The Busch family name is synonymous with brewing excellence, and now, a new chapter unfolds with Busch Family Brewing And Distilling. Nestled on the sprawling 200-acre Busch Family Farm in Defiance, Missouri, this venture by Billy Busch, son of the legendary August A. “Gussie” Busch, Jr., offers a unique “farm-to-glass” experience. Just a short drive from St. Louis, this destination microbrewery and soon-to-be distillery welcomes guests to savor handcrafted beers and spirits in a picturesque setting that echoes the family’s rich heritage.
Immerse Yourself in the Atmosphere of Busch Family Brewing & Distilling
Visiting Busch Family Brewing & Distilling is more than just enjoying a drink; it’s an immersion into the Busch family legacy and the beauty of rural Missouri. As you arrive, you’re greeted by fields of corn, wheat, and hops – many of which are integral ingredients in their beers. This commitment to using farm-fresh produce is central to their “farm-to-glass” philosophy. “What you see when you enter the farm is what’s going into your glass,” explains Gussie Busch, Billy’s son, who plays a key role in the brewery’s operation. The landscape itself becomes part of the experience, connecting visitors directly to the source of their beverages.
The heart of the visitor experience is an 8,000-square-foot barn, thoughtfully designed with a high ceiling and rustic charm. Inside, a 40-seat restaurant and tasting bar await, offering a cozy and inviting space to sample their creations. For those who prefer the outdoors, a 50-seat concrete patio extends from the barn, soon to be enclosed for year-round enjoyment. Beyond the patio, a grassy area with tables and chairs provides additional seating for 50 guests, perfect for enjoying the fresh air and farm views on pleasant days. The venue’s versatile spaces also make it an ideal location for weddings and private events, offering a memorable backdrop for special occasions.
Craftsmanship and Production at Busch Family Brewing & Distilling
The brewery boasts a 10-barrel brewhouse, capable of producing 1,000 barrels of beer annually. This scale allows for both quality control and a diverse range of beers. Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the project will introduce a distillery, slated to begin construction in February. This distillery will produce the Bridlespur line of spirits, including gin, vodka, and whiskey. The name “Bridlespur” pays homage to the Bridlespur Hunt Club, which once resided on the Busch family property, further connecting the new venture to the land’s history.
Beyond the brewing and distilling facilities, the farm is also home to a delightful array of animals. Llamas, alpacas, babydoll sheep, and, of course, Clydesdales – the iconic breed synonymous with the Busch family – roam the fields. Plans are in place to expand the animal exhibits, with Gussie Busch mentioning the potential addition of “Texas longhorns, buffalo, different species of cows, and maybe even some black bear,” creating an experience reminiscent of Grant’s Farm, where the Busch family’s legacy began.
Meet the Team Behind Busch Family Brewing & Distilling
Busch Family Brewing & Distilling is a true family affair, led by Billy Busch and his son, Gussie Busch, who describe themselves as “co-CEOs.” Billy’s six siblings are also involved, making it a deeply personal and collaborative endeavor. Guests are likely to encounter Billy or Gussie on-site, reflecting their hands-on approach. The family’s close involvement ensures that the brewery and distillery embody their values and vision.
Bringing extensive industry experience to the team is Jeff Orbin, serving as Director of Business Development. Orbin, a seasoned restaurateur with a background at Monarch and Herbie’s, is instrumental in establishing operational systems, building the team, and refining the overall concept.
The culinary direction is in the capable hands of Vito Racanelli, the Food and Beverage Director. A respected chef with a history of successful local restaurants, including Big V’s Burger Joint and Big V’s Craft BBQ, Racanelli brings his culinary expertise to create a menu that complements the brewery’s offerings. His wife, Amy Racanelli, a talented chef in her own right, also contributes to the operation.
Dave Johnson, the Brewmaster, adds brewing expertise to the team. A veteran craft brewer and former owner of Missouri Beer Company, Johnson is responsible for crafting the brewery’s beers. He is collaborating with Mark Gottfried, former Kräftig brewmaster, to develop a light lager reminiscent of the popular Kräftig beers.
Enhancing the tasting room experience is Sean Sweeney, a certified cicerone and the “tasting-room ambassador.” Sweeney guides guests through the beer selections, providing insights into the nuances of each brew. This team of experienced professionals and passionate family members ensures a high-quality and welcoming experience for every visitor.
Savor the Flavors: The Menu at Busch Family Brewing & Distilling
The food menu at Busch Family Brewing & Distilling is thoughtfully curated to showcase Missouri farm-raised pork and beef, with a nod to German culinary traditions. Shareable appetizers like beer cheese and warm pretzels, smoked trout dip, and a farmer’s plate featuring local meats, cheeses, and mustards are perfect for starting your farm-to-table experience. A standout dish is the chef’s chili, made with smoked local beef and boasting award-winning flavor. Another highlight is the BBQ Blue Plate Special, featuring hand-carved Texas-style brisket on brioche with barbecue sauce, beer cheese, and crispy onion rings. Off-menu specials, such as a seafood cake with crab, crawfish, and shrimp, add further variety.
The sandwich selection features sausages developed in collaboration with Kern Meat Company, a local Missouri butcher. Chef Racanelli, drawing on his experience with Anheuser-Busch, worked with Kern Meat to create beer brats, Hungarian pork sausage, and Texas-style hot links. These sausages are smoked and then grilled with clarified butter for optimal flavor and texture. Sandwiches are served with a local dill pickle and a choice of sides like braised red cabbage, bacon-cheddar potato salad, or fried potatoes with caramelized onions – a customer favorite. For dessert, the menu includes hot apple strudel, a cherished Busch family recipe and Gussie’s personal favorite. The menu is designed to evolve, with Chef Racanelli planning to incorporate more beer-infused dishes in collaboration with Brewmaster Johnson, promising exciting culinary developments.
To complement the food, Busch Family Brewing & Distilling offers a selection of their handcrafted beers. Currently, seven beers are on tap, including lagers and ales, all brewed on-site. Beers are available in regular pours, larger “Clydesdale pours,” and smaller pours, with four-beer flights also offered. Canned beers are available for on-site enjoyment or to take home. Beyond beer, the beverage menu includes a premium rail of spirits, a selection of wines, and bottled soft drinks, ensuring options for every palate. Guests can conveniently order food and beverages via a QR code, with table service provided for delivery. The brewery also hosts a Friday Night Supper Club, a $45 prix fixe three-course dinner, with plans to expand this offering to more evenings due to popular demand.
The Busch Brewing Legacy: From Kräftig to a New Era
Billy Busch’s foray into the beer industry began in 2011 with the introduction of Kräftig lager and Kräftig Light. These beers quickly gained recognition, earning gold medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship for four consecutive years – an unprecedented achievement. Despite critical acclaim and growing market share, William K. Busch Brewing Company ceased operations in 2019 due to the challenges of a volume-based business model.
However, Billy Busch’s passion for brewing and his family’s heritage led to the creation of Busch Family Brewing & Distilling. The journey was documented in the reality TV series The Busch Family Brewed, which chronicled the development of the brewery on the family farm. In July, Billy Busch also released his book, Family Reins, offering an insider’s perspective on the Anheuser-Busch dynasty and his family’s history. Busch Family Brewing & Distilling represents a new chapter, building upon the family’s legacy while forging its own unique path.
“People are always looking for a different experience,” Billy Busch notes, highlighting the appeal of his new venture. “St. Charles County continues to grow, and Defiance is not far from St. Louis. I’m confident this will be a great addition to the entire area.” Looking to the future, the Busch family envisions expanding the farm/brewery/restaurant concept to other rural areas across the country, offering a respite from city life and a taste of the farmland experience. Busch Family Brewing & Distilling invites you to be part of this exciting journey, where tradition meets innovation in every glass.
