Historic McCormick Distillery To Return To Making Bourbon

By Richard Thomas

Late last week the McCormick Distilling Company announced they would resume making bourbon whiskey at their Weston, Missouri facility for the first time in 30 years. At the same time they announced they would soon open the distillery to visitors for the first time in two decades.

Originally known as the Holladay Distillery, McCormick opened its doors in 1856, and is both on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as the oldest continuously operating distillery site in the United States. Note the language there, because it doesn’t include the word “whiskey.” Although McCormick continued operation during Prohibition as one of a handful of “medicinal” whiskey-makers, they ceased whiskey production in 1985.

McCormick functions as both a maker and importer of liquor, and the distillery itself has focused mostly on making vodka in recent years. It’s only toehold in the whiskey market was importing Wiser’s from Canada.

The company plans to introduce Holladay 1856 Bourbon in a few years time, but like many micro-distilleries in the United States, will focus on a moonshine and a corn whiskey for the immediate future.

2 comments

  1. What a great tour. Fun from beginning to end.

    Allison shared history and distilling facts mixed with humor and fun. Victoria and Jake were friendly, fun and helpful greeters and bartenders.

    This is a place to visit more than once. It’s definitely on our list of where to take out of town visitors.

  2. I bought a bottle of rare bourbon whiskey at the Weston location the last day they were open in 1997. I never opened the bottle. Is it worth more than a normal bottle from today?

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