Distillery Tour and Sampling @ StilL 630

I checked this place out during the Unilocal!Tour. I had never been in this area as I am from West County. It was somewhat a drive but it was worth it.
From the outside it looked just like a nice two story place that fit in well with the rest of the neighborhood. When you walked in you were greeted by a long bar and some seating along a wall. The hostess is at the far end of the room by the wall of merchandise.
I apologize right off for not recalling any of my tour guide names.
The first brew master we talked to covered the starting of the brewing of beer and other spirits. From there we went in to the back to look at the still. They distill a variety of products and age some for later. Both brewers stated that the processes were made so product could be sold close to completion and be very fresh. The still they had in the back was at least 4 times larger than the one in the front which they still use for small batch and specialty spirits.
The first still used by the place in on display and looks like something right out Moonshiners.
After the tour I sat down and had a Cheese Steak sandwich and a run of beers. It was nice to be able to sample AND it was reasonable priced. The sandwich was delicious as well.
From the bartenders to the hostesses to each of our guides everyone was pleasant and patient with a new costumer. If I lived closer this would be a great place to hang out. They have a nice patio area as well as a few seats out front. I could see where someone might complain about waiting but my reply would be to have one of hte wonderful beers and be patient.

I think that most fun thing about this event was how passionate the owner of StilL 630 was about sharing his passion for making whiskey. How many people actually get to follow their dreams and live their goal, well Dan does, everyday. Please do not let the outside of the building former Hardess/​Flower Shop fool you. The inside of this place is all business, whiskey business that is. Your eyes dart to the mason jars full of «shine», the still (s), the barrels or the cool StilL 630 apparel that is available for purchase. Dan was very excited to start sharing the story of his dream, and was even more excited to introduce his apprentice (free labor). One could here the pride in Dan’s voice when he proclaimed that all of the items that he uses in his distillery are made in Missouri. I bet he is the only venue that can boast those facts. So he is truly MO Made. It was interesting how Dan took us step by step through the distillery process, I was fascinated with the head, heart and tail process. Dan demoed that with age does come wisdom. I appreciate the «recycling» process that the whiskey goes through. At this time they have two whiskeys available for purchase the Big Jake, which is loving named after his rescue dog, and the Rally Point, which I was told is truly where the party starts. The whiskey was a little heavy for me to sample straight. At the end of the tasting Dan mixed as a cocktail, which was more to my liking. I admire a person who is living out his dream. I look forward to seeing his whiskey at my local liquor store.

I really enjoyed this Unilocal Event and getting to learn more about the distillery process.
Dave W. is the founder of Still 630 and gave us some really good information about the process of his operation. I really wish I could remember all the amazing information he provided to us, but I was really overwhelmed with the process. I do remember that Dave is ready for «global domination» and plans to expand in the future. Currently, he is working out of an older building which he «gutted» himself and made room for all of his supplies.
During the tour we learned about the «Still 630» as well as the fermentation process and he processes the whiskey twice before either pouring into bottles for distribution «white dog» or he will move the batches into larger barrels for them to «age» which then causes the whiskey to have it’s «honey color». Currently, I think he had about 20 something barrels in the back room and they are aging. He says that he can get about 300 bottles from each barrel on average. The longer the whiskey stays in the barrels the less there will be since the oak will soak the liquids up, but that’s okay, it will have a better flavor the longer it ages.
After the educational part of the tour we were able to sample some whiskey. I tried the white dog which was really warm and strong to me. Not sure I would be able to drink more than half a shot at a time. Then I tried the Rally Point (which is the name of his whiskey from the barrel) and that tasted much better to me. Still warm, but a little sweeter in my opinion. Dave also made us a mixed cocktail (a spin on the typical margarita) which was refreshing.
Our wonderful CM provided snacks for everyone (chips, granola bars, cookies, etc) while we were sampling the whiskey; smart idea-​thanks Aaron!
It was nice to see a newer group of Unilocalers come out to this event and I hope I see them around more. I was able to mingle with Sarah S. a little bit last night and it was nice to see Vik S. again at this event. He was also gracious enough to purchase a bottle of the Whiskey so that he can try it again and again!
This was a nice event and I am glad I finally got to tour Still 630! They offer free tours so if you have the time I would recommend you go and check it out for yourself!
Thanks to Dave W. for hosting us and thanks to Aaron for scheduling another great Unilocal Missouri Made event!