Historie

Boot Hill Distillery carries the motto "Soil to Sip" as more than a slogan – it’s a lifestyle. The foundation lies with the Kelman family in western Kansas, where the grain is grown on their own farm and is transported only about 50 miles to the distillery. The production is described as the full journey from soil to glass, where the grain grows on the family’s field and is processed through the entire process at Boot Hill. The farm and the production are closely linked through Kelman Farms’ history, described as the fifth generation in a sustainable agricultural heritage.

The distillery is housed in the historic Dodge City city hall, and offers guided tours to convey the building’s history, craftsmanship, and flavor in the unique soil-to-sip process. There are also partnerships and connections to Kansas State University through the Wabash Reserve releases, underscoring local engagement and agricultural heritage.

Produktion / Fremstilling

Boot Hill describes a full chain from soil to glass: grain harvested on the fifth-generation farm, milling, mashing, fermentation and distillation are performed on-site in the building, which is a historic setting in Dodge City. There is aging in new American white oak barrels, and bourbon and other whiskies spend time in the barrels to develop flavor and character.

Specific production details include: - White Whiskey, Red Eye Whiskey and Bourbon, all based on a mash bill of 51% corn and 49% wheat, with bourbon aged in new, charred barrels and White Whiskey aged for a week in barrels, while Red Eye Whisky is typically aged 6–12 months in different barrels and blended later. - 100% Straight Wheat Whiskey is described as a batch matured in new American white oak barrels for over two years at 100 proof. - Barreled Gin and Gin based on New Western Dry gin, often batch-produced in 250-gallon batches, and in some cases aged in used Red Eye Whiskey barrels for up to eight months for Barreled Gin. - Various iconic products such as Wabash Reserve, Victor E, Roundup Rodeo and other bourbons are highlighted as collaborations with state universities and the local community.

The barrel aging and the interplay between younger and older spirit development are highlighted with details such as: roundhouse and other rooms in the building, which provide context to flavor and history during tours and events.

Produkter / Whisky-serien

Boot Hill offers a range of products across whiskies, gin, vodka and ready-to-drink cocktails: - Straight Wheat Whiskey – 100% wheat, aged in new American white oak barrels for over two years, 100 proof (50% ABV). Notes: caramel, chocolate, dried fruits and leather. - Bourbon Whiskey – 90 proof, aged in new charred barrels, with notes of caramel, green apple, leather and vanilla. - Red Eye Whiskey – 80 proof, bourbon-new-make aged 6–12 months in different barrels and blended; tasting profile with sweet grain, vanilla and oak on the finish. - White Whiskey – A younger, wheat- and corn-based whiskey, aged a short period in charred oak and presented as a light, fresh spirit. - Wabash Reserve – Bourbon, releases in different editions (1863 Edition, Anderson Hall Edition, DOOM, DOOM Edition and standard Wabash Reserve). These are marked as collaborations with K-State Alumni and locally rooted releases, with components from the Boot Hill farm. - Victor E Bourbon – Bourbon with a mash bill consisting of 85% corn, 10% rye, 2.5% wheat and 2.5% malt; 80 proof. - Roundup Rodeo Bourbon – Used as a Dodge City imprint, a collaboration with Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, 90 proof. - Premium Whiskey Bundles and other ready-to-drink products such as Mint Julep, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Cola, Rosemary Mule, Vodka Basil Lemonade and Prickly Ash Bitters (amaro). - Barreled Gin – Gin aged 8 months in used Red Eye Whiskey barrels to impart wood notes and complexity. - Prickly Ash Bitters – Amaro-inspired bitter with botanicals such as prickly ash, buchu and other traditional ingredients (35% ABV, 375 ml).

Many of the products are available both as standalone sales and in special edition series (Wabash Reserve, 1863, Anderson Hall, DOOM), and notes of dry and complex flavors are mentioned in bartender descriptions and recipe tests.

Besøg / Oplevelser

Boot Hill offers experiences in the form of guided tours and a Tasting Room experience. The Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and tours are available on Friday and Saturday at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Tours last about 45–60 minutes, with a typical price around $20 per guest, subject to reservation requirements. The tours guide guests through the entire production process—from milling and mashing to distillation and bottling—and through the area around the converted brand corner series, shared with a former jail (Jail) and Courtroom, and outdoor areas such as the Patio and Pergola. The Tasting Room and event spaces also feature festive elements such as live music, special events, and Oktoberfest themes. Room and event bookings are handled via the contact information listed on the site.

Filosofi

Boot Hill Distillery’s core philosophy is soil-to-sip, where the grain comes from western Kansas on the family’s own farm, and the entire process—from sowing to pouring—takes place with respect for the land and the local community. They describe a strong relationship with the Kansas community and K-State in special releases, and they highlight sustainability and family-owned operation as core principles.

The sense of pride in farming and the relationship between land, family and production runs through their marketing and product range, just as collaborations with local institutes and university environments demonstrate a commitment to local culture and educational connections.