Sponsored Content
Witness the process of creating unique spirits at Century Farms Distillery. Located in Spencer‘s historic Alibi Lounge building, this distillery uses corn from local farmers and a one-of-a-kind distillation process to craft some of the state’s best bourbon. Join one of their three types of tours to see where the magic happens and taste the flavors it creates.
If you happen to stop by on a Saturday, you’ll have the opportunity to join a distillery tour for free. The tours are offered at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. and last for 45 minutes, often guided by one of the owners. Stroll through the space where corn is turned into whiskey and learn how the distillery keeps all batches separate to ensure every single barrel is completely identifiable by the farm that sourced it. The tour ends in the Tasting Room where you can try a free sample.
For a more in-depth tour, plan to catch the once-a-month Thief’s Tour. Designed with the curious in mind, it’s exclusively guided by master distiller and owner Ryan Bare, who covers everything from fermentation to distillation. Then, he sneaks you into the barrel house for a tasting directly from a barrel and gives you pointers on how to correctly taste test bourbon. The tour costs $35/person and lasts for approximately an hour and 15 minutes. Each participant also goes home with a Century Farms engraved Glencairn glass and leather coaster, as well as a 10% off coupon for use that day in the Tasting Room.
For a distillery experience unlike anywhere else, sign up for one of Century Farms’ Barrel Pick Tours. Offered just three times a year, the tour is led by master distiller and owner Ryan Bare, who shares all the stories behind Century Farm Distillery’s legacy and helps you select the barrel, bottle the juice, secure the label and finish it off with an autograph. Every participant goes home with a 750mL bottle of bourbon or corn whiskey, a Century Farms engraved Glencairn glass, leather coaster and a 10% off coupon for use that day in the Tasting Room. The tour is $100/person, or $150 for a couple to share a bottle.
After you’ve completed your tour and taste testing, enjoy a delicious meal from the onsite food truck, Curbside Alibi. It’s owned by TJ Johnson, a local foodie whose grandfather once owned the building when it was a bar called the Alibi Lounge. TJ named his food truck to honor his own family’s story and now serves Armenian style dishes like lavash, a thin flatbread served with meat and Havarti cheese, and American classics like breaded cheese curds, sliders, soups, salads and wraps.
Read more about Century Farms Distillery’s unique grain to glass process here.
No matter the season, Iowa offers endless possibilities. Whether it’s a family getaway, an outdoor adventure, or anything in between, we know a place.
EXPLORE WITH US
