Uncovering the Hidden Gems: A Decade of Kansas City Whiskey Revival

If you ask the average person about Kansas City whiskey, chances are they won’t have a clue about its existence. But little do they know that its roots date back to the late 1800s. Let’s take a journey through time, starting with the founding of J. Rieger & Co. distillery in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1887.

During the early 1900s, business was booming for J. Rieger & Co., thanks to a thriving mail order service that shipped their whiskeys nationwide. However, their success came to an abrupt halt when Prohibition came into effect in 1920, causing the distillery, along with numerous others, to fade into oblivion.

Fast forward about 90 years, and we meet Ryan Maybee, a sommelier, bartender, and restaurateur, who becomes a central figure in the modern history of KC whiskey. His bar, the beloved Manifesto, was located in the Rieger Hotel, which was originally built and briefly owned by the Rieger family. This connection sparked Maybee’s curiosity, leading him to research the Rieger distillery and ultimately revive it.

Enlisting the help of the only living Rieger with the family name, and with the guidance of the late Dave Pickerell, renowned for his work with distilleries like Maker’s Mark and WhistlePig, the distillery officially reopened its doors in 2014. Under the expert eye of head distiller Nathan Perry, they produced the first whiskey distilled in Kansas City in almost a century by the following year.

The revival continued its steady progress, with Rieger’s bottled-in-bond rye making its debut in 2021, closely followed by a bonded bourbon in 2022. Kansas City whiskey had once again emerged onto the scene, marking its official comeback after a century of absence.

Now, let’s focus on the star of the show – the second batch of Rieger’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond. This whiskey boasts a high-rye mashbill, consisting of 56% corn, 30% rye, and 14% malted barley. Pot-distilled and aged for an impressive six years in American white oak barrels, it exudes a unique flavor profile that captivates the senses.

On the first sip, you may find it a touch fiery and somewhat lightweight, almost as though the six years of aging weren’t quite enough or, perhaps, too much. However, with each subsequent taste, the whiskey’s true character begins to shine through. Delightful notes of chocolate-covered cherries dominate the palate, while the initial heat transforms into a pleasant oaky tingle. Rich hints of caramel and butterscotch become increasingly apparent, leaving you craving another sip.

The best part? This remarkable whiskey comes at a relatively affordable price point of $60 per bottle. And if the bourbon is any indication, Rieger’s upcoming bottled-in-bond rye, set to hit the shelves soon, promises to be another outstanding addition to their collection.

Kansas City whiskey has made an unforgettable comeback, showcasing its long-hidden potential. So, whether you’re a skeptic or a devout fan, it’s time to raise a glass and celebrate the revival of this historic drink. Cheers to the enchanting flavors of Kansas City whiskey!