Old Road Craft Spirits sits on West Pine Street in Bourbon, Missouri – and yes, the town name is as perfect as it sounds for a craft distillery. Founded by husband-and-wife team Josh and Jenny Becker in 2019, this small-batch operation transformed a former auto repair shop into a modern distillery that’s quickly becoming a destination for spirits enthusiasts. The Beckers, who previously worked in IT and healthcare respectively, decided to pursue their passion for craft distilling after years of home brewing and attending whiskey festivals across the Midwest. Their 1,200-square-foot facility houses a custom 250-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, the same company that builds stills for major Kentucky distilleries. They focus primarily on bourbon and rye whiskey, though they also produce a corn whiskey and seasonal gin.
The journey to opening wasn’t without challenges – it took the Beckers nearly three years to navigate Missouri’s licensing requirements and secure financing for their equipment. Josh trained under a master distiller in Kentucky for six months before launching production, while Jenny handles the business operations and tasting room experience. Their philosophy centers on using locally-sourced grains when possible, working with farms within a 100-mile radius for their corn and wheat. The distillery’s name pays homage to the old roads that connected Missouri’s farming communities, reflecting their commitment to supporting local agriculture.
Visitors get an intimate look at small-scale craft distilling in action. The tasting room occupies the front of the building with exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood fixtures, while the production area is visible through large windows. Tours are personal affairs – usually led by Josh or Jenny themselves – where you’ll see every step from grain-in to bottle-out. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational, perfect for both whiskey novices and enthusiasts who want to understand the craft behind the spirit.
