From its inception, Union Horse Distilling Co has prioritized the use of locally sourced ingredients and meticulous production processes to create spirits that are both authentic and exceptional. The distillery's dedication to quality is evident in every bottle, from its award-winning bourbon to its innovative vodka and gin. By combining time-honored distilling methods with cutting-edge technology, Union Horse has successfully bridged the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, resulting in spirits that are both familiar and refreshingly unique. This commitment to excellence has earned the distillery numerous accolades and a loyal following among spirit enthusiasts. Beyond its impressive product lineup, Union Horse Distilling Co has established itself as a community hub, welcoming visitors to its distillery for tours, tastings, and events that celebrate the art of distilling. The distillery's commitment to sustainability and local partnerships has made it a cornerstone of the Kansas City community, while its innovative approach to spirits production continues to push boundaries and redefine what's possible in the craft distilling world. Whether you're a seasoned spirits aficionado or a curious newcomer, Union Horse Distilling Co offers an experience that is both educational and enjoyable, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the world of craft spirits.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Union Horse Distilling Co Unique?
- The History and Heritage of Union Horse Distilling Co
- How Does Union Horse Distilling Co Create Its Award-Winning Spirits?
- What Are the Signature Products of Union Horse Distilling Co?
- Sustainability Practices at Union Horse Distilling Co
- How Does Union Horse Distilling Co Contribute to the Local Community?
- The Future of Innovation at Union Horse Distilling Co
- Frequently Asked Questions About Union Horse Distilling Co
What Makes Union Horse Distilling Co Unique?
Union Horse Distilling Co distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation in every aspect of its operations. Unlike many large-scale distilleries, this Kansas City-based craft producer maintains complete control over every step of the production process, from grain selection to bottling. This hands-on approach allows the distillery to create spirits that are not only consistent in quality but also uniquely reflective of the local terroir and the team's expertise.
The distillery's state-of-the-art facility houses custom-built copper pot stills that were specifically designed to enhance the character of each spirit produced. These stills, combined with the distillers' meticulous attention to detail, enable Union Horse to create complex flavor profiles that set their products apart from mass-produced alternatives. The distillery's commitment to using only non-GMO grains sourced from local farmers further contributes to the distinctive character of their spirits, while supporting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
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Another factor that sets Union Horse Distilling Co apart is its dedication to experimentation and innovation. The distillery regularly introduces limited-edition releases and experimental batches that push the boundaries of traditional spirit production. This innovative spirit has led to the development of unique products like their Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey, which has garnered international recognition and numerous awards. The distillery's tasting room also serves as a laboratory for new ideas, where visitors can experience first-hand the creative process behind their award-winning spirits.
The History and Heritage of Union Horse Distilling Co
Union Horse Distilling Co's journey began in 2010 when founder Alex Shockley, inspired by the rich distilling heritage of Kansas City, set out to create a distillery that would honor tradition while embracing modern innovation. The name "Union Horse" pays homage to the city's historic stockyards and the pivotal role horses played in the development of Kansas City's agricultural and transportation industries during the late 19th century. This historical connection serves as a foundation for the distillery's commitment to preserving local heritage while forging new paths in the spirits industry.
The distillery's growth has been marked by significant milestones, including the relocation to its current 20,000-square-foot facility in Lenexa, Kansas, which allowed for expanded production capabilities and the introduction of new product lines. Throughout its development, Union Horse has maintained strong ties to the local community, collaborating with area farmers and businesses to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits the entire region. This community-focused approach has helped establish the distillery as a cornerstone of Kansas City's burgeoning craft spirits scene.
Over the years, Union Horse Distilling Co has accumulated an impressive array of awards and recognitions, including multiple gold medals at international spirits competitions. These accolades have not only validated the distillery's commitment to quality but have also helped position Kansas City as a destination for craft spirits enthusiasts. The distillery's historical significance extends beyond its physical location, as it continues to preserve and celebrate the art of traditional distilling while incorporating modern techniques and technologies.
| Founding Year | 2010 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Alex Shockley |
| Location | Lenexa, Kansas |
| Facility Size | 20,000 square feet |
| Notable Awards | Multiple international gold medals |
| Signature Products | Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey, Four Grain Bourbon |
How Does Union Horse Distilling Co Create Its Award-Winning Spirits?
The art of creating exceptional spirits at Union Horse Distilling Co begins with a carefully orchestrated process that combines traditional techniques with modern innovations. Each batch starts with the selection of premium, non-GMO grains sourced from local farmers, ensuring both quality and sustainability. The distillery's team of expert distillers then follows precise recipes that have been refined through years of experimentation and tasting, maintaining consistency while allowing room for creative expression in limited-edition releases.
The Distillation Process
The heart of Union Horse's production lies in its custom-designed copper pot stills, which play a crucial role in developing the distinctive character of each spirit. The distillation process begins with mashing, where grains are carefully combined with water and enzymes to convert starches into fermentable sugars. This mash is then transferred to fermentation tanks, where specially selected yeast strains work their magic over several days, producing a rich wash that forms the foundation of the final spirit.
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During distillation, the wash is heated in the copper pot stills, allowing alcohol vapors to rise and condense into liquid form. The distillers at Union Horse meticulously monitor this process, making precise cuts to separate the "heads," "hearts," and "tails" of the distillate. Only the purest portion, known as the "hearts," is collected for aging or bottling, ensuring the highest quality in every batch. This attention to detail during distillation is what sets Union Horse's spirits apart from mass-produced alternatives.
Quality Control Measures
Quality control at Union Horse Distilling Co is an all-encompassing process that extends from grain selection to final bottling. The distillery employs a combination of traditional tasting methods and modern analytical techniques to ensure consistency and excellence in every batch. Each spirit undergoes rigorous testing at various stages of production, with master distillers conducting regular sensory evaluations to maintain the desired flavor profile and character.
The distillery's quality control measures also include careful monitoring of environmental conditions during aging. For their whiskey products, Union Horse utilizes charred American oak barrels, carefully controlling temperature and humidity levels in their rickhouses to optimize the aging process. Regular barrel tastings and chemical analyses help determine the optimal maturation period for each batch, ensuring that every bottle released meets the distillery's exacting standards. This comprehensive approach to quality control has been instrumental in earning Union Horse numerous international awards and maintaining its reputation for excellence.
What Are the Signature Products of Union Horse Distilling Co?
Union Horse Distilling Co boasts an impressive portfolio of signature spirits, each crafted with the same dedication to quality and innovation that defines the distillery's approach. Their flagship product, the Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey, has garnered international acclaim for its complex flavor profile and smooth finish. This rye whiskey undergoes a meticulous aging process in charred American oak barrels, developing rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice that have earned it multiple gold medals at prestigious spirits competitions worldwide.
The distillery's Four Grain Bourbon represents another cornerstone of their product lineup, distinguished by its unique grain bill that includes corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. This carefully balanced combination results in a bourbon that offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, with subtle notes of dried fruit and toasted oak. The Four Grain Bourbon's versatility has made it a favorite among bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts alike, serving as an excellent base for classic cocktails while also standing strong as a sipping whiskey.
Beyond their whiskey offerings, Union Horse Distilling Co has made significant waves with their vodka and gin productions. Their Distiller's Reserve Vodka showcases the purity of their distillation process, featuring a clean, crisp profile with subtle hints of grain and a remarkably smooth finish. The Roller coaster Gin, named after the distillery's location near an amusement park, presents a contemporary take on this classic spirit, incorporating botanicals that reflect both traditional and modern influences. This innovative approach to gin production has earned Union Horse recognition as a leader in the craft spirits movement.
Sustainability Practices at Union Horse Distilling Co
Union Horse Distilling Co has established itself as a leader in sustainable distilling practices, implementing comprehensive environmental initiatives that extend throughout their entire production process. The distillery's commitment to sustainability begins with their grain sourcing, where they maintain partnerships with local farmers who practice regenerative agriculture. This not only ensures the highest quality ingredients but also supports soil health and biodiversity in the region. Additionally, all spent grains from the distillation process are repurposed as livestock feed for nearby farms, creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste.
Water conservation represents another crucial aspect of Union Horse's sustainability efforts. The distillery has invested in state-of-the-art water recycling systems that significantly reduce their overall water consumption. Their innovative approach to wastewater management includes a multi-stage treatment process that ensures all water discharged back into the environment meets or exceeds regulatory standards. Furthermore, the distillery's facility incorporates energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems, reducing their carbon footprint while maintaining optimal production conditions.
The company's environmental responsibility extends beyond their immediate operations to include community-focused initiatives. Union Horse actively participates in local conservation projects and educational programs that promote sustainable practices within the spirits industry. They've also implemented a comprehensive recycling program for packaging materials and encourage customers to return empty bottles for reuse in their tasting room. These efforts have earned Union Horse Distilling Co recognition as a model for sustainable distilling practices, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and premium spirit production can go hand in hand.
How Does Union Horse Distilling Co Contribute to the Local Community?
Union Horse Distilling Co's impact on the Kansas City community extends far beyond its role as a producer of fine spirits, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural development in the region. The distillery's commitment to local partnerships has created a ripple effect throughout the community, supporting dozens of small businesses and agricultural operations. By sourcing ingredients exclusively from regional farmers and collaborating with local artisans for packaging and branding materials, Union Horse has helped strengthen the local economy while promoting sustainable business practices.
The distillery's tasting room and event space have become vital community hubs, hosting everything from educational workshops to charitable events that bring residents together. Their popular "Community Cask" program allows local organizations to sponsor barrels, with proceeds directly supporting various community initiatives. Union Horse
