History Restless Spirits Distilling is described as the first Irish-American distillery in the heart of the USA and as a brand driven by a restless spirit. Inspiration comes from the ancestors, and they believe that luck for the Irish is best when it is self-made. Michael Shannon is a fifth-generation Kansas City-born with Irish ancestry, and his ancestors came to America from Ireland in 1853. The family has been in Kansas City since 1890. Mike is an experienced brand and product development expert and has worked with brands such as Bic, Newell Rubbermaid, H&R Block and Avery-Dennison. He has international experience and has facilitated import of products to the American market from the UK and Ireland. The heritage is the cornerstone of the brands and stories that make up the Restless Spirits family of spirits.

Production/Manufacturing Restless Spirits produces handmade spirits with clear references to Irish-American heritage. Builders Heritage Dry Gin has subtle salty notes and pairs especially well with a classic Martini or a Gin & Tonic. Heritage Dry Gin is a bold alternative to traditional Old World gins. Builders Botanical Gin has lavender, citrus and herbal flavor notes and can be enjoyed even if you aren't normally a gin lover – there are layers of character in the heart of the Midwest. Additionally Cinnamon Stone Breaker offers a cinnamon-infused whiskey without artificial flavors, where two different types of cinnamon sticks are infused into Stone Breaker Whiskey, giving a slightly warm finish. Their spirits are available in Missouri and Kansas, and they are happy to say where you can find them – via Product Locator/Find Spirits Near You. The distillery also offers distillation production space tours, tastings and cocktail classes in connection with events.

Distillation and Experiences

Distillery Production Space Tours: 5 USD per person (30-minute guided tour). Distillery Production Space Tour & Tasting: 15 USD per person (60-minute guided tour with tasting of five of the main products). Spirit Tasting: 10 USD per person (30-minute tasting of the main products; premium liqueurs add 4 USD). Cocktail Class: 30 USD per person (2 hours with the story behind the spirits and concrete cocktails).

Products/Whiskey Series Gullytown Whiskey – Kansas City's first single malt whiskey, aged in two different casks (new charred oak and oak bourbon cask). Notes of maple and dark cherry, a smoky, buttery malt and a finish with hints of vanilla. Sons of Erin 15-yr Irish Whiskey – aged 15 years in bourbon barrels and finished in apple brandy casks. Nose notes of green apple and honey, a pot still character and a long finish with green apple notes. Sons of Erin Irish Whiskey – a four-year-old Irish whiskey made in collaboration with Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk. Sweet and light on the palate; Erin Go Bragh. Stone Breaker Blended Whiskey – a blend of four-year finished imported Irish whiskey and Restless Spirits’ own malted whiskey, double-distilled in traditional pot stills. A characterful whiskey with the Heartland at its heart and the message that character runs deep. Cinnamon Stone Breaker – cinnamon-infused whiskey with natural cinnamon sticks and no artificial flavors; a warm finish with a back-end kick.

Visits/Experiences Distillery Tasting Room and private events Restless Spirits offers an intimate, turnkey experience for private events in Kansas City. The Tasting Room accommodates up to 65–70 seated and up to 100 standing guests, with the possibility of exclusive use for groups of 40+. Bar service and cocktail packages include CASH BAR, OPEN BAR and TICKETED BAR with individual drink packages. Batched Cocktails are offered and at least two to four selected cocktails for the event menu. There is also the option for distillery production space tours, tastings and cocktail classes as add-ons. All groups of 20 or more must pre-order; groups of 40+ will have exclusive access and private events.

Philosophy Inspired by forefathers, Restless Spirits believes that the luck of the Irish is best when it is self-made. They emphasize a restless approach and present the first Irish-American distillery in the heart of the USA. Their products forge a strong connection between Irish heritage and American craftsmanship, and they describe that character runs deep in the Heartland.