After two seasons of brewing beer, bronco busting at monthly Saturday night rodeos, pouring its signature Bridlespur Bourbon, and drawing crowds for country-themed parties and events, Busch Family Brewing & Distilling (4151 Benne) in Defiance will not open for the 2026 season. Beer production remains suspended as well.
Owner Billy Busch confirmed the decision in an email.
“We made the decision not to open this season because I couldn’t devote the time and attention the project deserves,” Busch wrote. “Rather than do it halfway, I felt it was better to step back for now and focus on other responsibilities. I want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years.”
Jeff Orbin, a restaurant consultant who served as the operation’s director of business development, said Busch’s other commitments and ongoing staffing challenges contributed to the decision.
“Billy has several other projects that require his attention and the lack of part-time and seasonal labor near Defiance meant more focused attention from him,” Orbin said. “We’re still discussing ideas for the property’s future.”
The Facility
Situated on the 200-acre Busch family farm in Defiance, the complex centers on an 8,000-square-foot barn that houses a 40-seat restaurant and tasting bar. A 50-seat patio and adjacent lawn seating accommodate even more guests.
Next door is a 10-barrel brewhouse with the capacity to produce up to 1,000 barrels of beer annually. The proposed distillery was designed to produce the Bridlespur line of spirits, including gin, vodka, and whiskey (currently produced off-site). The name was inspired by the Bridlespur Hunt Club, once located on the Busch property.
Beyond the buildings are fields with llamas, alpacas, Babydoll sheep, and, of course, Clydesdales, not unlike a mini-Grant’s Farm, Busch’s childhood home.
The Menu
Busch Family Brewing & Distilling produced a dozen or so traditional German ale and lager beers, among them Adolphus Pilsner and Gussie, a Helles-style lager, both named after Busch family members. The brewery also revived Kräftig Light, an award-winning brand previously produced by the former William K. Busch Brewing Company, also owned by Billy Busch.
In addition to its small-batch beer and Bridlespur Bourbon, the venue offered a premium rail of spirits, nonalcoholic beers and cocktails, and wines by the glass and bottle, including a reserve selection.
Busch assembled a veteran hospitality team to launch the project. Longtime craft brewer Dave Johnson, founder of Missouri Beer Company, served as brewmaster. Orbin, whose résumé includes ownership at Monarch and Herbie’s, oversaw operations, systems development, interior design, and management recruitment.
To lead the kitchen, Orbin recruited Vito Racanelli, known for Big V’s Burger Joint, Onesto, Mad Tomato, Big V’s Craft BBQ, and Tempus. The opening menu featured pretzels with beer cheese, a bratwurst made with Gussie Bavarian Lager, Texas-style smoked brisket, and Christi’s Caramel Pretzel Bread Pudding, based on a recipe from Busch’s wife.
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