Llewellyn Distillery sits on North Star Street in downtown El Dorado, Kansas, housed in a restored historic building that dates back to the early 1900s. Founded by Jay and Julie Llewellyn in 2017, this small-batch operation started as a dream between two former educators who wanted to bring craft spirits to south-central Kansas. The couple spent years perfecting their recipes before opening their doors, with Jay handling distillation duties while Julie manages the business side and visitor experiences. The journey to opening wasn’t simple—convincing local officials and navigating Kansas liquor laws required persistence and patience. Jay’s background in chemistry gave him the technical foundation, while Julie’s teaching experience translated perfectly to educating visitors about the distillation process. They focus on bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, using traditional copper pot stills in their compact but efficient operation. The building itself tells a story, with exposed brick walls and original hardwood floors creating an authentic atmosphere that feels more like visiting neighbors than touring a factory. What started as a retirement project has grown into El Dorado’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. The Llewellyns keep things personal—you’ll likely meet them both during your visit, and they’re genuinely excited to share their craft. The operation stays small by design, allowing them to control quality and maintain the hands-on approach that makes each bottle special. It’s the kind of place where the owners remember your name and your favorite pour.