How Perennial Artisan Ales is bringing whiskey and events to St. Louis

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Since 2011, Perennial Artisan Ales has been one of my favorite craft breweries in St. Louis. Earlier in 2024, the brewery ventured into the world of whiskey with its latest project: Common Ritual. While many breweries dabble in spirits by starting their own distilling operations, Perennial took a different path—one that leans on collaboration, expertise, and a mission to spotlight underrepresented distilleries.

“We’ve always loved whiskey,” says Phil Wymore, co-founder of Perennial and “Prime Minister” of Common Ritual.

“But the idea of setting up a distillery, perfecting our techniques, and waiting years for results felt daunting. So instead, we asked ourselves, ‘Why not focus on what we do best—tasting—and build from there?’”

Rather than setting up their own stills, Common Ritual is a non-distilling producer (NDP). They source barrels from small, independent craft distilleries, blending and finishing the whiskeys to create unique, character-driven offerings. This approach allows them to focus on showcasing high-quality, farm-to-bottle production from partners who often operate at the edges of the industry.

“Our role as an NDP lets us provide financial support and a platform for distilleries that are minority-owned or rooted in sustainable practices,” explains Rawi Nanakul, Common Ritual’s Minister of Product and Marketing. “It’s about creating a ripple effect—helping distilleries grow while also introducing our audience to incredible whiskeys with real stories behind them.”

Bringing whiskey to Perennial

To connect with fans of both beer and whiskey, Perennial Artisan Ales has transformed its brewery into a hub for Common Ritual’s monthly whiskey-focused events. These gatherings showcase the artistry behind their blends and highlight the distilleries they partner with.

Here’s a taste of what whiskey enthusiasts can expect each month:

Pairing Dinners: Perennial’s culinary team curates menus designed to complement Common Ritual’s whiskeys, with each course paired to highlight the spirit’s unique flavor profiles. Guests also get a chance to hear from the Common Ritual team about the blending process and their sourcing philosophy.
Tasting Experiences: These informal afternoons at the brewery offer a chance to sample Common Ritual’s lineup, including limited releases. Representatives from partner distilleries often join to share their stories and insights into the whiskey-making process.
Cocktail Nights: Local mixologists are invited to craft signature cocktails featuring Common Ritual’s blends, giving attendees new ways to enjoy their favorite whiskeys while learning more about the art of cocktail-making.

“We wanted to create events that felt approachable but also celebrated what makes whiskey so special,” says Wymore. “The pairing dinners and tastings let us show how beer and whiskey can intersect, and the cocktail nights bring another level of creativity to the table.”

Expanding the Ritual

The mission of Common Ritual goes beyond crafting great whiskey—it’s about amplifying voices within the spirits industry and connecting people through shared experiences.

“Our goal is to turn whiskey into something communal,” says Nanakul. “By focusing on these monthly events, we’re making Common Ritual more than just a brand. It’s a way for people to come together, celebrate craftsmanship, and enjoy stories from incredible distillers.”

Whether you’re a longtime whiskey drinker or simply curious about the craft, Common Ritual’s monthly events are an invitation to explore something new. And for fans of Perennial Artisan Ales, it’s a chance to see how the brewery’s dedication to quality and creativity translates into the world of spirits.

For event schedules and tickets, visit Perennial Artisan Ales’ website or follow them on social media.

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