ON LOCATION DISTILLERIES IN KANSAS
RAISE SPIRITS BY ADDING A TWIST By Cecilia Harris, writer, KSAE magazine
C
onference attendees thirst for a place to unwind after a long day of listening to speakers. Replacing a venue’s traditional cocktail reception with a distillery event adds a twist that allows participants to raise their spirits by imbibing in enjoyable sampling sessions, fascinating facility tours and relaxing settings that quickly lighten moods. In addition, many distilleries provide gathering spaces for comfortable breakout sessions or board meetings, while others are large enough to host a conference. These three distilleries take any meeting to the next level with one-of-a-kind experiences attendees will never forget.
Boot Hill Distillery, Dodge City
Located in Dodge City’s former Municipal Building constructed on ground that was originally the location of Boot Hill Cemetery during the late 1800s cattle trail era, the Boot Hill Distillery embraces the city’s past and honors its rich whiskey tradition that began in the town’s early-day saloons. The distillery’s soil-to-sip spirits are made using the owners’ own harvested grain, from which whiskey, bourbon, vodka and gin are crafted through milling, mashing, fermentation, distilling and bottling, all done on-site. Several options are available for planners wishing to provide activities during a meeting or conference. “One thing I’ve done in the past as an add-on for a meeting was a class on how whiskey ages, and incorporated a tasting into that,” says Lee Griffith, director of sales. “We’ve done cocktail classes as well.” During a private one-hour tour, the distillery’s six core spirits are sampled after guides discuss the building and location history and explain the distilling process. “The tour is an optional add-on if someone rents out our space,” Griffith says. “And some groups we have come specifically for the tour.” If requested, staff will supply selected drinks or provide a bartender with a limited cocktail menu during a break in a meeting at the facility; however, any food options must be catered as there is no kitchen. Once a meeting concludes, attendees may adjourn to the Tasting Room when open during regular business hours
6 | KSAE Magazine • Vol. 6
Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City makes spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, vodka and gin, from the owners’ own harvested grain.
with no rental fee. Staffed by the distillery’s craft bartenders creating handmade cocktails, the lounge also may be rented for private events. With leather sofas and lounge chairs placed in multiple small settings, it offers space for 44 people to enjoy a casual and intimate meeting. Formerly the Dodge City jail, the Jail Board Room is just the right size for a 20-person board meeting. The Patio, with fire pits, lights and seating for up to 60 people, offers views of southern Dodge City and the sweeping landscape beyond.
Union Horse Distilling Company, Lenexa
Established in Lenexa by four siblings, Union Horse Distilling Company produces hand-crafted, award-winning spirits in small batches. Private, two-hour tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who explain the milling and mashing of grains, fermentation to distillation to barreling and finally to bottling. Introduced is Chester Copperpot, the shiny copper still in which the vodkas and whiskeys are distilled. The tour includes Union Horse samplings in the Rider Room, an intimate cocktail lounge. continued on page 8
www.ksaenet.org
