Built Different. Built Together.

The Story of Bill & Robin Sieving and Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary

OUR STORY

Crafted From Tradition, Passion, And Purpose

Two People. One Vision.


Founded by Bill & Robin Sieving, Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary wasn't created from a corporate blueprint. It grew from a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, hospitality, good cigars, good spirits, and the kind of places people don't want to leave.


What began small eventually became Bootleggers — a place where premium cigars, handcrafted products, cocktails, conversation, and character come together under one roof in Historic Downtown Washington, Missouri.



Today, Bootleggers reflects both of its founders: their experiences, their personalities, and their belief that what you offer matters — but how you make people feel when they walk through the door matters just as much.

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OUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

From Local Markets To A Trusted Brand

Our story started with handmade creations and grew into a destination for specialty goods, craftsmanship, and community. Before opening Bootleggers, Bill Sieving spent years developing his skills in culinary arts, retail, and manufacturing. His handcrafted beard oils, soaps, baked goods, and specialty products gained popularity at local farmers' markets, inspiring the creation of a storefront where customers could enjoy quality goods in one welcoming space. What began with handmade products at local markets has grown into a trusted brand that combines culinary and creative expertise, offers unique goods made with care, and continues to grow through the support of our valued customers. What started as a small idea has become a collection of handcrafted products built on passion and dedication.

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OUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Before there was Bootleggers

Before there was Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary, there were the seasonings. Drawing on years of culinary experience, Chef's Blend and Smoked Chef's Blend were the originals — created for real cooking and eventually sold alongside other small-batch creations at local farmers markets. The grooming line came later, and for a completely different reason.


Necessity.


Bill wanted something that actually worked for his own beard. Instead of settling for what was already on the shelf, he began developing his own beard oils and grooming products. What started as something made for himself became something other people wanted too.


Those two beginnings — a chef creating better seasonings and a bearded guy trying to make his own beard better — became the foundation for a growing collection of handcrafted products. Eventually, those products became part of something much larger.


Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary.

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THE BOOTLEGGERS EXPERIENCE

What Bootleggers Became

Come In. Sit Down. Stay Awhile.


Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary is difficult to describe as just one thing — and that's intentional.

There's the walk-in humidor. The cigars. The cocktails and spirits. The Parlor. The lockers. The old furniture, cigar boxes, antiques, and pieces of history collected throughout the shop. Then there are the products we create ourselves through Bootleggers Barn, Ritual XIII, and Burnt Wick. But none of those things alone are Bootleggers.


Bootleggers is the experience they create together.


It's finding a cigar you've never tried. Sitting down longer than you planned. Having a conversation with someone you didn't know when you walked in. Discovering something unusual on a shelf. And coming back because the place feels different from anywhere else. That's what Bill & Robin set out to build. And we're still building it.

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HELPFUL INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our humidor, Parlor, memberships, spirits, handcrafted goods, events, and visiting Bootleggers in Historic Downtown Washington, Missouri.

  • What is Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary?

    Bootleggers is a premium cigar shop, spirits destination, and Parlor in Historic Downtown Washington, Missouri. We offer a walk-in humidor, a curated selection of exceptional spirits, and a comfortable space to slow down and stay awhile. We also formulate our own small-batch goods — Bootleggers Barn, Ritual XIII, and Burnt Wick — right here in Washington.

  • Why is Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary so popular?

    At Bootleggers Cigars & Apothecary, our reputation stems from our absolute dedication to crafting exceptional, high-quality goods. We proudly serve the Midwest with a unique selection of artisanal items that elevate your daily routine. Customers love our handmade products, because we pour passion and premium ingredients into every single batch. When you choose our handmade products, you are supporting local craftsmanship and receiving unmatched quality. We have become the go-to destination for those who appreciate handmade products from our nourishing soaps to our aromatic candles. Each of our handmade products is carefully prepared to ensure we meet the highest standards of our community. By prioritizing these handmade products we guarantee an authentic experience that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate. Discover the difference today and explore our online store to find your next favorite item. 

  • Do you have a walk-in humidor?

    Yes. Our walk-in, humidity-controlled humidor is stocked with a carefully selected collection of premium cigars, from everyday favorites to hard-to-find releases. Stop in and take your time browsing — our staff is happy to help if you're looking for something specific, or just want a recommendation.

  • Can I smoke my cigar in the Parlor?

    Yes — the Parlor is built for exactly that. Pick up a cigar from the humidor, order a drink, and find a seat. There's no rush.

  • Do I need to be a member to use the Parlor?

    No. The Parlor is open to everyone. Membership isn't required to visit, but Social and Locker members do receive added perks like monthly cigars and drinks, discounts on boxes, and — for Locker members — a personal humidity-controlled locker to keep cigars on-site.

  • What is the difference between Social and Locker Memberships?

    Social Membership — $55/month


    2 cigars per month

    2 drinks per month

    8% off boxes of cigars


    Locker Membership — $110/month


    Personal humidity-controlled cigar locker

    3 cigars per month

    3 drinks per month

    15% off boxes of cigars

    Priority access to event tickets before public sale

    Member Wi-Fi access

    Members may keep cigars purchased elsewhere in their locker

  • Can Locker Members bring their own cigars?

    Yes. Locker Members are welcome to keep cigars they've purchased elsewhere in their personal locker alongside anything picked up from our humidor.

  • Do you serve cocktails and spirits?

    Yes. We offer a curated selection of exceptional spirits and handcrafted cocktails, made with the same care and attention we put into everything else at Bootleggers.

  • Do you sell cigars online?

    Not at this time. Our cigar selection is part of the in-person experience at our Washington, Missouri location. Our online shop carries our own small-batch goods — Bootleggers Barn, Ritual XIII, and Burnt Wick — but for cigars, we'll always point you to the humidor in person.

  • What products do you make in Washington, Missouri?

    We formulate and make our own goods right here — small-batch seasonings and rubs under Bootleggers Barn, grooming products under Ritual XIII, and hand-poured soy candles under Burnt Wick. Every recipe starts with an idea, gets tested, adjusted, and tested again until we're willing to put the Bootleggers name on it.

  • Where is Bootleggers located and where can I park?

    Bootleggers is located in Historic Downtown Washington, Missouri, at 201 West Main Street, Washington, Missouri 63090, United States

  • What are your hours?

    Sunday - 11 AM-5 PM

    Monday - 11 AM-8 PM

    Tuesday - 11 AM-8 PM

    Wednesday - 11 AM-9 PM

    Thursday - 11 AM-9 PM

    Friday - 11 AM-10 PM

    Saturday - 11 AM-10 PM

  • Do you host events?

    Yes. We host whiskey tastings, cigar pairings, and other events throughout the year. Locker Members get priority access to event tickets before they go on sale to the public. 

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