How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Missouri

Old Ozarkian Distillery

Union,

Missouri

— Bourbon, Moonshine

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🔨

Builder Turned Distiller

Construction precision meets bourbon passion

🌽

Missouri Corn

Local grain, traditional mash bills

⚡

Active Production

See stills running, smell mash cooking

👥

Family Operation

Randy and Angie handle everything

🥃

Bourbon & Moonshine

Two styles, same careful attention

🗣️

Real Conversations

Technical details from passionate makers

📞 (314) 799-1738

🌐 http://www.oldozarkiandistillery.com/

📍 203 E Main St A, Union, MO 63084, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

A Construction Manager Who Became a Master Distiller

Old Ozarkian Distillery sits on East Main Street in Union, Missouri, a small town about 50 miles southwest of St. Louis. Founded by Randy and Angie Schwickerath, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2018 after years of planning and navigating local regulations. Randy, who spent decades in construction management, caught the distilling bug after years of home brewing and decided to take the leap into commercial spirits production. The operation runs out of a converted commercial space that they’ve transformed into a working distillery complete with copper stills and aging barrels. They focus primarily on bourbon and moonshine, staying true to Missouri’s long history of whiskey production that dates back to the 1800s. The Schwickeraths handle most operations themselves, from mashing and distilling to bottling and running the tasting room. It’s the kind of small-scale operation where you’re likely to meet the owners during your visit, and they’re happy to talk about everything from grain sourcing to the challenges of getting a distillery off the ground in a small Missouri town.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Union's First Distillery In Decades

What sets Old Ozarkian apart is its genuinely small-batch approach and the hands-on involvement of the founding family. Randy Schwickerath transitioned from construction to distilling, bringing a methodical, detail-oriented approach to every aspect of production. They source their corn locally when possible and handle the entire process in-house, from fermentation through bottling. The distillery represents Union’s first commercial spirits operation in decades, helping revive a tradition that once thrived throughout Missouri. Their commitment to traditional methods, combined with Randy’s engineering background, creates spirits that reflect both old-school techniques and modern precision.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Meet the Makers In Their Workshop

When you visit Old Ozarkian, you’re stepping into an active production facility where Randy or Angie will likely be your guide. The space feels authentic and unpretentious—you can see the copper still, smell the mash cooking, and hear the bubbling of fermentation tanks. Tours are informal and educational, with Randy explaining the distillation process while showing you each step of production. The tasting room is cozy and welcoming, where you can sample their bourbon and moonshine varieties while learning about the differences in their recipes and aging processes. Don’t expect fancy cocktails or elaborate presentations—this is about tasting well-made spirits and understanding how they’re crafted.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Small Batches, Big Conversations

If you’re interested in small-scale craft distilling and want to meet the people actually making the spirits, Old Ozarkian delivers an authentic experience. It’s perfect for bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate learning about the technical aspects of distillation from someone who’s passionate about the craft. The intimate setting means you’ll get personal attention and can ask detailed questions about their process. However, if you’re looking for a polished tourist experience with elaborate tours and fancy facilities, this might not be your speed. It’s more workshop than showroom, which is exactly what makes it special for spirits geeks and anyone wanting to understand how small-batch distilling really works.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to schedule your visit since Randy and Angie often run tours themselves and may be in production mode. The distillery is easy to find on Main Street, with street parking available nearby. Ask Randy about his transition from construction to distilling—it’s a fascinating story that gives insight into the challenges of starting a craft distillery. Try both their bourbon and moonshine to understand their different approaches to corn-based spirits. Don’t rush your visit; the Schwickeraths enjoy talking about their craft, and you’ll learn more by engaging in conversation than just rushing through a standard tour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Old Ozarkian Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?

Yes, you should call ahead to schedule your visit. Since Randy and Angie often handle tours personally, they need to coordinate around their production schedule to give you proper attention.

What’s the difference between your bourbon and moonshine?

Their bourbon follows traditional aging requirements in charred oak barrels, while their moonshine is unaged corn whiskey. Randy can explain the different mash bills and how the aging process affects flavor development.

How long does a typical visit last?

Plan on about an hour for the full experience. Randy and Angie enjoy sharing their knowledge, so visits can run longer if you’re engaged and asking questions about their process.

GETTING THERE

Find Old Ozarkian Distillery

📍203 E Main St A, Union, MO 63084, USA

—

📞 (314) 799-1738

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