What to Expect on a Craft Distillery Tour
Visiting a craft distillery is one of the best ways to appreciate the art and science behind your favorite spirits. Unlike large commercial distilleries, craft distillers like us offer intimate, hands-on experiences where you can talk directly with the people who make the spirits.
Before You Go
Book ahead. Most craft distilleries (including ours) require appointments for tours. Book online or call to secure your spot.
Designate a driver. You'll be tasting spirits during the tour. Plan accordingly — or stay at Preston House and walk to the distillery.
Come hungry for knowledge. The best part of a craft tour is learning directly from the distiller. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
What Happens During the Tour
A typical craft distillery tour includes three parts:
1. The Production Floor
You'll see the equipment up close — the mash tun where grains are cooked, the fermentation tanks, the still where alcohol is separated, and the aging barrels (for bourbon and whiskey). At Smoky Valley, we'll show you how we transform Kansas corn, wheat, and rye into our 10 handcrafted spirits.
2. The Tasting
This is what you came for. You'll sample the distillery's lineup with guided notes from your host. At our distillery, you'll taste all 10 spirits — five vodkas, three bourbons, and two whiskeys — with explanations of what makes each one unique.
3. The Shop
After the tour, you'll have the opportunity to purchase your favorites. Many craft distilleries (including ours) sell bottles, merchandise, and gift sets that aren't available anywhere else.
How to Taste Spirits Like a Pro
Look: Hold the glass up to the light. Notice the color — clear for vodka, amber to deep gold for bourbon and whiskey.
Nose: Gently bring the glass to your nose. Don't shove your nose in — hold it a few inches away and breathe naturally. What do you smell? Fruit, spice, smoke, vanilla?
Sip: Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. Notice how the flavors evolve — the initial taste, the mid-palate, and the finish.
Add water: For bourbon and whiskey, adding a few drops of water can open up flavors that were hidden by the alcohol.
Tips for Your Visit
- Eat before you come. Tasting on an empty stomach means the alcohol hits harder and you can't appreciate the flavors as well.
- Take notes. After 10 tastings, it's hard to remember which was your favorite. Jot down your thoughts.
- Ask about the process. Craft distillers love talking about their work. The more you ask, the more you'll learn.
- Buy what you love. Some craft spirits are only available at the distillery. If you taste something amazing, grab a bottle.
Plan Your Visit to Smoky Valley
Ready to experience a craft distillery firsthand? Book a tour at Smoky Valley Distillery — $10 per person, 30-45 minutes, available Thursday through Saturday by appointment.
Coming from out of town? Check our city pages for driving directions from cities across Kansas and Missouri.