J. Rieger & Co.

The immersion into the atmosphere of old-school American manufacturing begins here, within the walls of the legendary J. Rieger & Co. Distillery. Located in Kansas City, this distillery is not just a factory, but a true monument to the industrial history of the USA. Founded back in the 19th century and revived decades after Prohibition, it combines the authenticity of the past with modern technologies for premium spirit production.

Today, it is a massive complex in the historic Electric Park district, occupying a beautifully restored 1901 building. J. Rieger & Co. became famous as the first legal distillery in the city since the Prohibition era, bringing back a unique category of spirits—Kansas City Whiskey. This destination attracts not only connoisseurs of fine spirits but also fans of architecture and history who want to see the whiskey-making process with their own eyes.

Visitors can expect a modern production facility spanning over 4,000 square meters, where tradition meets innovation. The distillery has become a vital cultural landmark in Missouri, offering guests a unique hospitality experience surrounded by copper stills and rows of oak barrels that hold the spirit of a bygone era.

To confirm details before your visit or to book private events, you can contact the distillery team directly. The staff is always happy to help guests choose the right tour or reserve a table at one of the bars.

A variety of activities await guests at the distillery, the highlight being the fascinating tours. During the tour, you can walk through the production floors, see the massive stills, and learn about the intricacies of the aging process. A visit to the rickhouses—the warehouses where the famous whiskey is born in barrels—is of particular interest. The journey concludes with a professional tasting, where you can sample Straight Rye Whiskey and unique sherry-blended expressions.

Foodies and those seeking quality relaxation should visit one of the four unique bars in the complex. Each has its own character: from cozy rooms with a classic atmosphere to modern spaces overlooking the production area. Signature cocktails inspired by the Rieger family's historical legacy are served here, and the local restaurant offers dishes perfectly designed to complement the spirits.

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop to purchase a bottle of exclusive whiskey or some original merch as a souvenir. For those who want to dive deeper into the art of mixology, the distillery often hosts masterclasses and themed events dedicated to cocktail culture and the history of Kansas City.

J. Rieger & Co. Distillery is located in the historic Electric Park district at 2700 Guinotte Ave. It is just a few minutes' drive from downtown, making it easily accessible for tourists. If you are planning to arrive by car, the most convenient routes are via I-70 or I-670. There is ample parking available on-site for visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, KCATA buses run from the city center. You should choose routes heading toward the East Bottoms district and then take a 10–15 minute walk from the nearest stop on Guinotte Ave. If you value comfort and speed, a taxi or services like Uber/Lyft are the optimal choice — the ride from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) takes approximately 20–25 minutes.

Outdoor enthusiasts can reach the distillery by bicycle from the nearby Northeast Kansas City neighborhoods. The industrial streets of the area have a specific charm and are quite suitable for cycling, offering tourists a look at less obvious but very atmospheric corners of the city.

The history of this famous enterprise began in 1887, when Austro-Hungarian immigrant Jacob Rieger founded the distillery in the West Bottoms district. At the time, the area was known as "the wettest block in the world" due to its incredible concentration of drinking establishments. By the 1890s, under the leadership of the founder’s son, Alexander, the company grew into the largest mail-order whiskey house in the USA, serving a quarter of a million customers under the motto "O! So Good!".

The brand's golden age was interrupted by Prohibition in 1919. The business was forced to close, and its buildings eventually disappeared from the city map. The only reminder of its former greatness was the Rieger Hotel and a vintage Monogram Whiskey advertisement preserved on its wall. It was this mural that inspired contemporaries to bring the legend back after nearly a century of oblivion.

In 2014, Andy Rieger, the great-great-great-grandson of the founder, and bartender Ryan Maybee revived the family business. Joining forces with legendary Master Distiller Dave Pickerell, they didn't just open a production facility; they restored historic recipes. Today, the reimagined J. Rieger & Co. Distillery occupies a majestic 1901 building that once served as a bottling plant for another famous company, returning historical luster to the Electric Park district.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and learn all the secrets of production, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. A standard tour followed by a tasting usually takes about an hour, while the remaining time is perfect for browsing the historical exhibits in the hospitality center and visiting the gift shop.

If you plan to spend the evening in one of the concept bars or have dinner at the local restaurant, you should add an extra 1.5–2 hours to your schedule. The distillery space is so multifaceted that you could easily spend half a day here, moving from historical exploration to tasting signature cocktails in an industrial interior.

The doors of J. Rieger & Co. Distillery are open to visitors daily, though operating hours vary depending on the day of the week. At the beginning of the week, the establishment operates at a more relaxed pace, while from Wednesday to Saturday, the bars and restaurant welcome guests until late in the evening.

Approximate Operating Hours:\n

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• Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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• Wednesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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After tasting fine spirits, it's worth taking some time to explore the surroundings, as Kansas City offers many options for active and family recreation. The distillery's location provides easy access to the region's main amusement parks and leisure areas.

Exploring nearby locations will help make your trip even more fulfilling: from breathtaking roller coasters to peaceful boat rides, there is something for everyone here.