Nearly 200 years have passed since Adolphus Busch immigrated to St. Louis and married Lilly Anheuser. Within two decades, Anheuser-Busch was an American icon. Today, Billy Busch continues the brewing tradition. “I’ve always worked in hospitality, and I decided to pivot,” Billy says, “having our brewery in St. Charles County is more sustainable than contract brewing.”
If anyone knows how to entertain, it’s Billy Busch. Busch Family Brewing & Distilling embodies both hospitality and the grain-to-glass tradition the world expects from the name.
Set on 150 acres in Defiance, Busch Family Brewing & Distilling feels like home. Founded in 2021 by Billy Busch, great-grandson of Adolphus and Lilly, and author of Family Reins: The Extraordinary Rise and Epic Fall of an American Dynasty, the brewery blends rustic charm with modern craft.
“It’s a beautiful atmosphere,” Billy states, “you’re out here in nature with great food and beer.”
Many look at Busch Family Brewing & Distilling as the perfect place to relax. Special events fill the calendar. Farmer’s markets are Sundays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in summer. Rodeos run July through October; the next one is Saturday, Oct. 4, featuring barrel racing, bronco riding, Western entertainers and activities for children. Busch + Boots music festivals highlight four rising country artists from St. Louis, Nashville and Texas, scheduled the second Saturday of each month. Doors open at 4 p.m., music begins at 5 p.m., and the stage stays alive until 10 p.m.
Schlachtfest, held annually, is the Busch family’s Oktoberfest. “Growing up, Mom and Dad hosted Schlachtfest on our farm in St. Peters,” Billy recalls. “Every artisan brought food, drinks and crafts. I wanted to continue that tradition. We’ll have pretzels, sausage, pumpkin beer and a bonfire.”
Autumn at the brewery features a corn maze and pumpkin patch. This year, Schlachtfest is Nov. 1.
During November and December, the farm is dressed for Christmas, with Santa crossing the lake by lantern light. Christmas beer debuts, soups join the menu and fire kettles glow, warming visitors with s’mores.
The menu is focused and consistently excellent. “We use only high-quality meats,” Billy says. “The hamburger and fries are my favorite.” Those burgers appparently also are super popular with guests, too. Other food options are pretzels, nachos, chicken tenders, brisket, brats and salads. Desserts include housemade treats and Zia’s frozen ice.
An oasis of hospitality, Busch Family Brewing & Distilling is warm and inviting. A gleaming brewhouse showcases beer as science and art. The working farm features a stage, a porch for relaxed dining and animals, including Clydesdales, Texas Longhorns, alpacas and a miniature Highland cow.