In the heart of Kansas City, a family-run distillery is making waves with a whiskey that’s as bold as the Midwest itself. Union Horse Distilling Co. has taken its Bottled-in-Bond Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey from a fleeting limited release to a year-round staple, and it’s easy to see why this spirit has captured the attention of bourbon lovers across the country. With a rich history, a meticulous crafting process, and a flavor profile that hits all the right notes, this bourbon is more than just a drink—it’s a testament to tradition and tenacity.
Union Horse Distilling Co., founded in 2010, is a family affair. The Garcia family—Damian, Patrick, Eric, and Mary—pour their heart into every bottle, crafting spirits that reflect their Midwest roots. Their Bottled-in-Bond Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, first introduced in October 2023 as a limited release, quickly became a fan favorite. Its popularity led the distillery to make it a permanent part of their lineup, hitting shelves year-round in Missouri and Kansas starting mid-August 2024, with plans to expand to more markets through October. “We are so excited to add Bottled-in-Bond as the newest addition in our stable,” said Damian Garcia, Director of Sales and Co-Founder. “It’s been three years since our award-winning Rivalist American Single Malt joined our year-round releases, and it felt like the right time to welcome a new release that’s so well loved by our consumers and trade.”
What makes this bourbon stand out is its adherence to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a piece of legislation that set strict standards for whiskey production. To earn the bottled-in-bond label, a spirit must be made by one distiller at a single distillery during a single season—either January to June or July to December. It has to age for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse and be bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV). These rules, born over a century ago, were designed to ensure quality and authenticity in an era when shady practices were common in the whiskey world. Today, the bottled-in-bond designation is a badge of honor, signaling a commitment to craftsmanship that Union Horse proudly upholds.
The bourbon itself is a small-batch creation, distilled from a sour mash recipe of corn and rye. It’s handcrafted in a 500-gallon copper pot still affectionately nicknamed “Chester Copperpot,” a nod to the family’s playful spirit (the still even gets a shout-out on the bottle’s label). The whiskey is then aged in signature oak barrels in a bonded warehouse, where it develops its complex character over at least four years. Bottled at 50% ABV, it delivers a full-bodied experience with flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, cinnamon spice, and dark fruit. “Creating our Union Horse Bottled-in-Bond has been a testament to an age-old tradition,” said Master Distiller and Co-Founder Patrick Garcia. “With this category increasing in popularity over the years, we knew that adding it to our stable of brands would be an exciting journey.”
The flavor profile is what really sets this bourbon apart. Sip it neat, and you’ll notice the warm embrace of creamy vanilla and butterscotch, followed by a kick of cinnamon spice that dances on the tongue. There’s a subtle sweetness from dark fruit notes, like dried cherries or plums, that lingers in the finish, inviting you to take another sip. It’s the kind of whiskey that rewards slow drinking, perfect for savoring on a quiet evening or sharing with friends over a good story. For those who like to experiment, a few drops of water can open up the flavors even more, bringing out the oak and spice in a way that feels like unwrapping a gift.
Union Horse’s commitment to quality doesn’t stop at the liquid in the bottle. The distillery sources its grains locally, milling them in-house to control every aspect of the process. The sour mash method, where a portion of the previous batch’s fermented mash is used to start the next, adds consistency and depth to the flavor. After distillation, the spent mash is passed on to a local dairy farmer to feed cattle, a small but meaningful step toward sustainability. Each bottle is hand-numbered and signed by Patrick Garcia, a personal touch that underscores the family’s dedication to their craft.
The bourbon’s quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. It earned a spot on Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2024, a prestigious ranking that puts it among the best in the country. It also snagged a Platinum award at the 2025 Ascot Awards and a Double Gold with 96 points at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These accolades speak to the bourbon’s ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with heavyweights in the whiskey world, despite Union Horse being a relatively small player. At an MSRP of $45-47, it’s also a steal for a bottled-in-bond bourbon of this caliber, offering incredible value for a spirit that punches above its price point.
For those who want to dive deeper into the Union Horse experience, the distillery in Lenexa, Kansas, is worth a visit. They host social events, like the one in October 2023 that celebrated the bourbon’s initial release with autumnal cocktails, whiskey flights, and even a costume contest. If you can’t make the trip, the bourbon is available at select retailers in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Georgia, and New York, with more markets opening up through fall 2024. But with only 2,000 bottles produced in its initial limited release, it’s wise to act fast when you spot one.
Union Horse’s Bottled-in-Bond Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more than just a drink—it’s a story of family, tradition, and the Midwest spirit. It’s the kind of bourbon that feels like a reward after a long day, whether you’re unwinding on the porch or toasting to a milestone. With its rich flavors, historical roots, and artisanal craftsmanship, it’s no wonder this whiskey has gone from a limited release to a year-round favorite. For anyone who appreciates a well-made bourbon, Union Horse delivers a sip worth savoring.
