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Local distilleries, brewers pouring jobs into KC

Posted at 3:07 PM, Mar 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-29 18:53:24-04

The next time you pour a drink, there's a better chance than ever that it was made right here in KC.

From Boulevard to Rieger to Union Horse, craft breweries and distilleries are pouring jobs into the local economy.

According to the Mid-America Regional Council, local breweries now employ 240 people, wineries employ 114 and distilleries employ 130.

"It's definitely cool because craft has really become, gives more awareness to what we're doing," said Patrick Garcia, head distiller at Lenexa's Union Horse Distilling Company. "And it's definitely exciting to see what other people are making."

Union Horse, which opened in 2010, now makes several varieties of whiskies, including their new Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye, as well as vodka. They believe more local competitors actually help their business.

"By there being more distilleries in the market place, that really helps get the message out and develop the general public's awareness about what craft distilling is," said Union Horse General Manager Eric Garcia.

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Justin Wilfon can be reached at justin.wilfon@kshb.com.

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