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

Square One Brewery & Distillery

St. Louis,

Missouri

— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka, Gin

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (314) 231-2537

🌐 http://squareonebrewery.com/

📍 1727 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Square One Brewery & Distillery sits in the heart of St. Louis’ Lafayette Square neighborhood at 1727 Park Avenue, occupying a restored brick building that perfectly captures the area’s historic character. Founded by brothers Russ and Steve Polansky along with their business partner Derek Rund, this operation started as a brewery in 2006 before expanding into distilling in 2013. The Polansky brothers brought backgrounds in construction and business, while Rund contributed brewing expertise that helped establish their reputation for quality craftsmanship. They produce bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and gin in their compact operation, which combines both brewing and distilling under one roof. The journey to distilling wasn’t immediate—it took seven years of brewing success before they felt ready to tackle spirits. Head distiller Derek Rund spent considerable time researching techniques and sourcing equipment, eventually installing a 250-gallon copper still that allows for precise control over their small-batch production. The team’s philosophy centers on patience and attention to detail, aging their whiskeys in new charred oak barrels and refusing to rush the process despite customer demand. They’ve built relationships with local grain suppliers and take pride in being part of St. Louis’ craft beverage renaissance. Visitors find themselves in an intimate setting where brewing tanks and distilling equipment coexist in the same space, creating an atmosphere that’s part neighborhood bar, part working distillery. The taproom features exposed brick walls, communal tables, and a relaxed vibe that encourages conversation with both staff and fellow visitors. You’re likely to see actual production happening during your visit, whether that’s mashing grain, monitoring fermentation, or checking on aging barrels in their small rickhouse area.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Square One stands out as one of the few operations in St. Louis that successfully combines brewing and distilling in the same facility, using their brewing expertise as the foundation for their spirits production. Their 250-gallon copper still allows them to produce genuinely small batches—we’re talking dozens of bottles per run rather than hundreds—which gives them incredible flexibility to experiment with different mash bills and techniques. The Polansky brothers’ construction background shows in their thoughtful facility design, where every piece of equipment serves multiple purposes and space is maximized without feeling cramped. They’ve also maintained their commitment to being a neighborhood gathering place first, which means the focus stays on quality and community rather than maximum production volume.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Walking into Square One feels like stepping into your neighborhood’s best-kept secret, where the smell of grain and hops mingles with the chatter of regulars at the bar. Derek Rund or one of the Polansky brothers often leads informal tours, explaining how they use the same base processes for both beer and spirits while pointing out the differences in fermentation and distillation. You’ll see their copper still in action if you visit during production days, and they’re genuinely enthusiastic about explaining how temperature control and cut points affect the final product. The tasting experience happens right at the bar, where you can sample their bourbon and rye alongside their established beer lineup, making for an interesting comparison of how the same grains translate into different beverages.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re interested in the technical side of craft distilling and don’t mind a more intimate, less polished experience than larger operations, Square One delivers something special. Beer lovers will particularly appreciate seeing how brewing skills translate to distilling, and the combination tasting experience offers unique insights into grain-to-glass processes. However, if you’re expecting extensive barrel tours or a wide range of aged spirits, you might want to set realistic expectations—this is small-batch production in its truest form. The real appeal is getting to interact directly with the people making the spirits and understanding their process firsthand.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead before visiting since their hours can vary with production schedules, and Derek or the Polansky brothers might be tied up with distilling runs. The best time to visit is late afternoon on weekends when you’re most likely to catch them during production and when the taproom has the most energy. Ask specifically about their bourbon and rye—they’re proud of both and happy to explain their mash bill choices and aging process. Parking can be tight on Park Avenue, so consider side streets or ride-sharing if you’re planning to sample. Don’t expect a formal tour structure; instead, come ready for a casual conversation about their craft over a beer or spirit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Square One Brewery & Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do you offer both beer and spirits tastings?

Yes, you can sample both their beer lineup and their bourbon, rye, vodka, and gin at the same visit. The staff enjoys explaining how their brewing background influences their distilling approach, making it a unique educational experience.

Can I see the distilling equipment during my visit?

Absolutely—their 250-gallon copper still sits right in the main production area where visitors can see it. If you visit during production days, you might catch them actually distilling and can ask questions about the process.

How small is their batch production?

Their 250-gallon still produces genuinely small batches—often just dozens of bottles per run rather than hundreds. This allows them to experiment with different techniques and maintain very close quality control over every bottle.

GETTING THERE

Find Square One Brewery & Distillery

📍1727 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA

—

📞 (314) 231-2537

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