Ep. 166: J. Rieger & Co. with Founder Ryan Maybee

The Monogram and the Wettest Block: Kansas City's Distilling Heritage

In this episode of the Whiskey Ring Podcast, we’re heading down to Kansas City, Missouri, to chat with Ryan Maybee, the co-founder of J. Rieger & Company. Ryan takes us on a journey from his early days as a bartender to the exciting revival of the historic J. Rieger brand, which originally flourished from 1887 until Prohibition put a stop to it all.

We kick things off by discussing how the focus of Ryan's interviews has shifted over the years—from cocktail culture to the innovative whiskeys now coming out of J. Rieger. He dives into the unique terroir of Kansas City and how it plays a crucial role in their whiskey production, including their straight bourbon, bottled-in-bond bourbon, bottled-in-bond rye, and the fascinating Monogram whiskey, which features sherry—a nod to the blending practices of yesteryear.

We also explore the rich whiskey history of Kansas City before Prohibition, the nuances of state laws affecting the spirits industry, and the distinction between Missouri bourbon and Kansas City whiskey. Ryan shares the story of how they navigated the TTB to establish Kansas City whiskey as a recognized category, highlighting their commitment to honoring the brand's roots while pushing the envelope in modern whiskey-making.

As we wrap up, Ryan gives us a peek into the production process at J. Rieger, their upcoming 10th anniversary celebration, and what the future holds for the brand. This episode is a captivating exploration of the intersection of history, innovation, and the craft of whiskey-making in Kansas City. So grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy the ride!

Thanks everyone for listening, and thank you to Ryan for entering the Whiskey Ring!  

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J. Rieger & Co. Distillery

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