If you’re looking for a fun, new activity, Kansas City has a fine selection of craft beers made by locals who have years upon years of experience. We’re also ahead of the game when it comes to distilleries with some local ones dating back to the 1850s!
Though you can enjoy these offerings all year long, there’s something particularly enticing about the crisp, cool air, football season, and an ice-cold beer or fancy cocktail! Whether you’re looking for a fun, new activity, or if you’re searching for a new favorite local drink, take a look at our list of the best breweries and distilleries that you absolutely must tour in KC!
Breweries
Boulevard Brewing Co.
This brewery making our list probably comes as no shock to you considering it’s one of KC’s largest and oldest breweries. Boulevard Brewing Company has been up and running since November of 1989, founded by John McDonald. McDonald was inspired to create a brewery from the ground up after sipping aromatic Belgian beers while vacationing in Europe. Located on Southwest Boulevard, Boulevard Brewing Company offers free public tours, offering guests free samples seven days a week! Whether you’re sipping (or chugging) one of their popular pale ales, a beer from their smokestack series, or something seasonal, they have a flavor for everyone. They also announced a major expansion just a couple of months ago – a new 24,000 sq. ft. canning line – so expect to see more of them soon!
Cinder Block Brewery
Located on E. 18th Ave., Cinder Block Brewery was founded in 2013, making it one of the newer breweries in our beautiful city. Equipped with a taproom, Cinder Block Brewery offers beers ranging from light and crisp to tart and sweet. The taproom is complete with free WiFi, games and bar snacks, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends and family! They offer brewery tours on Saturdays and even host events in their taproom.
Kansas City Bier Company
Are you a fan of German beer? Kansas City Bier Company was founded in 2013 by Steve Holle who studied abroad in Germany. Inspired by the rich flavors and freshness of ales and lagers in Germany, guests who visit Kansas City Bier Company will experience the authentic taste of German biers that are made with imported hops and malts. While we can’t properly pronounce each bier on their menu, we can promise they’re delicious! Visit their tasting room to sample their authentic brews and indulge in German snacks like Bavarian pretzels and Weisswurst (say that 10 times fast!).
Torn Label Brewing Company
Founded by beer lovers, Torn Label Brewing Company puts an emphasis on American craft beer while still offering Belgian and German beers. With some fun names for their brews – Tonguelash, Cosmic Cowboy, Magic Magic, etc. – Torn Label Brewing Company is a must-see brewery in the heart of The Crossroads Arts District!
Distilleries
Holladay Distillery
Did you know that Holladay Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in the country? Founded over 160 years ago, Holladay Distillery founder Benjamin Holladay, produced the first-ever bourbon after the limestone spring. History buffs will love touring the distillery, admiring some of the properties’ original structures and the limestone spring discovered by Lewis and Clark back in 1804! Although technically located outside of KC in Weston, MO, we still had to include this historic distillery in our list!
Rieger & Company
Founded in 1887, J. Rieger & Company faced a tough time during prohibition in the year 1920. Originally located in the West Bottoms Livestock Exchange District, they served over 250,000 customers because of a mail-order delivery service. J. Rieger & Company wasn’t opened again until fall of 2014, now located in the East Bottoms District on Guinotte Avenue. Because their distillery is not climate controlled, tours are only offered during cooler months, so request a tour this fall and experience their award-winning cocktails!
Tom’s Town Distilling Company
Located in the Crossroads Arts District, Tom’s Town was the first legal distillery since prohibition in Kansas City. Inspired by Kansas City’s own Tom Pendergast, a corrupt and polarizing politician, Tom’s Towns’ name has quite the history! History buffs will love touring the distillery and stepping back in time in their 1920s style tasting room. From Gin to Vodka, Tom’s Town has spirits sure to please every palate!
Union Horse Distilling Company
Union Horse Distilling Company is a family owned and operated distillery specializing in handcrafted spirits. From milling to bottling, everything is done onsite; some bottles are even signed by the company’s co-founder, Patrick Garcia! Their signature spirits include Bourbon, Rye and White Whiskey as well as Vodka. Tour their distillery or enjoy a delicious, hand-crafted cocktail infused with their signature spirits.
If you’re craving a cold one just by reading about local brews and spirits, it’s time for you to plan a brewery or distillery tour! Brewery and distillery tours are perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, a romantic date, or any other special occasion (or not so special occasion). When you book special event transportation through Overland, you’ll have peace-of-mind knowing we’ll get you to and from breweries and distilleries safely so you can fully enjoy your excursion! Have a large group? We also offer group transportation for groups of 10 or more. Call us at (800) 575-4845 or book online today!
Are you more of a wine connoisseur? Take a look at our list of Kansas City wineries you must tour. Cheers to living in such a historic city full of award-winning beer, spirits and wine!