History

Union Horse Distilling Co. is a family-owned, award-winning distillery in Kansas City. In 2010, Union Horse was founded with the idea of bringing something special and unique to the hometown, something that hadn't been done since Prohibition. The company lives by a fighting spirit and a decision to meet opposition with perseverance, described as part of their identity. They are described as the driving force behind a grain-to-glass approach and as a company where everything happens in-house and by hand – from milling grain to aging and bottling. Each product balances craftsmanship and a dedication to quality and the continual development of the process. Master Distiller and co-founder Patrick Garcia signs and numbers each bottle. The message throughout the history is a commitment to the Midwest and a willingness to continue innovating and expanding their expression. Visits and experiences such as distillery tours and distillery socials are part of the company's offerings, as is a wide range of spirits specified in their products. Their philosophy highlights the core of the grain-to-glass process and the drive for craftsmanship and family as the engine.

Production

Union Horse uses a grain-to-glass approach where nothing leaves the house until it is finished. Everything takes place in-house and by hand, from milling grain to aging and bottling. The production involves copper pot stills and often small batches, emphasizing craftsmanship and control. Rivalist American Single Malt Whiskey is produced from 100 percent malted barley using three types of barley and aged in new charred oak barrels and is 48 percent ABV and not chill-filtered. Several of the products bear hand-numbering and the signature of Master Distiller Patrick Garcia. Chester Copperpot is described as the distillery's workhorse on BIB Reserve Straight Bourbon, which is distilled and bottled in bond and aged six years. There is also emphasis on variations such as double-distilled variants such as Long Shot White and other expressions in the series. The products are highlighted as small batches and often with detailed notes and awards.

Products / Whisky Series

Rivalist American Single Malt Whiskey

100% malted barley produced using three types of barley (odyssey, chocolate and caramel malts). Aged in new oak barrels, not chill-filtered, 48% ABV. Notes include nougat, dried fruit, bakery spices, candied nuts, and jasmine.

BIB Reserve Straight Bourbon

Distilled and bottled in bond, from a traditional sour mash of corn and rye. Aged six years in signature barrels in a 500-gallon copper pot still. 50% ABV, 100 proof. Notes: dark fruit, nougat, vanilla and cinnamon.

Reunion Straight Rye Whiskey

100% rye mash in small batches, aged 5–7 years in signature barrels. Not chill-filtered. 46.5% ABV (93 proof). Notes: buttery caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger.

Barrel Strength Reunion Rye Whiskey

Rye, distilled and bottled at 60.7% ABV (121.4 proof). Aged 5–7 years and not chill-filtered. Notes: citrus, vanilla, toffee, mint and pepper spice.

Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Aged 5–7 years in signature barrels, not chill-filtered. 46% ABV. Notes: maple, nougat, vanilla and smoke.

Rolling Standard Four Grain Whiskey

A four-grain whiskey that is a blend of two styles, a wheated bourbon and an American single malt. 46% ABV; 92 proof. Notes: vanilla, maple, cinnamon, almond and dark fruit.

Long Shot White Whiskey

Sworn to be young and free, made from a corn- and wheat-distillate. 40% ABV (80 proof). Notes: dried fruit, sweet grain, flowers, citrus zest.

Rider Vodka

Artisan vodka made from 100% wheat mash, six times distilled and slowly filtered. 40% ABV. Notes: sweet cream, vanilla and citrus.

Port Finish Reunion Straight Rye Whiskey

Port Barrel Finish of Reunion Straight Rye. A Limited Release where it continues to age in ruby port casks for at least 16 months. 50% ABV. Notes: berries, chocolate, caramel, cassis and orange.

Other notes

Port finish and other special releases illustrate the company's willingness to experiment with finishes in port casks and unique flavor experiences.

Visits / Experiences

Distillery Tours and Distillery Social

Union Horse offers distillery tours where you go behind the glass and learn about the entire handmade, grain-to-glass process. The tours start in the Rider Room and include a tour through the milling stages, fermentation, distillation, aging and bottling, followed by tastings of selected spirits and cocktails. Price about 25 USD per person, maximum 25 participants per tour, and participants must be 21+. In addition, Distillery Social events are held where you can taste different spirits and cocktails in the unique environment.

Philosophy

Union Horse describes themselves through the slogan The Spirit of the Midwest. Their approach is grain-to-glass and in-house craftsmanship where everything happens internally in the Kansas City area. They highlight perseverance, innovation and development as essential drivers for their craftsmanship and for how they pursue new expressions and flavors in their spirits. Their history and culture go hand in hand with family and community, and their products are designed to be accessible for both everyday and special experiences.

Status

1