Missouri Approves Highway Signs Across the State
The Ozark Highlands—a sweeping limestone plateau spanning southern Missouri and into parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas—offers more than just rugged scenery. Hidden in its hollows, forests, and valleys is a deep distilling tradition, brought to life by Irish and Scottish settlers as far back as the 1700s.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, families across the region were distilling spirits using the clean spring water, native grains, and old-world techniques. During Prohibition, many Ozarkers continued to distill in secret, and their legacy lives on in today’s rural Missouri communities.
Fast-forward to the present, and more than half of Missouri’s 51 distilleries now reside in the Ozark Highlands. These craft distillers are reviving the tradition—this time with legal recognition, rigorous standards, and a strong sense of regional pride.
Codifying “Ozark Highlands Spirits” in Missouri Law
In 2022, the Missouri Legislature passed a landmark law formally defining Ozark Highlands Spirits under § 311.028 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. This designation isn’t just a marketing phrase—it sets production standards that protect quality and origin, much like “Scotch” or “Bourbon.”
To qualify as an Ozark Highlands Spirit, a product must:
- Be fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in the Ozark Highlands
- Use pure, chemical-free limestone-filtered water from the Ozark Highlands
- For aged products, age a minimum of four years in Missouri-made oak barrels
Oversight is handled by us, the Ozark Highland Distillers Guild, a nonprofit responsible for verifying compliance and promoting the region’s reputation for excellence in spirits.
Missouri SB348: Marking the Map
The next big step came in 2025 with the passage of Senate Bill 348, which authorizes the Missouri Department of Transportation to install official highway signage marking the Ozark Highlands Spirits Region.
This signage program—funded by private donations and coordinated with the Guild—will make it easier for travelers to discover the region’s world-class distilleries. The signs will appear on highways entering or passing through the Ozark Highlands, serving both as wayfinding tools and cultural markers.
Implementation is expected by May 30, 2026, reinforcing the region’s identity and encouraging tourism-driven economic growth.
Distillers Leading the Way
The heartbeat of the Ozark Highlands Spirits Region is its distillers. These pioneers are combining generational wisdom with modern excellence to deliver products that reflect the land, water, and people of the Ozarks.
Here are just a few leading the charge:
- Stone Ledge Distillery (Defiance, MO) – Makers of award-winning Stowloch® Whiskey and InverXion® Vodka, Stone Ledge blends old-world craftsmanship with modern sophistication in a restored 1890s tavern setting.
- Blackshire Distillery (Hermann, MO) – A bold, family-run operation producing small-batch whiskeys with rich flavor profiles and a deep connection to local grain suppliers.
- Blacksmith Distillery (Lohman, MO) – This operation pairs metalwork aesthetics with traditional distilling, crafting heritage-inspired spirits in custom-forged stills.
- Judgment Tree Distillery (Defiance, MO) – Named for the famous town landmark where justice was once meted out, Judgment Tree is known for its brandy and vodka overlooking the beautiful, scenic Missouri River valley.
- Nobletons Distilling House (Union, MO) – Focused on innovation and transparency, Nobletons has emerged as a leader in American whiskey and has played a major role in pushing for region-specific standards.
These distilleries, and many more, aren’t just producing remarkable spirits—they’re creating experiences. Tasting rooms, tours, local pairings, and educational events immerse visitors in the story of Ozark Highlands Spirits from grain to glass.
A Growing Future Rooted in the Past
“Growing the Ozark Highlands” is more than a phrase—it’s a mission. The region’s designation under Missouri law, its upcoming highway signage, and the rise of premier distilleries all reflect a maturing industry grounded in authenticity and pride.
This is a region where the water still runs clean, the forests still stand tall, and the spirits—now certified and celebrated—tell a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and community.
So whether you’re a whiskey aficionado, a weekend traveler, or a proud Missourian, the Ozark Highlands Spirits Region welcomes you to raise a glass, take a drive, and taste the legacy.
