Missouri Bourbon: Why We're So Passionate About It
If you've ever come into our store and started talking about bourbon with us, you've probably heard us bring up Missouri bourbon pretty quickly.
And usually, the reaction is the same.
"Wait... Missouri makes bourbon?"
What Actually Makes Something Bourbon
A lot of people still think bourbon has to come from Kentucky. We get it. Kentucky has built a strong reputation over the years. But the truth is, bourbon just has to be made in the United States and follow a few specific rules. It needs at least 51 percent corn, has to be aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof or higher. Nowhere in that definition does it say Kentucky.
So no, it doesn't have to come from Kentucky. And honestly, some of the most interesting bourbon we're seeing right now is coming out of Missouri.
Missouri's Growing Bourbon Scene
Missouri has over 50 different distilleries and over 100 brands sourced from those distilleries, and a lot of them are doing really incredible work. The only problem is most people haven't tried them yet.
That's where we come in.
At Men's Modern General Store in Cottleville, MO, we've made it a goal to focus entirely on Missouri made spirits and give them the attention they deserve.
Everything on our shelves is from Missouri, so when you walk in, you're not choosing between local and big name brands. You're exploring what this state has to offer exclusively.
Missouri Spirit Brands You'll Find on Our Shelves
We've been building our Missouri selection on purpose, and we're proud of what we have on the shelf right now.
Some of the Missouri brands you'll find here include: Blacksmith Barewood Burnt Barrel Lionheart Stowloch Copper Dome Investment Whiskey Blackshire Hermann Farms Pollys Still House
These aren't just random bottles. These are smaller producers putting real thought into what they're making. Different grains, different mash bills, and a lot more hands on work than you'll see from bigger brands.

Why It's Worth Trying Something New
We understand the hesitation when it comes to trying something new. If you're spending $60 on a bottle, it's easy to go with something you already know. No one wants to take a gamble on something they've never had before.
That's exactly why we do tastings in the store. Because once people try Missouri bourbon, it clicks. You can taste the difference.
You can tell it's not just another shelf bottle. And more often than not, people end up walking out with something they didn't expect to buy when they came in.
One Place to Explore All of Missouri's Spirits
One thing about Missouri is everything is spread out. Unlike Kentucky, where you can hit multiple distilleries in one trip, here you'd be driving all over the state.
So, we decided to bring it all together in one place.
Our goal is simple. We want to carry every Missouri spirit brand we can. We want this to be the spot where people can come in and actually explore what Missouri has to offer without having to travel all over. Our goal by the end of 2027 is to represent every brand in our storefront.
What Buying Missouri Bourbon Actually Supports
When you buy Missouri bourbon, you're doing more than just picking up a bottle. You're supporting local distillers, local farmers, and small businesses across the state. You're keeping that money here in Missouri and helping these brands continue to grow.

If you've never had Missouri bourbon, stop in and give it a shot. Come see us at Men's Modern General Store in Cottleville, MO, check out what we've got, and take part in a tasting. No pressure, just a chance to try something new. Enjoy a flight, explore new flavors, and try before you buy. We offer tastings AND closed bottle sales. If you like a pour, you can purchase the bottle in our store too. We also offer monthly tasting events. Be sure to check out our website for events and new brands that we will carry.
You might come in looking for your usual bottle and leave with something completely different.
And honestly, that's our favorite part.


Comments
Thoughtful replies are welcome. Every comment is reviewed before it appears.
Be the first to add a thoughtful note.