Lifted Spirits Distillery

In Kansas City's Crossroads district, Lifted Spirits Distillery operates under the philosophy that curiosity should drive the glass. Founded by Michael Stuckey, this operation distinguishes itself through an unusual commitment to indigenous ingredients and collaborative craft, producing expressions that read more like culinary experiments than traditional spirits.

History & Heritage

Lifted Spirits emerged from Stuckey's vision to create a gathering place centered on handcrafted spirits that challenge conventional expectations. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the distillery positions itself as a counter-narrative to typical production approaches. The operation centers its identity around what they call a "spirit quest crafted for the curious," emphasizing community engagement and experiential drinking.

The Whiskey

The distillery produces whiskey alongside gin, vodka, and absinthe, though their approach favors botanical complexity over traditional grain-forward profiles. Their Barrel Reserve expressions showcase this philosophy, including collaborations like their seven-year Brandy created with Traminette wine from KC Wineworks and aged in Missouri white oak. The Barrel Reserve No 4: Pawpaw Gin demonstrates their commitment to regional ingredients, incorporating locally sourced pawpaws for their tropical characteristics alongside carefully selected botanicals.

Why It Matters

Lifted Spirits represents the experimental edge of American craft distilling, where traditional categories blur in service of flavor discovery. Their willingness to source indigenous ingredients like pawpaw and collaborate across beverage categories creates expressions that expand the definition of regional American spirits. For those who appreciate innovation rooted in place, Lifted Spirits offers a distinctly Kansas City interpretation of what craft distilling can become.