History

Rockin’A Distillery was founded by Kevin Attebery, who left commodity trading and moved from Chicago to Missouri in 2012 to pursue his passion for quality wines and spirits. Located in Creighton, they work to turn the best local grain into MO Shine, a corn-based whiskey produced in small batches with a 100% grain-based mash. Kevin and his family and friends supported the project, and Rockin’A focuses on controlling the entire process from grain to bottle – from sourcing raw materials to maturation and finally distillation and bottling. The motto 'Give Me MO!' reflects the ambition to create something local and unique. Rockin’A emphasizes local grain and locally finished work, and the grain comes from Missouri farms to support the local economy and sustainable farming.

Production and Craft

Rockin’A produces MO Shine as a corn whiskey, produced in small batches with a 100% grain mash. The first distillation leaves low wines in a traditional pall-head-still, while the spirit run (second distillation) is performed with a rocket reflux-head. The still is heated directly and the process emphasizes craftsmanship and quality over mass production. Apparently, all older spirits are stored in Missouri white oak barrels from a local cooperage. They also mention plans for premium brandy and grappa.

Production in 2023 and Beyond

In 2023, Rockin’A announced that their original 35-gallon pot still would be replaced with a new 300-gallon whiskey system to support future production of their MO Shine and an heirloom version (grain grown by their own farmer Trent Smith Farms) as well as Missouri Bourbon. The transition is expected to take time, and there is optimism for the future and continued development of their production and products.

Products and Whisky Offerings

Rockin’A produces Rockin’A MO Shine, a Missouri corn whiskey, made in small batches with a 100% grain mash. MO Shine is double distilled in a handmade copper pot still, where the first distillation creates low wines and the second distillation is performed as a spirit run with a focus on quality. They emphasize that every step in the process—from grain to bottle—is controlled by them, and they also plan premium brandy and grappa as well as a Missouri Bourbon in the future. MO Shine is produced from locally sourced Missouri grains, and two important facts in the fun facts are that it is produced according to government standards for corn whiskey (at least 80% corn and no added sugar), and that all fermentable sugars are produced in-house from the starch in the milled grain.

Visits & Experiences

Rockin’A communicates that they follow their activities via Facebook for updates on offerings, events, and hours. In earlier years, they were working on a temporary tasting room on Main Street, and in 2018 the tasting room was expanded. There are plans to open a temporary tasting building in the spring of 2019, and open information about events and customer relations is shared through their networks and contact points. There is also a focus on visits and tastings as part of the experience at the distillery and shop.

Philosophy

Rockin’A emphasizes quality over mass production and requires craft at every step of the process: sourcing local raw materials, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, barreling, and finally bottling. They claim that the best spirits come from the best ingredients, and therefore production is conducted in collaboration with local Missouri farms to support the local economy and sustainable farming. Their approach highlights small batches and manual craftsmanship as essential to achieving high quality in a world dominated by computer-controlled mass-produced products.