Kansas City has a new tourist destination for whiskey fans. J. Rieger & Co. recently opened its new distillery and spirits destination in KC’s historic Electric Park neighborhood.
At the venue, whiskey fans can enjoy a custom-engineered 40-foot slide that will carry them from the second floor Monogram Lounge to the first floor, a whiskey bottling station a 3,500-square foot Kansas City historical exhibit, two full-service cocktail bars and lounge spaces (The Monogram Lounge and The Hey! Hey! Club), daily distillery tours, and more. The distillery encompasses a significant expansion to 60,000 square-feet, allowing the team to increase production capacity while offering a consumer experience.
Founded by Andy Rieger and Ryan Maybee, J. Rieger & Co. traces its origins back to the pre-Prohibition era in Kansas City. Co-founder and President Andy Rieger is the great-great-great-grandson of Jacob Rieger, who launched one of the country’s most successful mail order spirits companies in 1887. Maybee, co-founder and VP of Sales & Hospitality, is a well-known hospitality entrepreneur, who has received multiple James Beard and Tales of the Cocktail recognitions for his work at Manifesto and The Rieger.
J. Rieger & Co. hosted VIP and media guests at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony onJuly 12. Guests included Kansas City Mayor Sly James, the Kansas City Council and the Economic Development Council of Kansas City.
In a joint statement, Rieger and Maybee shared their enthusiasm for the next chapter in Kansas City’s history: “We are proud to be at the forefront of a modern spirits renaissance. Our focus has been to create the highest quality whiskey, gin and other spirits inspired by our vibrant history. We are extraordinarily driven by the national growth and recognition that we have accomplished and will apply that same high standard to shaping the future of our new home here in Electric Park. With this expansion and the incredible talent of our new hospitality team, we can add a visitors’ experience to our story while investing in our city and community.”
