Boot Hill Distillery of Dodge City, Kansas is breaking ground on the first phase of a multi-year expansion project, whose initial phase will include the construction of a rickhouse to age barrels and a warehouse for inventory and supplies. Additional phases will include buildings for packaging, warehousing, additional rickhouses, malt houses and other agri- tourism facilities.
Beginning in 2014, Hayes and Roger Kelman purchased and undertook renovation of the historic, former city municipal building built atop the footprint of the original Boot Hill Cemetery. Prior to this purchase, the building was not occupied and fell into great disrepair over the years. It was deemed urban blight and slated for demolition.
After nearly two years of restoration, the distillery opened its doors to the public in 2016 and began the distillation and aging process of their spirits. Today, its location is a downtown attraction, destination for visitors, and a watering hole for the local community. Barrels of whiskey are aged in the historic firehouse, however the increasing demand has caused the distillery to outgrow its current home and brought the need for an expanded campus.
Whiskey distilled at the Boot Hill location will be filled into new oak barrels and be transported to this new property to carry on the rest of the long aging process.
Distillery staff and distinguished guests are attending a public groundbreaking at the new location on Thursday, July 30th, the 4th anniversary of Boot Hill Distillery’s grand opening For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast and recorded on Facebook Live. Visit Boot Hill Distillery’s Facebook page or website for updates and more information.