Inside the bottle: How does KC classic J. Rieger’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey rate?

J. Rieger & Co.’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond // Photo by Mike Dahlor

It’s been almost 150 years since Jacob Rizor stepped foot on American soil. The path leading to “What’s in the Bottle” this month begins long ago with a newly christened Jacob Rieger, settling briefly in Cincinnati before moving to Kansas City in the early 1880s and opening a grocery store. 

In 1887, Jacob was ready for his next adventure and founded what we now know as J. Rieger & Co., which holds the title of being Kansas City Missouri’s first distillery in almost one hundred years. 

With Kansas enacting statewide prohibition nearly 40 years ahead of the 18th Amendment, J. Rieger & Co. found itself smack dab in the middle of what was soon to be known as “The Wettest Block in the World” and business was good along that state line. 

Around 1900, Jacob surrendered the helm of the business to his only son, Alexander. Under Alexander’s leadership, the company expanded and grew, at one time offering over 100 unique products to customers by mail order. This marketing genius led the company’s growth (at one point, having over 250,000 customers across the country). 

Despite its success and Alexander’s vision, the distillery, like so many others, did not survive the 18th Amendment which mandated the criminalization of the production, sale, or transport of intoxicating drinks and in December 1919, the doors were closed. 

Obviously, those doors opened again, but that is a story best left for a visit to the now-functioning J. Rieger & Co. located in the quaint East Bottoms of Kansas City. Book an on-site tour and the unique story of J. Rieger & Co., how it impacted the Kansas City area, its demise, and phoenix-like resurrection will captivate the whiskey fan and history buff alike. 

In addition to being home to some of Kansas City’s most alluring attractions (The Hey! Hey! Club and the Electric Park Garden Bar, to mention a couple), J. Rieger & Co. now produces several labels. Maybe not the hundreds once available, but solid spirits nonetheless. 

While they may be more well known for their Kansas City Whiskey, which is a story all in its own right, they also produce one of the best bottled in bond whiskeys one can find. The influence of the legendary Dave Pickerell is in this bottle and it’s what’s in my glass, so let’s go!

J. Rieger & Co.’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled in Bond

On the nose

The introduction to this pour begins with a sweet oaky char. That lovely oak note every bourbon drinker loves is overlaid with a confectioner’s sugar sweetness. The cherry and vanilla notes one expects in bourbon are there, but they’re riding in the back seat for this ride. That lovely oak note is driving, and the powder sugar is riding shotgun.

On the palate

The road trip continues along the tongue. A rich viscous blanket of sweetness, brushing closely to an almost honey note. Holding this in the mouth lets small bursts of rye spice come through, and while it may not get to ride up front, the cherry note most certainly leans forward to change the radio. This is where this whiskey shines. The longer it stays on your tongue, the more you learn about it. Though being bottled in bond means it is legally bound to 100 proof, don’t let that scare you off. It is one of the most approachable whiskeys on my shelf at that proof point. It offers warm spices, charred cherries, and cotton candy sweetness all the way through.

Finish

I find the finish very short, and it is my only negative. On one hand, it makes one eager to go in for another sip, but on the other hand, one must say goodbye to those delightful flavors much too soon.

Overall, a perfect bottle for those new to bourbon who want to move away from cocktails and explore the world of neat pours.

ABV: 50% (100 Proof)

Score: 88 

SRP: $64.99

Score Key:
90-100: Buy it, hoard it. Share it only with Whiskey nerds who you want to be indebted to you.
70-89: Buy it, enjoy it liberally because you can get more when you want to.
40-69: Worth it to try because you can always make a cocktail if you need to
20-39: go ahead if you want to… experience is learning.
0-19: You were warned.