The history of J. Rieger & Co. dates back to 1887 as the largest mail-order whiskey house in the United States. In recent years, the company has proudly brought distilling back to Kansas City, becoming the first distillery in the city in nearly a century. J. Rieger & Co. has created a range of spirits, including their Midwestern Dry Gin, which was awarded as a favorite in the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
J.Rieger & Co. always intended to produce a gin inspired by traditional London Dry Gins, but creating a perfectly balanced gin takes time and skill, so the company relied on its loyal friends to help. In 2015, Tom Nichol was on the hunt for a new passion project as he was preparing to retire from his role as Master Distiller of Tanqueray. After visiting the distillery and taking a deep dive into the brand, Tom decided to join the J. Rieger & Co. family. Through constant communication and frequent visits each year, Tom Nichol is bestowing his lifetime of gin distilling experience and knowledge to J. Rieger & Co.’s Master Distiller Nathan Perry. Nathan was even granted his title of Master Distiller by The Gin Guild through Tom Nichol, a title that only 400 people in history hold. This designation can only be passed down from a current Master Distiller and Tom is honored to have granted the title to Nathan. The Midwestern Dry Gin is a true culmination of the partnership between the two and Tom’s life work with gin.
In a world where many gins seek to be unique leveraging newer ingredients, J. Rieger & Co.’s Midwestern Dry Gin remains faithful to traditional London dry gin. The result is a bold gin with layers of aroma and complexity of flavors from mature Juniper berries, bright lemon and grapefruit, and a mild sweetness. This gin is perfect for sipping on the rocks or in a classic cocktail like a martini or gin & tonic. The Southside Fizz is also a delicious option for those who prefer a bright, refreshing drink.
The J. Rieger & Co. team is extremely proud to be awarded Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for their gin, and the brand is not only winning distinguished awards in the gin category. J. Rieger & Co.’s 6-year-old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond won Double Gold at the 2023 competition, as well. The distilling team at J. Rieger & Co. is at the center of their success, crafting world-class spirits in Kansas City. Keep an eye out for their 4-year-old Bourbon releasing in Spring 2024, continuing their mark as one of the finest whiskey producers in the country.
