In the heart of Branson West in the Ozark Mountains, lies a well-preserved hidden gem of Missouri – Copper Run Distillery. Here, the bold and curious come to get their fill at Ozark’s finest moonshine and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ozark mountain scenery.

Things to Do in Branson West: Wine and Shine in the Mountains

Copper Run Distillery is best known for its small-batch spirits, including whiskey, moonshine, and rum. The distillery, whose origin is in Walnut Shade, currently sits on a stunning 5,000-square-foot building in Branson West. The buildings take advantage of the picturesque views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains.

Low-slung hills, spectacular lakes, and sprawling mountain scenery coupled with colorful foliage in the surrounding valleys, the Ozarks boast subtle beauty and breathtaking views during spring. In summer, the mountains and open fields bloom with wildflowers and trees leafing out. It’s a perfect destination for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and moonshine tasting.

A Must-Experience Distillery Adventure

Copper Run Distillery opened in 2009 in Walnut Shade before relocating to Branson West in November 2022. It is the first craft distillery to emerge from the Ozarks since Prohibition. Copper Run is also one of Missouri’s best distilleries for a moonshine tasting. Visitors are free to tour of the operations and experience the ‘still to glass’ experience at the distillery tasting room, which also features a bar serving a variety of cocktails and specialty drinks.

The distillery produces unaged whiskey from scratch, using the same skill that local craftsmen once used to distill corn and wheat back in the day. Another key ingredient is local limestone-infused water, which is suitable for making whiskey. They also use Missouri white oak barrels sourced from Lebanon, Missouri. The result is a more refined, smoother product (up to 70 to 80 percent alcohol content per bottle).

During your tour, you’ll be able to indulge yourself in the custom-made copper still and sip a broad range of handmade small-batch products Copper Run has to offer. Visitors are welcome to take seats inside the distillery tasting room, but you can also camp out on the porch to enjoy the stunning views of the Ozarks countryside.

Copper Run also offers a rotating “picnic basket” with local delicacies for those seeking culinary tours that combine food and beverage.

Copper Run Distillery Moonshine Tasting Tour

The distillery’s moonshine tasting room menu includes the following :

Small Batch Whiskey

Unleash your inner child with this young and charming spirit. Copper Run Small Batch Whiskey has subtle notes of vanilla and caramel fused with hints of sweet corn and mild spice. The palate ends with a subtle char taste, giving the whiskey a deep amber color.

Aroma: Balanced grain complexity with toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel.

Taste: Big oak up front, followed by toasted grain and dried fruit.

Finish: Clean, crisp spice, lingering toasted oak.

Ozark Mountain Moonshine

The award-winning Ozark Mountain Moonshine is a mash of 80% corn and 20% barley distilled using Missouri’s limestone-rich water. It has smooth hints of buttery corn and malted caramel that mingle with earthy notes. From the first sip to the magnificent last drop, every ounce of this moonshine is steeped in the rich history of the Ozarks.

Aroma: Sweet and earthy

Taste: Sweet, buttery Corn, malted caramel, earthy root

Finish: Slight bite with a little pepper

Overproof Ozark Mountain Moonshine

Copper Run Distillery had great success with the Ozark Mountain Moonshine. So they created a new category of whiskey experience – the Overproof Ozark Mountain Moonshine. It is distilled and blended from corn, wheat, and barley and has a heavy 120 proof strength. This moonshine captivates imbibers and takes them on a journey. A journey that starts with crisp aromas, moving into toasted fresh grain flavor. It intensifies into a warm, luscious sensation that ultimately subsides, leaving a mysterious glow.

Aroma: Fruity grain 

Taste: Sweet buttery corn, toasted wheat, with caramelized barley. 

Finish: Clean and rich granola, honey, cinnamon, and licorice.

Malted Barley Whiskey

The award-winning Copper Run Malted Barley Whiskey evokes a scotch-like flavor profile with hints of maple and caramelized fruit. It is crafted from 55% malted barley and 45% corn and aged for one year in heavily-charred Missouri White Oak barrels. The spirit is then blended with 1% port wine to give it delightful grade notes for a smooth, rich mouthfeel in every sip.

Aroma: Hints of oak and earth lacking the peat and bonus port

Taste: Sweet notes of caramelized barley with hints of dark malt and port

Finish: Slight bite, little earth, wood, and fire

Overproof White Rum

Inspired by Caribbean-style rums, Overproof White Rum is the real deal. Its distinct clarity and bold, 120 proof strength deliver a fruity aroma and an overtone of molasses. The flavorful and irresistible White Rum culminates in a sweet finish, making it an excellent choice for mixed drinks. You can also enjoy it neat for a more intense taste.

Aroma: Fruity, natural aroma accented by notes of molasses

Taste: Full

Finish: Flavorful and strong

Small Batch Gold Rum

Copper Run Small Batch Gold Rum goes through a robust distilling process, starting with a buttery rum made from brown sugar and blackstrap molasses. It is then aged in casks from France. Copper Run then imparts a rich and creamy character to the rum, creating exquisite flavors of vanilla, caramel, and creme brulee. 

Aroma: Sweet, warm caramel

Taste: Subtly sweet hints of vanilla, caramel, and creme brulee

Finish: Dry and slightly sweet

Sip and Soak Up the Incredible Beauty of the Ozarks

Copper Run Distillery distillery tour is one of the most fulfilling things to do in Missouri. A visit to Copper Run allows you to sip authentic moonshine tradition against the backdrop of breathtaking views of the Ozarks. Get ready to admire the rolling scenery and sip delicious whiskey in a lovely setting inspired by the mountains. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Copper Run Distillery open?

Copper Run Distillery public tours and moonshine tasting is open 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

What hotels are near Copper Run Distillery?

Branson West has some of the best hotels in Missouri. If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Branson West or where to stay near Copper Run Distillery, look at these hotels. 

• Bear Creek Lodge
• Shady Acre Inn & Suites
• Comfort Inn & Suites
•  America’s Best Campground
• Savannah House Hotel

Who owns Copper Run Distillery?

Keith Hock and Jason Iacobucci. Copper Run Distillery changed ownership in 2018. Keith Hock and Jason Iacobucci bought the business from co-founders Jim White and Jim Blansit.

Discover the Best Distillery Moonshine Tasting Tours Nearby

DistilleryNearby brings you all the best distilleries near Missouri, where you can visit to sip whisky right from the source. Browse our directory for unique moonshine from any location in the US that you can sample this spring.