New Year, New Distilleries, New Ways to Explore the Trail™

B.H. James Distillers

Adairville resident Shawn McCormick opened B.H. James Distillers just two years ago in 2022. Nonetheless, the distillery’s name is steeped in history as it honors McCormick’s great grandfather who played professional baseball from 1908-1919. Local corn, rye and barley are used to distill the company’s Kentucky Grit® whiskeys, among many other spirits. The distillery’s Slushies have already achieved a legendary status in the eyes of Bourbon lovers.

Becker & Bird Distillery

The Becker & Bird Distillery has been at it since 1798. Located in Augusta, the distillery is known for its internationally acclaimed Bourbon that honors John Baker, a German immigrant who came to these shores all the way back in 1748 and eventually founded the distillery at its current location. Besides its signature Bullfrog cocktail, the distillery also offers tours focused on the farm and forest role in the production of Bourbon.

Bespoken Spirits

Bespoken Spirits, located in Lexington, KY, has developed a revolutionary approach to spirit finishing, minimizing environmental impact by using less wood, energy and water. This distinctive process enables Bespoken to create tailored flavor profiles, meeting a wide range of taste preferences. Visitors can tour lab-inspired production areas, see science and craftsmanship converge, and enjoy tasting experiences that embody Bespoken’s dedication to reimagining the spirit of tradition.

Bluegrass Distillers – Elkwood Farms

Craving an incredible Toasted Maple Old Fashioned? Bluegrass Distillers has got you covered! Opened in 2012, the distillery blends traditional Bourbon-making techniques with innovative mash bills, distinct distillation methods, and advanced barrel finishing. The recent expansion to Elkwood Farm—a historic 62-acre estate in Midway, KY—marks a key milestone, adding a full “seed-to-glass” operation with a 36-inch column still, expanded bottling, and multiple barrel warehouses.

Buzzard’s Roost Spirits

Opened in 2023 on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville, Buzzard’s Roost features their own micro-still, tasting rooms and a Speakeasy style lounge that can be booked for experiences and private parties. The distillery offers 17 proprietary barrels; desired flavors can be pulled from the wood to create award-winning Bourbon. The bar is open to the public and serves signature cocktails and flights.

Chicken Cock Distilling

Wondering about the name? Let’s just say that over 160 years ago you found yourself in the time where you could name your whiskey Chicken Cock—which is exactly what the founder James A. Miller did, starting the legacy that continues today in Bardstown KY. Duke Ellington wrote about Chicken Cock Whiskey in his memoir. Signature cocktail: Circa 1856 Old Fashioned.

Garrard County Distilling Co.

With its towering dual 45’ Vendome Copper and Brass column stills, Garrard County Distilling Co. is known for crafting some of the finest Bourbons, rye whiskeys and American single malts for other brands. But they are especially proud of their All Nations cocktail which features an array of Double Gold Medal-winning whiskeys. Visitors can also tour of the former one-room stone cabin of Carry Amelia Nation, which has been painstakingly moved and reconstructed brick by brick on the distillery property.

Heaven’s Door Distillery (Coming Soon)

Opening in Spring 2025, Heaven’s Door Distillery is located on over 160 acres of rolling hills astride Six Mile Creek, the picturesque property was once owned by Squire Boone, the brother of legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. Stay tuned for more details.

Larrikin Bourbon Co.

At Larrikin, they’re not going to spin yarns about Bourbon dating back to the Pilgrims or mention 51% corn. Their focus is dead simple: craft extraordinary, novel whiskies that bring a bit of Aussie cheek to Kentucky’s Bourbon heritage. Signature cocktail: Decade Old Fashioned.

RD1 Spirits – The Commons (Coming Soon)

RD1 Distillery at The Commons will open spring 2025 as the new home of RD1 Spirits in Lexington. The destination will focus on Lexington’s Bourbon history and innovation with wood finishing. Guests will be able to walk through RD1’s R&D distillery, and understand the role wood plays in creating Bourbon. Other opportunities include thieving from experimental barrels to bottle your own, and experimenting in our test lab.

Southern Kentucky Distillery

Southern Kentucky Distillery (SKD) currently produces 25 barrels per day of Kentucky Premium Bourbon, aged in three bonded warehouses. (An expansion to double the production is currently under construction). SKD is believed to be the first legal Bourbon produced in Cumberland County since prohibition was lifted in 2016. Signature cocktail: Southern Kentucky Manhattan.

Wenzel Whiskey (Coming Soon)

Coming later in 2025, Wenzel Whiskey is located in downtown Covington. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

Nestled in the heart of Covington, Kentucky, Wenzel Whiskey stands as a testament to the region’s rich Bourbon heritage. Situated at the historic intersection of Tobacco and Electric Alley, this unique establishment offers visitors an immersive whiskey blending experience, allowing them to craft their own distinctive Bourbon blends.

For those who are craving new experiences, here are some ways to enjoy some old favorites in new settings.

Whiskey Thief Nulu

Whiskey Thief Nulu offers the same “tasting from the barrel” experience as their Franklin County distillery, giving every guest the opportunity to fill their own bottle, straight from the barrel, at barrel strength. Live music and a small gift shop are also featured.

Monk’s Road Boiler House

Combining the elegance of a luxury-style chophouse and tasting room destination, Monk’s Road Boiler House by Log Still Distillery offers an unparalleled culinary and tasting experience.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Tasting Room

Now open in downtown Louisville at the heart of the historic Whiskey Row. Get immersed in a truly modern, full-sensory experience that utilizes one-of-a-kind visual installations and on-hand whiskey experts fluent in the unique styles of Bardstown’s Bourbon.