Osteria Il Centro – Home of the Rarest Whiskeys in Kansas City

When Kansas City locals think of Osteria Il Centro, the first thing that comes to mind is usually wine. While we do offer an award-winning wine list, did you know Il Centro is also home to over 150 different scotches and whiskeys, including some of the rarest finds in the nation? General Manager, Brent Wittrock shares the details on some of the top whiskeys Osteria has to offer.

J. Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey – A local favorite, J. Rieger is a top customer pick at Osteria Il Centro. Composed of Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Light Corn Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey, this well-balanced whiskey blend is smooth and slightly sweet. Taste it for yourself in our signature Old Fashioned, a blend of J. Rieger’s Whiskey, Gran Marnier, Angostura bitters, Luxardo brandied cherry and fresh orange.

Blanton’s Bourbon – A rare find, this original single barrel bourbon whiskey produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is highly requested. According to Brent, “Osteria Il Centro is one of the few bars in KC who gets Blanton’s on a regular basis.” Originally designated for ambassadors, dignitaries and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends – this sweet bourbon, with notes of citrus and oak is a must try for whiskey connoisseurs.

WhistlePig The Boss Hog: The Black Prince – Aged fourteen years, the fourth edition of the Vermont-based Boss Hog, The Black Prince is the first Straight Rye Whiskey to be finished in casks formerly used to age the French brandy Armagnac. According to WhistlePig’s master distiller, Dave Pickerell, the Armagnac-accented oak casks contribute to the bold notes of apricot, fig and plum, complemented by toasted almonds, baked apple and allspice. Just one sip and you’ll understand why this one-of-a-kind whiskey was named “Best in Show” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Heaven Hill Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon – One of less than 3,000 bottles, Osteria Il Centro is proud to serve this one-time release bourbon. Produced at the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery before it was destroyed by a fire in 1996, Heaven Hill Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon is comprised of 41 barrels produced in 1989 and 1990. According to Heaven Hill Distillery, after being closely monitored and allowed to age for 27 years, the resulting taste profile begins with an aroma of dried fruits and spices, with notes of pipe tobacco. You’re invited to come and try this rare whiskey before you buy or open your own bottle.

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve, 23^rd Year – Only the most careful and expensive distilling methods can be used to create a whiskey as special as this one. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery comes from barrels carefully selected from the heart of the warehouse for an additional three years of aging. Beginning with strong wood flavors and finishing with sweet caramel, you’ll taste the various hints of ripe apples, cherries, tobacco and chocolate. Best served neat, the addition of ice or water dilutes from the uniqueness of this 23-year-old delicacy.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony – The first of many soon to come Japanese whiskies in Osteria’s selection, harmony is the perfect word to describe this delicate blend of Japenese malt and grain whiskies from the Hibiki range. Drawn from five different types of casks, including American white oak casks, Sherry casks and Mizunara Japanese oak casks – Hibiki Japanese Harmony provides a transparency that unveils complexity. With honeylike sweetness, enticing notes of candied orange peel and white chocolate, this luminous Japanese whisky is the perfect way to treat yourself.

These are just a handful of the whiskies available for indulging in at OIC. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a whiskey beginner, all are welcome at Osteria Il Centro. We can’t wait for you to try these exceptional whiskeys for yourself. Stop in tonight for a whiskey and KC’s best Italian cuisine!