{"id":1193,"date":"2019-11-18T15:56:39","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T21:56:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitmowp.local\/articles\/discovering-missouri-distilleries\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:27:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T15:27:14","slug":"discovering-missouri-distilleries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/discovering-missouri-distilleries","title":{"rendered":"Discover Missouri Distilleries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While Missouri is known for its wineries and breweries, distilleries have been popping up rapidly throughout the state in recent years. The Show-Me State distillers offer a variety of handcrafted spirits including whiskey, gin, vodka and bourbon, each with its own unique taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Missouri Whiskeys and Bourbons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Missouri Bourbon Whiskey<\/a> must meet federal standards for bourbon, plus be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in the state. The aging process takes place in Missouri white oak barrels, and the product can only be made with Missouri-grown corn. These standards marry the importance of agriculture in Missouri with its by-products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kansas City Whiskey<\/a> is an exclusive product made by J. Rieger & Co<\/a>., and it’s a special blend of straight bourbon whiskey, light corn whiskey and straight rye whiskey. A small dose of sherry is added, resulting in a well-balanced, smooth and slightly sweet taste. This particular creation was named “Best American Whiskey” at the ASCOT awards. These two, specially-made products are only a glance of what you’ll taste at a Missouri distillery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Missouri Distilleries To Visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In 2019, the Missouri Craft Distillers Guild<\/a> launched the “Missouri Spirits Expedition,” the official distillery trail<\/a> for the Show-Me State. This trail gives participants ages 21 and older the opportunity to collect stamps at participating distilleries and earn rewards along the way. This is a great way to enter into the distillery world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you visit one of these locations, see what tours are available. A behind-the-scenes look at how the local spirits are made will make your visit even more intriguing. This guide will feature three distilleries, then you can check out other locations by region. Be sure to check each distillery’s website for more information on tour times and availability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Learn about the history of bourbon-making at Holladay Distillery – a tradition that began in the mid-1800s.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Copper Mule Distillery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Copper Mule<\/a> is located near the quaint town of Hermann and has been in the owners’ family farm since 1908. Located right outside the city limits, visitors can schedule a tasting or tour on the beautiful bluffs of the former mule farm. All corn is sourced from the family’s century farm, and the bourbons are aged in Missouri white oak barrels. The aging process then takes two to six years. Their 1893 straight bourbon whiskey is a must-try when visiting. It is a smooth wheated bourbon, distilled and bottled in Hermann.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holladay Distillery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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This establishment is located in the historic town of Weston. Holladay Distillery <\/a>is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi River still operating in its original location. The heritage of this location goes back to 1856, and their reputation for quality products stems from the original recipe. The Holladay brothers started a legacy by using a pure limestone spring to make their bourbon. You won’t just taste bourbon here – you’ll experience it. Book a tour and see Real Missouri Bourbon being made, a tradition that runs 160 years deep. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Book a tour to see the bourbon-making process, or simply come to sip on spirits. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Missouri Ridge Distillery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Visit Missouri Ridge Distillery<\/a>, a family-owned, mom-and-pop business in Branson’s beautiful Ozark Mountains. Using limestone produced water, time-honored family recipes and high-quality ingredients, Missouri Ridge offers products with a fine aroma and flavor. This distillery is grain-to-bottle, and their whiskies, beers and moonshines have won multiple awards. When you visit, expect to stay for lunch or dinner. A full barbecue menu is available, and their slow-smoked, mouthwatering meats pair perfectly with Missouri Ridge’s Craft Beer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Missouri Distilleries to Taste and Tour by Region<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Northeast<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n