J Reiger & Co. history

Andy Rieger ditched spreadsheets for stills in 2014 when he left a career in private equity and investment banking to resurrect his family’s pre-Prohibition distillery. Armed with degrees in math and finance from SMU and a healthy disregard for the safe path, he moved back to Kansas City and poured everything into bringing J. Rieger & Co. back to life.

Since then, he’s helped grow the brand into one of the most recognized names in American craft spirits, all from a historic brick building in the East Bottoms. Along the way, he’s been named a “Next Gen Leader,” a “Power 100” executive, and “Entrepreneur of the Year.” And in 2026, Andy was honored by his industry peers to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), where he advocates for legislative policy that benefits all. Still, he’s most proud of being Lucy’s husband, Hogan and Harrison’s dad, and personal assistant to Pepper, their four-legged rescue with VIP status at the distillery.

Andy believes whiskey should be bold, brands should be authentic, and every great company should have a dog.