Great Plains Distillery sits on West Railway Street in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, bringing craft spirits to the western edge of the state. Founded by Bob Baier, a former banker who traded spreadsheets for stills, the distillery opened its doors in 2014 after years of planning and navigating Nebraska’s then-restrictive distilling laws. Baier’s vision was simple: create quality spirits using Nebraska corn and wheat while building a destination that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. The operation runs out of a converted commercial building that houses their custom-built still and barrel aging area, producing bourbon, vodka, and seasonal spirits in small batches. Baier’s journey from finance to distilling wasn’t overnight. He spent years researching equipment, perfecting recipes, and working with state legislators to change laws that made craft distilling nearly impossible in Nebraska. The Great Plains name reflects both the geographic setting and Baier’s commitment to using local grains whenever possible. He sources corn and wheat from area farmers, creating a true farm-to-bottle operation that connects visitors to the agricultural roots of the region. The distillery operates as a family business, with Baier handling most operations while his wife manages the business side. Visitors find a straightforward, unpretentious operation where you can see the entire process from grain to glass. The tasting room occupies the front of the building, decorated with local artifacts and agricultural memorabilia that tells the story of the region. Tours take you through the small production area where Baier explains his process, from mashing local grains to the aging program that’s still building inventory. You’re tasting spirits made by someone who can tell you exactly which farm the corn came from and why he chose specific yeasts for different products.