Kansas's 5-Star Bourbon Distillery
Crafting the Next Generation of Spirits
Handcrafted small-batch vodka, bourbon, and whiskey in Marquette — made with Kansas grains and sandstone-filtered water from the Kiowa Aquifer.
Handcrafted with Care in Central Kansas
We use only the finest ingredients, including the naturally sweet and refreshing sandstone-filtered water of the nearby Kiowa Aquifer. As a small-town business, we take pride in supporting local farmers and using locally sourced grains.
Located in downtown Marquette in the historic COOP building — built in 1919 — Smoky Valley Distillery is a destination for craft spirit lovers across Kansas and beyond.
1919
Historic Building
5.0
TripAdvisor Rating
2020
Est. in Marquette
Our Spirits
Small-batch spirits that capture the heart and soul of the Midwest and the taste of the Smoky Valley.
Bourbon · 45% ABV
Bud & Dewey's
Our best-selling wheated straight bourbon with sweet cereal and vanilla notes.
Vodka · 40% ABV
Wild Plum Vodka
Infused with natural plum flavor — take any cocktail to the next level.
Whiskey · 45% ABV
Kernza Whiskey
Crafted with Kernza perennial wheat developed in Kansas. Truly one of a kind.
Vodka · 40% ABV
Smoked Jalapeno Vodka
Hickory-smoked and jalapeno-infused for a one-of-a-kind vodka. Perfect in a Bloody Mary.
Experience the Distillery
What Visitors Are Saying
“Couldn't ask for a better experience...wonderful people and tasty concoctions!!”
— Kat R.
“The owners were kind, friendly and very knowledgeable about their products. The plum vodka is excellent.”
— Rachel B.
“Top shelf whisky and vodka distilled on site. FABULOUS Bloody Mary and Mules.”
— TripAdvisor Review
More Than a Distillery
Beyond our spirits, we offer a 140-seat event venue with live music, a cozy tasting room, and the Preston House — our lodging that sleeps 11, within walking distance of the distillery.
- Guided tours & tastings ($10/person)
- Live music on weekends
- Event venue for weddings, parties & corporate events
- Preston House lodging (sleeps 11)
Try This at Home
Craft cocktail recipes using our handmade spirits.
Smoky Valley Bloody Mary
The ultimate Bloody Mary — made with Smoky Valley Smoked Jalapeno Vodka for smoky heat, or Pickle Vodka for savory dill flavor. No extra pickle juice needed.
3 Easy Bourbon Cocktails
Three simple bourbon cocktails anyone can make at home — Whiskey Sour, Bourbon & Ginger, and Bourbon Hot Toddy using Bud & Dewey's wheated bourbon.
Spicy Cocktails with Jalapeno Vodka
Three fiery cocktails made with Smoky Valley Smoked Jalapeno Vodka — Spicy Margarita, Spicy Mule, and Jalapeno Martini for heat lovers.
From the Distillery
Stories, guides, and education about craft spirits.
Vodka Education
Does Vodka Go Bad? What Actually Happens to an Open Bottle
Unopened vodka keeps essentially forever, and an open bottle stays safe to drink indefinitely. What changes is flavor — and for flavored vodka, which is four of our five, it changes considerably faster than most people expect.
Venue & Events
Distillery Wedding Venue: 17 Questions to Ask Before You Book
A distillery is not a barn and it is not a hotel ballroom — the alcohol rules alone work differently. Here are the questions worth asking any distillery wedding venue before you sign, with our own honest answers to each one.
Whiskey Education
What Is Barrel Char? The Burned Layer Behind Every Vanilla and Caramel Note
Barrel char is a controlled fire set inside a new oak barrel before any whiskey goes in. It is where bourbon's vanilla, caramel, and color come from — and it is the reason charred whiskey does not taste smoky. Here are the four char levels, the red layer underneath, and what each one does.
Plan Your Visit to Smoky Valley
Whether you're coming from Salina, Wichita, or Kansas City — we're worth the drive. Book a tour, grab a bottle, or stay the weekend.