Kansas: An Emerging Craft Spirits Destination
Most people don't think of Kansas when they think of craft spirits — and that's exactly what makes it exciting. While Kentucky and Tennessee get all the whiskey attention, Kansas distillers are quietly producing exceptional spirits from some of the best grain in the country. The Sunflower State grows more wheat than any state in the nation, and that agricultural heritage translates directly into the quality of Kansas craft spirits.
Why Smoky Valley Distillery Stands Out
We're biased, but the numbers speak for themselves. Smoky Valley Distillery in Marquette, Kansas offers an experience that's hard to find anywhere in the state — or the region.
10 Handcrafted Spirits
We produce more varieties than most Kansas distilleries:
Five vodkas: Premium Vodka, Wild Plum Vodka, Smoked Jalapeno Vodka, Lingonberry Vodka, and Pickle Vodka.
Three bourbons: Straight Bourbon, Bud & Dewey's (wheated, our best seller), and Smoked Straight Bourbon.
Two whiskeys: Kernza Whiskey (made from a perennial wheat developed right here in Kansas) and Rye Whiskey.
The Kernza Advantage
No other distillery in the world is making whiskey from Kernza — a perennial wheat grain developed by The Land Institute in Salina, just 25 miles from our door. This is a spirit you literally cannot find anywhere else.
Lodging on Site
We're the only Kansas distillery that offers lodging. Preston House sleeps 11 guests and is available on AirBnB. Book a tour, stay the night, and make a full weekend of it without worrying about driving.
Event Venue
Our facility includes a 60-seat main room and a 140-seat venue with a 15x30 stage. We host live music on weekends, private events, and celebrations throughout the year.
No Competition for 60 Miles
There isn't another distillery within 60 miles of Marquette. When you visit Smoky Valley, you're getting a craft spirits experience that's completely unique to central Kansas.
Planning Your Kansas Distillery Visit
Getting Here
Marquette is located at the crossroads of central Kansas, making it accessible from cities across the state and into Missouri:
- From Salina: 25 minutes
- From Wichita: 2 hours
- From Kansas City: 3 hours
- From Topeka: 2.5 hours
What to Do
- Tour the distillery — $10/person, see the full grain-to-glass process
- Taste all 10 spirits — guided tasting included with every tour
- Shop the retail store — open Thursday through Saturday
- Stay at Preston House — sleeps 11, perfect for groups
- Explore Marquette — a charming small town with Swedish heritage
Nearby Attractions
The area around Smoky Valley Distillery is rich with things to do:
- Lindsborg (20 minutes) — "Little Sweden USA," with Swedish shops, galleries, and festivals
- Mushroom Rock State Park (20 minutes) — unique mushroom-shaped rock formations
- Coronado Heights (15 minutes) — scenic hilltop castle with panoramic views
- Kanopolis Lake (15 minutes) — fishing, hiking, and camping
Make a Weekend of It
A Kansas distillery visit doesn't have to be a quick stop. Combine a distillery tour with nearby attractions, overnight lodging at Preston House, and a home-cooked breakfast to create a weekend getaway that's completely different from anything you'll find in the city. Check our Kansas road trip guide for a full itinerary.