09 WEEKLY 2026
MARCH
VOL 4 • NO. 09
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B A L D W I N
C I T Y
N E W S P A P E R
FROM ORCHARD TO BARREL: BALDWIN CITY DISTILLERY MARKS ONE YEAR OF GROWTH Out on N 200 Road, where apple trees stand like quiet sentinels against the Kansas sky, something special has been steadily aging — and not just in bourbon barrels. Baldwin City Distillery, located at Maple Leaf Orchards just north of town, celebrated its one-year anniversary on November 21, 2025. And while many locals have already discovered it as a favorite gathering spot, there’s more happening behind the scenes than most people realize. One of the biggest milestones? Distribution. Within just eight months of opening, Baldwin City Distillery secured a partnership with Ad Astra Selections — a major achievement in Kansas’ tightly regulated three-tier alcohol system. For a small-town distillery, that’s no small feat. It means their handcrafted spirits are now available not only at the distillery itself but in liquor stores across the state. You’ll now find Baldwin City Distillery products in Lawrence, Topeka, Ottawa, Overland Park, Leawood, Shawnee, and Kansas City — with Derby and Wichita markets coming soon. For a business rooted in Baldwin soil, that kind of growth speaks volumes. But ask Glynis Murphy, owner (and founder) about what matters most, and the answer isn’t shelf space. It’s people. A Place That Feels Like Home Step through the doors and you’re likely to be greeted personally. That’s intentional.
The distillery was designed as more than a production facility. It’s a destination — complete with a tasting bar, a cocktail bar featuring only in-house spirits, and outdoor spaces overlooking the farm and orchards. A newly built shelter sits thoughtfully atop the original farmhouse foundation, preserving a piece of the land’s history while giving it new life. Local musicians regularly fill the space with live music, and the distillery has even hosted scientists from the Stowers Institute, KU Medical Center, and Baker University for public talks — blending spirits with science in a way that feels uniquely Baldwin. It’s the kind of place where you might run into your neighbor, your pastor, your former teacher, and a visiting couple from Kansas City — all swapping stories over a locally crafted cocktail. The Legacy of the Orchard The heart of the distillery’s story begins long before the first bottle was sold. When the farm was purchased in 2009, it was overgrown and neglected. Hidden among the brush were forgotten apple trees — the “sentinels.” Those trees sparked a dream. With a background in chemistry, the late Rory envisioned reviving the orchard with vintage, cider-specific apple varieties to create a superior apple brandy. Over time, approximately 1,500 trees were planted, and today about 850 trees across 47 varieties remain part of the landscape. Continue on page 6
BALDWIN CITY’S SECOND ANNUAL
ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION
MARCH 14 1:30PM
START AT THE BALDWIN CITY DISTILLERY, END AT THE BALDWIN CITY BEER COMPANY
FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT BALDWIN CITY BEER COMPANY UNTIL 3PM!