Missouri is well known for its glamorous nightlife, plus a deep tradition for live music and jazz culture. For instance, the state was famous in the 1920s due to the Vaudeville performances. Combine the active nightlife plus modern brewing practices, and you have a thriving brewing scene, which gave birth to the Missouri spirits expedition.

Distillers officially launched the expedition on the 24th of May 2019 to showcase the state’s distilling prowess and attract tourists. This post is the ultimate guide on the best distillery tours you can go on while on the expedition and more.

Tom’s Town Distilling Co.

Here is a distiller that takes the 1920s prohibition-era vibes and brings them to the modern age. Toms Town distilling is named after Tom Pendergrast, a local politician who refused to follow the prohibition laws and made Kansas into the “Paris of the Plains.” Mr. Pendegrast set up a liquor company and a saloon. When the police arrested him, his only defense was, “people are thirsty.”

Today, Toms Town distilling honors the fearless politician with their spirits, serving soothing cocktails inside their 1920s-themed restaurant and tasting room. The distillery is open daily, though you can call ahead to know when they offer tours.

• Location: 1701 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108.
• Phone: (816)-541-2400

Still 630 Distillery

Located in Downtown Saint Louis, Still 630 prides itself in producing excellent handcrafted spirits. The company primarily uses locally sourced organic ingredients to make its spirits. In addition, they constantly try out new distillation formulas. 

For example, instead of following the standard distillation process, Still 630 uses the older double distillation method to capture various tastes. The company also takes lots of time to prepare their spirits and ages them in different hardwood barrels. Still 630 profoundly believes it’s the number one distillery globally due to its extensive processes.

Tours are offered on Saturdays from 12 pm to 3 pm, and there’s a limit of only ten people a tour, so you’ll have to book in advance.

• Location: 1000 S 4th ST, ST Louis, MO 63104
• Phone: (314) 513-2275

Restless Spirits Distilling Company

Restless Spirits has a wide variety of premium-level products that include; artisanal vodkas, botanical infused gins, and Irish-style whiskeys.

The company does everything on-site, and it offers regular tours (Saturdays from 3 pm to 7 pm) so people can learn how some of their favorite drinks are made. The distillery only allows a few people at a time, making the tour more intimate and informative.

• Location: 109 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116
• Phone: (816) 492-6868

Naked Spirits Distillery

Ranked by connoisseurs as one of the top distilleries in St. Louis, Naked Spirits mainly produces small-batch vodka and rum. Most of Missouri’s local distilleries and small breweries shy away from making rum, leaving a gap that Naked Spirits aims to fill. The companies use American-sourced sugarcane to produce their variety of rum drinks.

You must make an appointment on Saturday or Friday to get a tour. After the visit, you’ll get two cocktails and taste their numerous spirits.

• Location: 1002 Hanley Industrial Ct, ST. Louis, MO 63144
• Phone: (314) 858-6722

Mean Mule Distilling Co. 

Here is a distillery that specializes in making agave spirits. Mean Mule has a fascinating history about its start. Locals say that the first owners of the company had a secret production facility hidden underground on their farm. They then bought a mean mule and let it stand on top of where the equipment was. Therefore, when authorities came looking for illegal stills, the mule would give them a hard time, thus hiding their secret.

The distillery has dramatically expanded and even built a large tasting room where visitors can sample cocktails and other products.

• Location: 1733 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64108
• Phone: (816) 514-1537

Switchgrass Spirits 

Switchgrass is famous for producing high-quality brandy and whiskey. The company began operations in 2016, intending to set up a craft distillery that would produce unique products, and they indeed have. After opening, the company spent the next three years perfecting its alcohol production processes. Eventually, they released their first drink on February 2020, and since then, Switchgrass has been putting out a variety of whiskies and brandies.

The distillery offers regular tours, though you must book in advance. After the tour, you will sample all their products and get a 10% discount on any purchases at their premises.

• Location: 6100 Idadale Ave, St. Louis, MO 63133
• Phone: (314) 203- 6539

Lifted spirits

Lifted spirits gives you that classy old-school vibe as it’s located in a warehouse built in the early 1800s. The distillery primarily makes vodka and gin, but they also have an assortment of other spirits you can choose from, all made on sight. While touring, you will notice their factory’s interior has a rustic, somewhat vintage atmosphere. 

The company is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, though we recommend calling to see when to go for tours.

• Location: 1734 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64108
• Phone: (816)-866-1734

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of MSE?

The acronym stands for Missouri Spirits Expedition and covers the entire state’s distilleries.

2. Should I buy a bottle at every distiller to get a stamp?

You’re not required to buy anything; you only need to take the tours, sample their products, and enjoy the experience.

3. After earning a voucher, must I spend it in the distillery I earned it?

You can use your vouchers in all distilleries participating in the Missouri spirit trail.

4. Is there a time restriction for when I should finish the whole expedition?

Since distilleries offer tours at varying hours, there can’t be a specific time for you to finish the expedition. So, feel free to move at your own pace. We recommend making tour bookings in advance.

5. What distilleries offer the best tours on the Missouri spirits expedition?

That will largely depend on the distilleries you visit and your personal experience. However, most distilleries put much effort into ensuring their tours are informative and exciting.

Other things to do in Missouri 

After completing the trail, you can visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, STL Zoo, the Gateway Arch, and Busch Stadium.

Conclusion 

If you’re a connoisseur or a lover of handcrafted spirits, you should participate in the Missouri Spirits expedition. Remember to have fun while at it, and don’t drink too much. You can also visit DistilleryNearby to get more information about other whiskey tours and expeditions in the country and learn more about your favorite drinks.