Boot Hill Distillery

What Boot Hill Distillery does

Boot Hill Distillery is a privately-held, family-owned craft distillery founded in 2016 by fifth-generation Kansas farmers Hayes and Roger Kelman, operating from the restored 1929 Dodge City municipal building (Boot Hill historic site) at 501 W Spruce Street. The company practices a "soil-to-sip" vertical integration model, sourcing grain—wheat, corn, and other varieties—from its own Kelman Farms in Haskell County, Kansas, approximately 50 miles from the distillery, and processing it on site through milling, mashing, fermenting, distillation (pot stills plus a 36-plate column for vodka and vapor distillation for gin), aging, and bottling.

The product portfolio spans core spirits (Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Wheat Whiskey, Red Eye Whiskey, White Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Barreled Gin, and a revival of a 19th-century Prickly Ash Bitters formula positioned as an American amaro), a ready-to-drink cocktail line (Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, Rosemary Mule, Vodka Basil Lemonade, Whiskey Cola) in bottles and 355ml cans, and multiple co-branded university partnership SKUs including the K-State Wabash Reserve bourbon series (with annual limited editions: Anderson Hall, 1863, and DOOM Caribbean rum cask finish), FHSU Victor E. Bourbon, and WSU Roundhouse Reserve. Limited releases such as Roundup Rodeo Bourbon and America 250 Bourbon extend the specialty/collectible range.

Boot Hill generates revenue through direct-to-consumer bottle sales via the on-site tasting room and website (with third-party shipping to KS/MO/OK and nationwide where legal), wholesale distribution to licensed retailers in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, paid guided tours ($20/guest, Fridays and Saturdays), private event venue rentals (Tasting Room, Patio, Pergola, Courtroom), and branded merchandise via a separate Square storefront. Customer segments include craft spirits enthusiasts, bourbon collectors, university alumni communities (K-State, FHSU, WSU), Dodge City tourists and Western heritage visitors, and wholesale/retail accounts. Pricing is publicly disclosed across the full catalog ($25–$150 per bottle; bundles $120–$195) and the company is bootstrapped with no disclosed external investment, subsidiary entities, or M&A activity.

Name

Boot Hill Distillery

Legal name

Boot Hill Distillery

Website

https://boothilldistillery.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Boot Hill Distillery is a privately-held, family-owned craft distillery in Dodge City, Kansas, founded in 2016 by the Kelman family, producing bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, bitters, and ready-to-drink cocktails via vertical "soil-to-sip" integration from its own fifth-generation family farm, sold direct-to-consumer, through regional wholesale in KS/MO/OK, and via university partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Distillery / Craft Spirits

NAICS

Distilleries (31214), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320)

SIC

Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Distilled Spirits Production & Distilling (AFAFAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spirits/Cocktail Bars Operated by Producers (THAFALAJ), Producer-Owned Retail & Bottle Shops (On-site) (THAFALAL), Spirits Distillery Tours & Tastings (Whiskey, Rum, Gin, Vodka) (THAJAGAF), Beer, Wine & Spirits Wholesale Distribution (CRAOAIAA)

Keywords

• Craft spirits production
• Small batch whiskey
• Grain to glass distilling
• Bourbon whiskey distilling
• Ready to drink cocktails

Headquarters

HQ city

Dodge City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Spirits Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer bottle sales through online store and at distillery. Includes individual bottles, bundles (Whiskey Bundle, Premium Whiskey Bundle, K-State Bundle), and ready-to-drink cocktails in cans. Products shipped to customers via third-party fulfillment.
2. Tasting Room and Bar: Full-service bar and tasting area in historic building. Signature cocktails, flights of spirits, and casual beverages served to visitors.
3. Tours and Tastings: Hour-long guided tours of distillery offered Friday and Saturday evenings at $20 per guest. Includes production facility access, history of historic building, and guided tasting of award-winning spirits.
4. Event Rentals: Private event venue rentals including Tasting Room, Patio, Pergola, and The Courtroom. Spaces available for celebrations, meetings, and special occasions with full-service bar.
5. Merchandise Sales: Branded merchandise sold through separate Square storefront linked from main website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Boot Hill Distillery is a craft distillery that produces a portfolio of spirits — bourbon, wheat whiskey, red eye whiskey, white whiskey, gin, barreled gin, vodka, Prickly Ash Bitters, and ready-to-drink cocktails — using a grain-to-glass "soil-to-sip" approach with grain grown on the Kelman family's fifth-generation farm in Haskell County, Kansas. Production and retail take place at a restored 1929 municipal building in Dodge City that also houses a tasting room, guided distillery tours, and event rental venues. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through the on-site tasting room and online store, via wholesale distribution in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, and through university partnership co-branded bottlings.

Product overview

Boot Hill Distillery is a craft distillery offering a portfolio of spirits produced through a soil-to-sip approach, starting with grain grown on the Kelman family farm in Haskell County, Kansas. The core product lineup includes Vodka, Gin, Barreled Gin, White Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Wheat Whiskey, Red Eye Whiskey, and Prickly Ash Bitters. The distillery also produces ready-to-drink cocktails (Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, Whiskey Cola, Vodka Basil Lemonade, Rosemary Mule) sold in bottles and cans. University partnership products include K-State branded Wabash Reserve bourbons and EMAW Vodka, Fort Hays State University's Victor E. Bourbon, and Wichita State University's Roundhouse Reserve. Special releases include America 250 Bourbon and Roundup Rodeo Bourbon. Bundling options include the Whiskey Bundle, Premium Whiskey Bundle, and K-State Bundle. The distillery operates tours and tastings from its historic building in Dodge City, Kansas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vodka Boot Hill Vodka is distilled from 100% hard red winter wheat grown on the Kelman family's farm in western Kansas, double-distilled through a 36-plate column still and charcoal filtered, bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). Awarded Gold and Best of Vodka & Grain Spirits at the American Craft Spirits Awards 2020 and recommended for craft spirits enthusiasts seeking a Kansas-grown wheat vodka.
• Gin Boot Hill Gin is a New Western style gin vapor distilled in 250-gallon batches and built on an eight-botanical recipe of juniper, coriander, bitter orange peel, angelica root, orris root, licorice root, chamomile flower, and a hint of sarsaparilla. Designed for craft gin drinkers who prefer nuanced botanical profiles from Kansas-grown grain.
• Barreled Gin Boot Hill Barreled Gin is the New Western style gin rested for eight months in used Red Eye Whiskey barrels, bridging the whiskey and gin categories at 90 proof (45% ABV). Gold Medal at The Fifty Best 2019; positioned for whiskey-and-gin crossover drinkers.
• White Whiskey Boot Hill White Whiskey uses a 51% corn and 49% wheat mash bill with one week of charred oak barrel aging, producing a bold and youthful grain spirit at 80 proof. Silver at Bartender Spirits Awards 2023 and American Distilling Institute 2023; targeted at craft whiskey drinkers seeking unaged or lightly aged expressions.
• Bourbon Whiskey Boot Hill Bourbon Whiskey is the distillery's flagship craft bourbon, made from a 51% corn and 49% wheat mash bill, aged at least two years in new American charred oak barrels, and bottled at 90 proof. Named to Fred Minnick's Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2023 and awarded multiple golds across major competitions; marketed as Kansas' first soil-to-sip craft bourbon.
• Straight Wheat Whiskey Boot Hill Straight Wheat Whiskey is a 100% straight wheat whiskey distilled from hard red winter wheat grown on the family's Kansas farm and aged over two years in new American white oak barrels, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). Gold at Bartender Spirits Awards 2023 and Gold and Exceptional at the Beverage Testing Institute; positioned for craft whiskey drinkers seeking wheat-forward expressions.
• Red Eye Whiskey Boot Hill Red Eye Whiskey is a frontier-style Kansas whiskey made by aging bourbon new make for 6–12 months in various barrels, then blending to create an approachable 80-proof sipping whiskey. Named Best Whiskey in Kansas by the Heartland Spirits Festival 2023 and recommended by F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal; positioned for craft whiskey drinkers seeking accessible, lightly aged bourbon-style spirits.
• Prickly Ash Bitters Boot Hill Prickly Ash Bitters is a revival of the original 19th-century Prickly Ash Bitters formula (out of production since the 1910s), reimagined as a sweet-bitter American amaro at 70 proof in a 375 mL bottle. Built on prickly ash bark, buchu leaves, senna, coriander, grains of paradise, and cubeb pepper; aimed at bartenders, mixologists, and amaro enthusiasts seeking a historical American formulation.
• Ready to Drink Old Fashioned Boot Hill Ready to Drink Old Fashioned is a pre-bottled craft cocktail combining Red Eye Whiskey with Prickly Ash Bitters, bottled at 66 proof (33% ABV). Platinum at ASCOT Awards 2022; designed for consumers seeking a convenient bar-quality Old Fashioned in a bottle.
• Ready to Drink Mint Julep Boot Hill Ready to Drink Mint Julep is a pre-bottled Mint Julep cocktail built on Red Eye Whiskey, sugar, and mint, bottled at 66 proof (33% ABV). Positioned as a convenient, bar-quality Mint Julep and inspired by the Longbranch Saloon tradition.
• Ready to Drink Whiskey Cola Boot Hill Ready to Drink Whiskey Cola is a canned craft cocktail blending Red Eye Whiskey with cola, sold in an 8-pack of 355 mL cans. Gold at Denver International Spirits Competition 2023; designed for consumers seeking a convenient, bar-quality whiskey cola.
• Ready to Drink Vodka Basil Lemonade Boot Hill Ready to Drink Vodka Basil Lemonade is a canned craft cocktail of vodka, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and basil, sold as an 8-pack of 355 mL cans. Gold at ASCOT Awards 2022 and Bartender Spirits Awards 2023; aimed at craft RTD consumers seeking a botanical, lemonade-style vodka cocktail.
• Ready to Drink Rosemary Mule Boot Hill Ready to Drink Rosemary Mule is a canned craft cocktail combining vodka with ginger beer and rosemary, bottled at 20 proof (10% ABV). Named Ready to Drink Cocktail of the Year at USA Spirit Ratings 2023 and Gold at Denver International Spirit Ratings; positioned for craft RTD consumers seeking botanical, mule-style vodka cocktails.
• Wabash Reserve Bourbon Wabash Reserve Bourbon is the first bourbon created for Kansas State University alumni and fans, made from grain grown on the Kelman family's farm, bottled at 90 proof in a 750 mL bottle. Positioned as the core K-State partnership bourbon for alumni gifting and gameday consumption.
• Wabash Reserve Anderson Hall Edition Wabash Reserve Anderson Hall Edition is a limited annual release honoring K-State's Anderson Hall landmark, a four-year-old bourbon whiskey bottled at 100 proof in 750 mL. Targeted at K-State alumni seeking exclusive, limited-quantity edition bourbons.
• Wabash Reserve DOOM Edition Wabash Reserve DOOM Edition is the third release in the Wabash Reserve line and the distillery's first cask-finished bourbon — a 90-proof bourbon aged 5 years in new oak and finished for 6 months in Caribbean rum casks. Aimed at K-State alumni and bourbon collectors seeking limited cask-finished editions.
• Wabash Reserve 1863 Edition Wabash Reserve 1863 Edition is the fourth release in the Wabash Reserve series honoring Kansas State University's founding year; a 90-proof bourbon aged over 6 years and among the oldest releases from Boot Hill Distillery. Targeted at K-State alumni and bourbon collectors seeking aged, limited-edition expressions.
• EMAW Vodka EMAW Vodka is a Kansas State University-themed vodka celebrating the Wildcat "EMAW" rally cry, bottled at 80 proof and made from Kansas-grown grain. Positioned as the K-State partnership vodka SKU for alumni gifting and gameday consumption.
• Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey is a Fort Hays State University partnership bourbon honoring FHSU's agricultural heritage; uses an 85% corn, 10% rye, 2.5% wheat, and 2.5% malted barley mash bill and is bottled at 80 proof. Aimed at FHSU alumni and Tiger Nation supporters.
• Roundhouse Reserve High Wheat Bourbon Whiskey Roundhouse Reserve is a high-wheat bourbon created in partnership with Wichita State University, crafted with Kansas-grown grains and aged in new charred oak barrels. Marketed to WSU alumni, Shocker fans, and bourbon drinkers seeking a wheat-forward, locally branded spirit.
• Roundup Rodeo Bourbon Roundup Rodeo Bourbon is a limited edition bourbon created in partnership with the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo as a tribute to grit, glory, and the Wild West spirit; crafted in Dodge City. Positioned for rodeo attendees, Western heritage enthusiasts, and bourbon collectors seeking limited regional bottles.
• America 250 Bourbon Whiskey America 250 Bourbon Whiskey is a limited edition Kansas Straight Bourbon celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, made from High Plains grain and distilled in Dodge City. A portion of each bottle supports the Kansas 250 Fund commemorating this historic milestone statewide.
• Whiskey Bundle The Whiskey Bundle packages three 750 mL bottles — White Whiskey, Red Eye Whiskey, and Bourbon Whiskey — for USD 120, designed to showcase the distillery's aging progression from one week to two-plus years. Targeted at whiskey enthusiasts exploring the Boot Hill aging lineup.
• Premium Whiskey Bundle The Premium Whiskey Bundle packages three 750 mL bottles — Red Eye Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, and Straight Wheat Whiskey — for USD 150, presented as the premium showcase of Boot Hill's wheat-based whiskey expressions. Positioned for premium gift and tasting purchases.
• K-State Bundle The K-State Bundle packages four 750 mL bottles from the K-State Collection — Wabash Reserve Bourbon, Wabash Reserve Anderson Hall, Wabash Reserve 1863, and EMAW Vodka — for USD 195. Targeted at K-State alumni seeking a curated, branded gifting set.
• Guided Distillery Tours and Tastings Boot Hill Distillery offers hour-long guided tours of its production facility on Fridays and Saturdays at 4PM and 6PM for USD 20 per guest, including behind-the-scenes access to production areas, the history of the historic 1929 municipal building, and guided tastings of award-winning spirits. Targeted at tourists, history enthusiasts, spirits enthusiasts, and curious visitors to Dodge City.
• Historic Venue Event Rentals Boot Hill Distillery rents out four historic spaces inside the restored Dodge City municipal building — the Courtroom, Patio, Pergola, and Tasting Room — for private celebrations, meetings, and special occasions, with a full-service bar available. Targeted at event organizers and private hosts seeking a distinctive Western-frontier venue in Dodge City.

Quantifiable outcome

• Vodka awarded Gold and Best of Vodka & Grain Spirits at American Craft Spirits Awards 2020
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• City of Dodge CitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Partnership to transform Dodge City's historic former municipal building (on verge of demolition) into a working distillery. Kelmans acquired the building, repurposing demolition funds toward extensive renovation under Kansas Historical Society guidance. Two-year revitalization completed.
• Kansas State University (K-State)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeep partnership creating the Wabash Reserve bourbon line - the first and only bourbon for K-Staters. Includes annual limited editions: Anderson Hall Edition, 1863 Edition, and Doom Edition. Also includes EMAW Vodka. Products made by K-State alumni (Roger '80, Hayes '15, Shelby '13 & '15 Kelman). Agricultural link dates to 1863 when K-State was founded as first land-grant university. Every bottle supports K-State and the alumni-owned company.
• Fort Hays State University (FHSU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership creating Victor E. Bourbon Whiskey honoring FHSU's agricultural heritage. Uses Kansas-grown mash bill of 85% Corn, 10% Rye, 2.5% wheat, 2.5% malted barley. Makes Tiger Nation proud with locally-crafted bourbon.
• Wichita State University (WSU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership creating Roundhouse Reserve High Wheat Bourbon Whiskey. Crafted with Kansas-grown grains, aged in new charred oak barrels. Brings together WSU's historic wheat branding with Boot Hill's craftsmanship for Shocker fans and alumni.
• Dodge City Roundup RodeominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership creating Roundup Rodeo Bourbon - a tribute to grit, glory, and the Wild West. Born from grit, built for glory, crafted in Dodge City. Celebrates the annual rodeo tradition.
• Kansas 250 FundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmerica 250 Bourbon Whiskey supports the Kansas 250 Fund, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Portion of each bottle sold helps commemorate this historic milestone statewide.
• Shiloh Vineyard (Kansas Winery)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerKansas winery whose Noiret Bourbon Barrel Reserve (aged 8 months in Boot Hill Distillery Bourbon barrels) is featured in the DC Sour cocktail recipe. Collaborative use of barrels between local producers.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Koval Distillery: Chicago-based craft distillery producing whiskey, gin, vodka, and liqueurs with a similarly strong farm-to-bottle narrative and DTC focus. Comparable in scale, product breadth, and emphasis on small-batch authenticity.
• Middle West Spirits: Columbus, Ohio craft distillery producing whiskey, vodka, and gin with grain-to-glass sourcing and on-site tasting room. Comparable vertical integration narrative and Midwestern craft positioning.
• Smooth Ambler: West Virginia craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka with award recognition and regional distribution. Comparable small-batch craft whiskey positioning and DTC focus.
• Corsair Artisan Distillery: Nashville-based craft distillery producing bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, and experimental spirits with on-site tasting rooms. Comparable in product breadth, experimental mash bill approach, and craft scale.
• Wilderness Trail Distillery: Kentucky craft bourbon distillery with award-winning small-batch whiskey and on-site tours. Comparable craft-scale bourbon producer with strong competition-medal profile.
• FEW Spirits: Evanston, Illinois craft distillery producing bourbon, gin, and whiskey with an on-site tasting room and tours. Directly comparable in product mix (bourbon/gin/whiskey), DTC retail strategy, and craft positioning.
• Old Fourth Distillery: Atlanta craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka with on-site tasting room and bar. Comparable craft scale, product mix, and emphasis on historic-building venue experience.
• Union Horse Distilling Co. Lenexa, Kansas craft distillery producing bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin with on-site tasting room. Strongly comparable in Kansas craft-distillery positioning, product mix, and DTC emphasis.

Regional players

• J. Rieger & Co. Kansas City distillery reviving historic American whiskey and gin recipes with on-site hospitality. Similar in historical-recipe revival approach and Midwestern craft positioning.
• Tom's Town Distilling Co. Kansas City craft distillery producing bourbon, gin, vodka, and liqueurs with a downtown tasting room and event programming. Comparable craft-scale operation and Midwestern regional footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/boothilldistillery
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/boot-hill-distillery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Boot Hill Distillery