in the city ever since.
What vodka is made in Kansas City?
Vodka is a popular spirit here in the Kansas City area. Many local distilleries have perfected the craft of making it and we are more than proud to advertise it. Some of the best Kansas City-made vodka brands include:
- Lifted Spirits: Award-winning distillery with its smooth, clean-tasting vodka made from locally sourced corn.
- Union Horse Distilling Co.: Union Horse offers a range of high-quality vodkas, including a traditional vodka and a unique honey-infused vodka.
- Restless Spirits Distilling Company: Restless Spirits’ Builders Botanical vodka is a standout, thanks to its unique blend of herbs and botanicals that add depth and complexity to the spirit.
What whiskey’s are made in KC?
Whiskey lovers will be happy to know that Kansas City is also home to several top-notch whiskey distilleries that produce high-quality Kansas City whiskeys. Some of the best Kansas City-made whiskey’s include:
- J. Rieger & Co.: Historic Kanas City distillery that produces a range of whiskeys. A couple include classic Kansas City-style whiskey aged in charred oak barrels for at least four years.
- Tom’s Town.: Tom’s Town is known for award-winning Double Oaked Bourbon. Aged in new American oak barrels and finished in used French oak barrels for an extra layer of flavor.
- S.D. Strong Distilling: S.D. Strong’s Pillar 136 gin is a standout, thanks to its unique blend of juniper, coriander, and citrus that gives it a distinctively Kansas City flavor.
Kansas City Whiskey Distillery Tours
One of the best ways to experience Kansas City’s Whiskey distillery is to take a tour. Many of the city’s top distilleries offer tours and tastings. This is where you can learn about the history and process of distilling, as well as sample some of the spirits they produce. Some popular distillery tours in Kansas City include:
- J. Rieger & Co.: J. Rieger & Co. offers several tour options, including a “Cocktail Experience” and a “Whiskey Experience.” Both of which include a tasting of their signature spirits.
- Lifted Spirits: Lifted Spirits offers a “Distillery Tour and Tasting” that includes a guided tour of the facility and a tasting of their spirits.
- Union Horse Distilling Co.: Union Horse’s “Distillery Tour and Tasting” takes you behind the scenes of their production facility and includes a tasting of their award-winning spirits.
Whether you’re a fan of Kansas City-style brandy, vodka, or whiskey, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in Kansas City’s distilleries. Be sure to check out some of the city’s top tours and tastings to get the full experience
A Kansas City distillery tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s rich spirits culture. Great way to learn more about what is involved to create your favorite drinks. From touring the production facilities to tasting samples of locally made vodka, whiskey, and Kansas City-style brandy. There’s something for every spirits enthusiast. No matter if you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just getting started with spirits, a Kansas City distillery tour is a must-do experience that leaves you with a newfound appreciation for the craft. So why not book your tour today and raise a glass to the best of Kansas City’s spirits culture?
