Kansas City has always been a city of vibrant culture and rich history, and lately, there’s a particular buzz in the air. It’s not just a new trend; it’s a magnificent revival, an echo from a bygone era that’s stirring excitement across the metropolitan area. For the first time since the challenging days of Prohibition, something truly special is distilling once again in our beloved Kansas City. And if the fervent chatter among locals is any indication, everyone is absolutely “high-spirited” about it – and for good reason.
Kansas City whiskey has made an triumphant return, and it’s a story worth savoring, just like the spirit itself!
Allow me to be among the first to urge you: this is something you absolutely need to experience. After years of meticulous planning, dedication, and an enduring passion to resurrect a piece of Kansas City’s heritage, the inaugural bottles of J. Rieger & Co Kansas City Whiskey finally graced the shelves of local bars and stores last fall. Since then, they’ve been disappearing at an unprecedented rate. What makes this particular whiskey so compelling? Let me count the ways:
- A Taste of History: “O-So Good”. This isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a historical claim deeply rooted in the brand’s legacy. Back in the 1800s, when J. Rieger & Co. was a household name and one of the nation’s best-selling spirits, their labels proudly declared it “O-So Good.” Today, tasting this meticulously crafted whiskey, it’s clear that this sentiment remains utterly true. The smooth, complex profile truly lives up to its historic reputation.
- The Signature Sherry Finish: A Unique Twist. What truly sets Kansas City whiskey apart is its distinctive secret ingredient: a splash of fine Spanish sherry. Many, like myself, were unaware of this fascinating tradition, but pre-Prohibition, it was a common practice to blend a small amount of sherry into whiskey. The result? A perfectly balanced spirit that smooths out any harshness and introduces a subtle, sweet complexity that is undeniably delicious. This historical blending method has become so iconic that, legally, any sherry-blended whiskey produced in the region can now be classified as “Kansas City Whiskey.” It’s a remarkable homage to tradition and a truly cool differentiator.
- Homegrown Excellence: Crafted in Our Backyard. While technically a stone’s throw away in the vibrant, newly revitalized East Bottoms neighborhood, I proudly embrace J. Rieger & Co. as a neighbor. As someone who champions local businesses and community growth, witnessing such an enterprise flourish so close to home is incredibly inspiring. The East Bottoms, once an industrial hub, is now buzzing with new life, and the distillery stands as a shining beacon of this transformation.
- A Captivating Narrative: The Unfolding Story. The journey of J. Rieger & Co.’s resurrection is nothing short of epic. I’d heard fragmented tales of how the owner of my favorite speakeasy serendipitously unearthed the brand’s rich history. But it wasn’t until he and his business partner – a direct descendant of the original J. Rieger – were featured alongside me in the ShowMeKC series that I truly grasped the profound context. Our visit to the distillery last month for a tour left my friends and me absolutely mesmerized. The cool, often serendipitous details revealed the booming whiskey trade in 19th-century Kansas City, the devastating, far-reaching consequences of Prohibition, and the intricate, passionate work involved in reviving a century-old brand in the modern era. You can catch a brief 5-minuteShowMeKCclip about their journey. But trust me, if you ever find yourself in Kansas City, the distillery tour is an absolute must. It’s hands down the most fascinating history lesson you’ll ever experience!
Full disclosure: this isn’t a sponsored endorsement. This is simply a whiskey-loving, downtown-dwelling, small-business-supporting Kansas City food blogger enthusiastically shouting from the rooftops about something truly exciting, because, well, I have a blog and I can! This revival isn’t just about a drink; it’s about reclaiming a piece of Kansas City’s identity, celebrating craftsmanship, and fostering community spirit. It’s a testament to vision, perseverance, and the timeless appeal of a truly great whiskey.
And what else is exciting? This spectacular recipe for 5-Ingredient Whiskey Dark Chocolate Truffles! I first whipped up a few million of these luscious truffles back in March for the screening of my ownShowMeKCclip. They were such a hit that I’ve been refining and remaking them ever since. After countless requests from friends eager for the recipe, I’m thrilled to finally share this indulgent treat with you today!
