History

Pinckney Bend Distillery is located in New Haven, Missouri, by the Missouri River. According to legend, three friends from different backgrounds started their project and founded Artisan Spirits LLC, which operates Pinckney Bend Distillery. They received a Distilled Spirits Permit in October 2011. The first product was Pinckney Bend American Gin; in April 2012 the gin was awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and in June 2012 the distillery secured a Missouri distributor. The Tasting Room was launched in August 2013 with Vodka and Corn Whiskey later.

Over the years Pinckney Bend has won several international awards. Rested American Whiskey won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2014, and the London IWSC awarded Rested American Whiskey silver and American Gin bronze in 2014. They have also received medals for Hibiscus Gin (silver at SF 2017) and Vodka (Wine Enthusiast 94 points in 2018).

In 2014 there were updates shared about the Heirloom Corn Project; corn variety selection and cultivation were focused on, and there was investment in larger production with a 320-gallon pot still as well as development of Dunnage House. Special Editions and finish variants such as Port Cask Finish, Sherry Cask Finish, Stout Cask Finish and Zinfandel Cask Finish were launched as part of limited releases. Their history ties Pinckney Bend's buildings to the Missouri River and the Lewis & Clark era, and the goal is to produce premium, hand-crafted spirits in small batches.

Production and Craft

Pinckney Bend produces spirits in small batches using pot stills. In 2015 a new 320-gallon pot still arrived, used as the primary stripping still, while finishing continues on the smaller still in the tasting room. Prior to that they had a 60-gallon still. Production is located in New Haven, MO, close to the Missouri River, and barrel-aging takes place in Missouri White Oak barrels, typically in small 15-gallon casks for Rested American Whiskey. Barrels and oak come from local sources such as McGinnis Cooperage. Emphasis is placed on MAIZ composition and the Heirloom Corn project, where old-time varieties such as Tennessee Red Cob, Pencil Cob and Hickory Cane are included. The customer base also gains access to several finish variants such as Port Cask Finish, Sherry Cask Finish, Stout Cask Finish and Zinfandel Cask Finish.

Products and Whisky Series

Core Spirits include: - American Gin - Hibiscus Gin - Navy Strength Gin - Cask Finished Gin - American Vodka - American Corn Whiskey - Rested American Whiskey - Apple Ambush - Classic Tonic Syrup

In addition, there are finish variants and limited releases: - Port Cask Finish - Sherry Cask Finish - Stout Cask Finish - Zinfandel Cask Finish - Rye & Rested American Whiskey (Limited Release, 2014) - Heirloom Whiskeys from corn varieties

Visits and Experiences

Pinckney Bend offers a range of experiences, including a Signature Working Tour – a one-hour in-depth experience with full flight tasting, access to often-closed areas, and a tasting straight from a barrel. The tour is offered Monday through Friday with times of 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. In addition, they offer Blend Your Own Workshops (2 hours) in 2026 for both whiskey and gin. Tasting Room and gift shop are on-site, and they offer Ready-To-Drink Cocktails (Canned Cocktails) including The Gincident and HibHound. There are also special events such as Downtown Handmade Holiday Market and Anniversary Block Party.

Philosophy and Community

Pinckney Bend describes itself with the motto Do Good. Drink Well., and emphasizes local craftsmanship, history and community. The Grow With Us poster program makes it possible to support building and expansion projects such as Dunnage House, and posters become part of a mural in the tasting room. The history and production reflect a connection between Missouri architecture, river history and small-batch craft, where quality, local raw materials and authenticity are in focus. They also place emphasis on clean and safe production as well as support for the community and goodwill, e.g., through donations and local partnerships.