Introduction
Have you ever wondered what makes a truly unique craft spirit? In the heart of Kansas, a state known for its vast fields and agricultural innovation, ornery brother distilling is redefining what it means to create local, high-quality vodka. Their secret? A humble grain called milo, or white sorghum, grown right in Kansas—the nation’s largest sorghum-producing state. Ornery brother distilling stands out for its commitment to using 100% Kansas-grown milo, transforming a staple crop into a smooth, memorable spirit that’s capturing attention far beyond state lines.
This article explores the journey of ornery brother distilling, from its origins and the choice of milo, to its impact on the local community and the future of craft spirits. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, a supporter of local business, or simply curious about what makes a great vodka, the story of ornery brother distilling is one of resilience, creativity, and Kansas pride.
The Origin Story of Ornery Brother Distilling
Ornery brother distilling began with Tim Kyle, a Kansas native whose path to distilling was anything but ordinary. Before founding the distillery, Tim worked as a carpenter and owned a coffee shop in Greensburg, Kansas. His life changed dramatically after a devastating tornado struck the town, prompting a wave of community rebuilding and personal reinvention.
Inspired by the need to support his community and local farmers, Tim began searching for a unique Kansas ingredient to craft spirits. Sorghum, or milo, stood out as the perfect choice—abundant, sustainable, and deeply tied to Kansas agriculture. With no formal background in fermentation or distilling, Tim faced a steep learning curve, relying on research, experimentation, and collaboration with experts, including those at Kansas State University.
The name “Ornery Brother” is a playful nod to family dynamics and the mischievous spirit that defines the brand. It captures the essence of the distillery: a little rebellious, a lot of fun, and always true to its roots. Launching the distillery was no easy feat, but Tim’s determination and commitment to quality led to the creation of a truly Kansas-made vodka .
Why Sorghum? The Magic of Milo Grain in Distilling
Sorghum, or milo, is a drought-resistant grain that thrives in Kansas’s climate. It’s a staple crop for local farmers and a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage . But its use in distilling is relatively new, and that’s where ornery brother distilling found its niche.
One of the key benefits of using milo in spirit production is its lack of tannins and sulfites, which can impart harsh flavors to liquor. This means that vodka made from milo is naturally smoother and requires less aggressive distillation and filtration. The result is a spirit that’s clean, crisp, and easy to sip.
However, working with milo presents unique challenges. The grain contains oils that can affect the flavor and clarity of the final product. Tim Kyle and his team developed a multi-step process to refine the milo, removing unwanted oils and perfecting the fermentation. This careful approach ensures that every bottle of ornery brother distilling vodka delivers a consistent, high-quality experience .
Compared to traditional wheat or corn-based vodkas, milo-based vodka offers a distinct taste profile. Ornery Brother’s vodka is described as clear, smooth, and slightly sweet, with a burning kick and a hint of anise in the aftertaste. The choice to use 100% milo grain is also a statement of intent—supporting Kansas farmers, reducing environmental impact, and creating a product that’s as authentic as it is delicious.
The Craft Distilling Process at Ornery Brother Distilling
At ornery brother distilling, the craft is in the details. Tim Kyle and his wife run a small-scale, hands-on operation where every step of the process is carefully managed. From mashing the milo to bottling the final product, the Kyles are involved in every detail .
The process begins with milo flour, water, enzymes, and yeast. Unlike some distilleries that add sugar or use a blend of grains, ornery brother distilling sticks to 100% milo. This purity is part of what gives their vodka its distinctive character.
Fermentation is a critical stage, and the Kyles benefited from their collaboration with Kansas State University, whose expertise helped them refine their process and fully realize the unique properties of milo in the final spirit. It took two years of development to perfect the taste and remove any undesirable flavors. The result is a vodka that’s not only smooth but also free from the harsh notes that can plague lesser spirits .
Products and Flavor Profiles
The flagship product of ornery brother distilling is their signature Milo Vodka. This spirit is clear and smooth, with a slightly sweet profile that sets it apart from traditional vodkas. Drinkers often note a burning kick and a subtle hint of anise in the aftertaste—a flavor that lingers pleasantly and invites another sip.
But the Kyles aren’t stopping at vodka. They’re already working on expanding their product line to include whiskey and organically flavored vodka and gin. What unites all these products is a commitment to using 100% milo grain, with no added sugar or other grains. This focus on purity and local sourcing is a hallmark of the brand.
The upcoming whiskey promises to bring the same smoothness and unique flavor profile to a new category, while the flavored vodkas and gin will offer creative twists for adventurous drinkers. Whether you’re a fan of classic spirits or looking for something new, ornery brother distilling has something to offer.
Local Impact and Market Presence
Ornery brother distilling isn’t just a business—it’s a force for good in the Kansas community. By sourcing all their milo from local farmers, the Kyles are supporting the agricultural backbone of the state. Every bottle sold is a vote of confidence in Kansas-grown grain and the people who cultivate it .
The distillery’s impact goes beyond economics. In the wake of the Greensburg tornado, ornery brother distilling became a symbol of resilience and renewal. It’s a point of pride for the community, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity and hard work can lead to something extraordinary.
Currently, ornery brother distilling’s products are sold primarily in Kansas, but demand is growing. There are plans to expand into neighboring states, bringing the unique taste of Kansas milo to a wider audience. The craft distilling market is competitive, but the Kyles’ commitment to quality and local identity has earned them a loyal following.
The Future of Ornery Brother Distilling and Craft Spirits
Looking ahead, the future is bright for ornery brother distilling. Tim Kyle believes that the craft distilling movement is still in its early stages, with plenty of room for innovation and growth. The use of unique grains like milo is just the beginning. As more distillers experiment with local ingredients, the possibilities for new flavors and styles are endless.
The Kyles plan to increase their product variety, adding new spirits and flavors to their lineup. They’re also focused on reaching a wider audience, both within Kansas and beyond. Expansion into other sorghum-producing states is on the horizon, as is the potential for national recognition.
But even as they grow, ornery brother distilling remains committed to its core values: quality, authenticity, and community. Their contribution to the craft distilling movement is about more than just making great spirits—it’s about inspiring others to think creatively, support local agriculture, and celebrate the unique flavors of their region.
How to Enjoy Ornery Brother Distilling Spirits
One of the joys of ornery brother distilling’s vodka is its versatility. Thanks to its smoothness and subtle sweetness, it’s perfect for sipping on the rocks. The clean finish and hint of anise make it a standout in classic cocktails, too .
For those who like to experiment, try a Milo Martini: combine ornery brother vodka with a splash of coffee liqueur and a touch of cream for a rich, indulgent treat. Or keep it simple with a vodka tonic, letting the unique flavor of the milo shine through.
Pairing suggestions include light snacks like cheese, charcuterie, or even chocolate truffles, which complement the vodka’s sweet and spicy notes. The smoothness of ornery brother distilling’s spirits means they can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails, or as the base for creative new drinks.
What sets this vodka apart is its drinkability. Unlike some spirits that require mixers to mask harsh flavors, ornery brother distilling’s vodka is enjoyable on its own. It’s a testament to the care and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
Key Takeaways
- Ornery brother distilling is a Kansas-based craft distillery known for its vodka made from 100% white sorghum (milo) grain.
- Founder Tim Kyle was inspired to start the distillery after a tornado devastated his hometown, seeking to support local farmers and revitalize the community.
- Sorghum is a sustainable, tannin- and sulfite-free grain that produces a smoother, sweeter vodka with a unique flavor profile.
- The distillery’s hands-on, small-batch approach ensures quality and consistency in every bottle.
- Products include the signature Milo Vodka, with plans for whiskey and flavored spirits—all made from 100% milo.
- Ornery brother distilling supports Kansas agriculture and is a symbol of resilience and innovation in the local community.
- The future holds expansion into new markets and continued experimentation with unique grains and flavors.
- Their vodka is best enjoyed on the rocks, in classic cocktails, or paired with light snacks and desserts.
Conclusion
Ornery brother distilling is more than just a distillery—it’s a celebration of Kansas ingenuity, resilience, and community spirit. By turning a humble local grain into a world-class vodka, Tim Kyle and his team have created something truly special. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and local pride shines through in every bottle.
As the craft distilling movement continues to grow, ornery brother distilling stands as a beacon for what’s possible when creativity meets tradition. Whether you’re a Kansas local or a craft spirits enthusiast from afar, their story invites you to raise a glass to innovation, community, and the unique flavors of the heartland.
If you haven’t yet experienced the smooth, distinctive taste of ornery brother distilling’s milo vodka, now is the perfect time. Support local, drink responsibly, and discover what makes Kansas spirits truly one-of-a-kind.
For more, visit our website, S-Ornery home.com