Old Monroe Distilling Co. sits in Columbia, Illinois, a small town just southeast of St. Louis that’s become home to this craft distillery operation. The operation appears to have rebranded from its earlier identity as Stumpy’s Spirits, suggesting an evolution in their approach and market positioning. They’re focused on producing small-batch spirits with an emphasis on bourbon and whiskey production. The distillery operates out of a facility on Rickhouse Road, a fitting address for a whiskey operation that takes its aging process seriously. Like many craft distilleries in the region, they’re working to establish themselves in the competitive Illinois spirits landscape while building a local following. The team behind Old Monroe has embraced the challenge of creating quality spirits in a state that’s seen growing interest in craft distilling. Their transition from the Stumpy’s Spirits brand indicates they’re serious about establishing a more refined identity in the market. The Columbia location gives them access to both local customers and visitors from the nearby St. Louis metropolitan area, positioning them well for both distribution and tourism. They’ve focused their efforts on whiskey production, understanding that bourbon and rye are what most visitors expect from a Midwest distillery. For visitors, Old Monroe represents a chance to see a working distillery that’s still in its growth phase. You’re not walking into a massive operation with decades of history, but rather a place where you can witness the craft distilling process up close. The atmosphere tends to be more intimate than larger distilleries, giving visitors a chance to interact directly with the people making the spirits. They offer tastings of their current lineup and provide insight into their production methods and aging processes.