What started as a family conversation about opening a brewery eventually led to something different: a craft whiskey distillery.
The idea for Union Horse Distilling Co. began taking shape after the family visited a craft distillery while traveling. Seeing the process firsthand sparked an interest that would eventually bring the family together to build a distillery in Lenexa.
“At the time, craft distilling was still relatively young in the Midwest, and we saw an opportunity to do something distinctive right here at home,” the family said.
Union Horse was founded in 2010 with a commitment to making its spirits from start to finish. As a grain-to-glass distillery, the process happens in-house, from milling and mashing to fermentation, distillation, barreling and bottling.
“Being grain-to-glass gives us an incredible amount of control over the character and quality of our whiskey,” the family said. “We’re able to make decisions throughout the process based on what we’re tasting and experiencing rather than simply following a formula.”
The Midwest also plays a role in what ends up in the bottle. Union Horse uses Midwest-sourced grains, while Kansas City’s hot summers, cold winters and changing temperatures influence the aging process inside the barrels.
The family has spent more than a decade building Union Horse while remaining independently owned and rooted in Kansas City.
“One of the biggest challenges has simply been having the patience and persistence that building a whiskey distillery requires,” they said. “There aren’t many shortcuts in this business.”
Today, visitors can experience the distillery through tours, tastings, cocktails and monthly Distillery Socials featuring whiskey flights, local food and time with the Union Horse team.
“We want people to experience Union Horse beyond what’s in the bottle,” they said. “More than anything, we want people to feel a connection to Union Horse, our family and the Kansas City community we’re proud to call home.”
we want people to feel a connection to Union Horse, our family and the Kansas City community