While the foodie scene in St. Louis remains as lively as ever, locally owned distillers, breweries, and distributors like Grafted Wine Co. add to communal connections over food and drink. From grain to glass, these artisans are reviving a centuries-old craft with a distinctly modern twist, giving bourbon aficionados far and wide an authentic taste of homegrown spirit.
Experience true innovation from Bare Wood Spirits, where every bottle is different. Instead of distilling, founders Jonas Buxton and Mike Reed have created a patented bottle design containing selected pieces of wood placed inside the bottles that transform the bourbon, tequila, or vodka, into a totally unexpected, smooth sip. "We source barrel picks from distilleries all over the nation. These picks may be split into 50 bottles of oak wood, 50 of maple wood, cherry wood, Amarin wood, it goes on – so no two bottles will be alike," Jonas said. Their patented bottling design ages spirits right in the bottle. When the gold foil tab is peeled off the top of the bottle, the wooden rod running through the cork is exposed to the air, allowing the spirit to breathe through the wood, just like it would if it were in a barrel. Over time, these wooden rods gradually infuse the spirit with flavors reminiscent of traditional barrel aging, influencing the liquid's color and aroma. The result is a wide range of extremely unique spirits, otherwise unattainable with conventional methods. Other "wood in the bottle" processes do not replicate the exact interaction within a large wooden barrel due to the lack of access to oxygen. Experiment with various wood types, toasting levels, aging durations, and flavor profiles in a controlled manner by visiting barewoodspirits.com.
Produced in a renovated 1950s dairy barn on the family’s farm, Blacksmith Distillery creates handcrafted, small-batch spirits from the heartland that are good for the soul. Through family recipes handed down through generations, Blacksmith provides an exceptional homegrown taste across Missouri. Their spirits feature award-winning corn whiskey, bourbon, apple pie whiskey, and more modern inspirations like limestone-filtered vodka and unique botanical gin. blacksmithartisanalspirits.com
Stone Ledge Distillery, located in Defiance, Missouri, produces Ozark Highlands-certified Stowloch Whiskey. Stowloch uses limestone-filtered water, all-natural heirloom seed ingredients, extra-long fermentation, Missouri White Oak barrels, and is gluten-free and kosher certified. The Stone Ledge tasting room is currently under construction in Defiance, MO, in what was the original 1893 saloon. Come join us for our grand opening date of Halloween. StoneLedgeDistillery.com.
MB Roland Distillery is entirely “grain to glass,” using local white corn to produce distinctive, full-flavored bourbon that is bottled and barrel-proof in a pre-prohibition style. Each hand-labeled batch can range from a blend of 5-10 barrels. Known for unique single-barrel bourbons, uncut and unfiltered, MB Roland also crafts a spicier malt whiskey combining white corn and rye for a bold twist on tradition. mbroland.com
Switchgrass Spirits, established in 2016, is the result of people coming together to create something bigger than themselves. It is a worker-owned craft distillery based in Wellston, MO, focused on producing high-quality whiskey and brandy. With a nod to the resilient switchgrass of the Midwest prairies, they use only Midwestern labor and ingredients and offer a variety of whiskies, fruit brandies, and collaborative experiments. switchgrassspirits.com.
After reading about these fantastic distilleries, Steve Hodges and Marc Murry, owners of Craft & Puro Cigars, have the perfect cigar to pair with your spirit of choice. With tobacco imported from Nicaragua making for the perfect cigar, Craft & Puro offers aficionados full-spectrum cigars with fun names such as "The Cyclops," "The Hooligan," "The Reaper," and "The Spooky." Their cigars can be purchased in retail outlets like Gran Crü Cigars in Soulard, Charles P Stanley Cigar Company, Ash Cigar & Bar Lounge, and in the speakeasy at Big Chief in Wildwood. Along with distributing their cigars around town, Steve and Marc have a spirited podcast with weekly episodes. "We talk about whiskey, bourbons, and spirits while also trying to put a couple of good cigars in there," Steve said. Their podcast, "Craft & Puro," can be found on Spotify. They also have a Patreon that features the inside scoop on all things tobacco and spirits related. Follow Craft & Puro Cigars on socials and online at craftandpuro.com
Whiskey lovers will appreciate the selection of iconic brands like 'Buffalo Trace' and 'Wild Turkey,' at The Brothers Beer & Bourbon House. Brothers Danny, Jeff Gustafson, and Bob Sears are the owners who created this unique experience for bourbon and beer lovers. Specializing in small-batch bourbons and craft brews, when guests stop in for a drink, they stay for the experience. This shop is more than just a store or a bar. It's a gathering spot where you can grab a bite and listen to the guys talk about a master distiller's latest bourbon release.
The Brothers Beer and Bourbon House team is Cicerone certified. In the world of beer, the Cicerone® Certification Program is the industry standard for identifying those with the knowledge and skills to select and serve beer—but with 75% less pretentiousness. Anyone can pull a tap, but it’s a whole different experience to get great beer from a server who really knows beer flavors and styles.
From grain to glass, these local artisans are reviving a centuries-old craft with a distinctly modern twist, giving bourbon aficionados far and wide an authentic taste of homegrown Midwest spirit.