J. Rieger & Co., a Kansas City distillery with deep roots, has just dropped its 2025 Monogram Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve, and it’s already turning heads. This isn’t just another bottle to toss on the shelf—it’s a limited-edition masterpiece that blends history, craftsmanship, and bold flavors. With only 1,887 bottles produced, this whiskey is the kind of rare find that makes collectors sit up and take notice. Here’s why it’s worth tracking down.
The 2025 Monogram Solera Reserve is the third release in J. Rieger & Co.’s celebrated Kansas City Whiskey series, and it’s their most exclusive offering yet. Crafted by Master Distiller Nathan Perry alongside co-founder Ryan Maybee and a skilled tasting panel, this whiskey is a tribute to the distillery’s pre-Prohibition legacy. The “Monogram” name, once reserved for the finest whiskeys from the original 1887 operation, lives on as a mark of excellence. Each bottle’s label nods to that founding year, tying the past to the present in a way that feels authentic, not gimmicky.
What sets this whiskey apart is its unique blend and aging process. It combines Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye, and Light Corn Whiskey, each finished in massive 500-liter Oloroso Sherry botas from Spain’s Williams & Humbert Solera Especial in Jerez. These aren’t just any barrels—they’re up to 100 years old, steeped in history and flavor. The Solera aging method, a technique borrowed from sherry production, adds another layer of complexity. By continuously blending younger whiskeys with older ones across ten casks, the distillery creates a spirit that’s always evolving. The result? A smooth, sophisticated whiskey with notes of dried fruit, warm spice, and a subtle oxidative depth that lingers on the palate.
The partnership with Williams & Humbert is a game-changer. Since 2014, J. Rieger & Co. has been adding a touch of 15-year-old Oloroso Sherry to their Kansas City Whiskey, a nod to the old-school practice of “rectifying” whiskey with sherry for extra richness. In 2017, they made history as the first U.S. distillery allowed to import sherry in bulk from Spain, cementing their reputation as innovators. For the 2025 Monogram, that sherry influence shines through, balancing the rye’s bold spiciness and the bourbon’s subtle sweetness with a refined elegance.
The whiskey’s roots are firmly planted in Kansas City, and it builds on the distillery’s award-winning Kansas City Whiskey, a blend that’s earned its own category for its pre-Prohibition vibe. That base blend—straight bourbon, light corn whiskey, and straight rye, all aged at least four years—gets an extra boost from the sherry casks, making the Monogram a standout. At 92 proof, it’s got enough kick to hold its own in a glass, neat or with a splash of water, but it’s smooth enough to savor slowly.
Ryan Maybee calls this release the “crown jewel” of their lineup, and it’s easy to see why. “This whiskey is about patience and craft,” he said in a recent statement. “Those ancient sherry botas from Spain add a depth you can’t fake. It’s a collector’s piece, but it’s also meant to be enjoyed.” That dual purpose—something to treasure and something to drink—makes it appealing to both serious whiskey hunters and folks who just want a damn good pour.
With only 1,887 bottles available, getting your hands on one won’t be easy. Priced at around $130 for a 750-ml bottle, it’s a steal for a whiskey of this caliber, but you’ll need to act fast. It’s hitting select bars and retailers mainly in Missouri and Kansas, with a few bottles allocated to other major markets. If you’re in the area, check out local spots or keep an eye on J. Rieger’s website for updates. Some lucky folks might even catch it at special events, like the four-course Monogram release dinner held at Idol Wolf in Kansas City on June 12, 2025, which paired the whiskey with cocktails and tastings.
J. Rieger & Co.’s story adds another layer of appeal. Founded in 1887 by Jacob Rieger, the distillery was once the biggest mail-order whiskey house in the U.S. before Prohibition shut it down. Fast forward to 2014, when Andy Rieger, Jacob’s great-great-great-grandson, teamed up with Ryan Maybee to bring it back. With heavyweights like Master Distillers Dave Pickerell and Tom Nichol in their corner, they’ve turned J. Rieger & Co. into a powerhouse of American whiskey. Their Kansas City distillery isn’t just a business—it’s a revival of a family legacy, and the Monogram Solera Reserve is proof they’re doing it right.
For anyone who loves whiskey with a story, this release checks every box. It’s got history, craftsmanship, and a flavor profile that’s complex without being pretentious. Whether you’re adding it to your collection or cracking it open for a special night, the 2025 Monogram Kansas City Whiskey Solera Reserve is a bottle worth chasing. Don’t sleep on it—those 1,887 bottles won’t last long.
