In the heart of downtown St. Louis, a local distillery is kicking off 2026 with a bang, blending history and fine whiskey in a way that's sure to grab the attention of anyone who appreciates a good pour. Still 630 Distillery, tucked into an old Hardy's building at 1000 S. Fourth St. on the corner of Chouteau Avenue, is launching a year-long series of events to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. It's called the Indomitable Spirit of America 250th Birthday Bourbon series, and it all starts on January 2 with a special tasting party that honors 1776 and the Declaration of Independence.
David Weglarz, the owner who's been running Still 630 for 13 years now, sees this as more than just another whiskey release. He's turning it into a monthly gathering where folks can dive into America's past through rare, limited-edition bourbons. Each one comes from a single barrel, picked to commemorate a key moment in the country's history. The series runs all year, with events on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m. If you're the type who likes to skip the dry January resolutions and jump straight into something with real flavor, this could be your go-to spot.
What makes these bourbons stand out is how they're crafted. All 12 barrels start with the same mash bill – a mix of yellow and red corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. But each one develops its own character during aging. Weglarz puts it this way: "It’s like children growing up in the same house. The same environment, the same DNA, but very different personalities." That uniqueness comes partly from the barrels themselves, sourced from Independent Stave Co. in Lebanon, Missouri. That company's been churning out top-notch oak barrels since 1912, so you know they're built to bring out the best in the spirit.
The January 2 event isn't just about sipping straight bourbon, though. Weglarz and his team are pulling out all the stops with cocktails that nod to historical recipes, using some of the distillery's other spirits to mix things up. Andrew Spaugh and Jake Obradovic, the guys behind the bar at Still 630, have been working on drinks that fit the 1776 theme. One highlight is the Fish Bowl Punch, made just like they did back then with rum or gin, peach syrup, and sugar water, served over ice for that refreshing kick. Then there's the Flip, a warming mix of rye whiskey, apple brandy, madeira, molasses, and a whole egg, heated up with a hot poker. Weglarz confirms they're going all in on the authenticity: "Yes, we really are [going to do that]."
Beyond the tastes and sips, there's more to keep things engaging. Bottles of the Indomitable Spirit bourbon will be up for grabs at each event, and each one comes with a removable collectable gold coin engraved to match the historic event being celebrated. It's the kind of thing that could turn into a prized collection over the year. Plus, they've got trivia lined up, testing your knowledge of American history while you enjoy the drinks. It's a smart way to make the evening interactive, turning a simple tasting into something memorable.
Weglarz explains the bigger picture behind the series: "As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of the American spirit, we wanted to create something truly special that honors our nation’s heritage while showcasing the artistry of American bourbon-making. Each barrel in the Indomitable Spirit of America 250th Birthday series is a celebration of craftsmanship, history and the pioneering spirit that defines both our country and our distillery." It's clear this isn't just about selling whiskey – it's about connecting people to the stories that shaped the U.S., one barrel at a time.
For anyone who's ever enjoyed cracking open a history book or debating the finer points of a well-aged bourbon with friends, this series feels tailor-made. Still 630 has built a reputation over the years, even snagging awards like Best in Class Rum from the American Craft Spirits Association back in 2024, and landing spots on Readers' Choice lists for St. Louis-made spirits. Now, with this 250th birthday bash, they're stepping it up, offering a chance to experience something exclusive right in the city.
The distillery's location adds to the appeal – that old building on Fourth Street gives it a gritty, authentic vibe that's perfect for these kinds of gatherings. As the months roll on, each event will shift focus to a different slice of history, keeping things fresh. Whether it's the grit of the Revolution or other pivotal moments, the bourbons promise to capture that indomitable spirit Weglarz talks about.
If you're in the St. Louis area or planning a trip, marking your calendar for these first Fridays could lead to some great nights out. It's not every day you get to toast to America's milestones with a glass of something this special. Weglarz sums up the excitement best: "If you’re into whiskey, this is very exciting." And with the combination of unique bourbons, historical cocktails, collectibles, and trivia, it's hard to argue otherwise. This series might just become the highlight of 2026 for whiskey fans looking to blend their love of spirits with a dose of patriotism.
