Whether distilling a bourbon mash in a pot still or column still, the product of the first distillation is generally called "low wine". The alcohol content and composition of low wine is significantly different whether using a pot still or a column still. In a pot still, the low wine will generally be around 40-50 proof. However in a column still, as seen here, the proof is usually substantially higher.
We had the pleasure of visiting Balcones Distilling late last year. We spent an enjoyable few hours there, learning all about the distillery, tasting some great whisky and making some new friends. It's been a long time coming, but we finally have our full Balcones visit write up on BourbonObsessed.com in the Distillery Reviews section.
Here is a list of all the licensed Kentucky Distilleries as of January 2, 2022. This list includes all distilleries, regardless of whether they are producing moonshine, whiskey, clear spirits (vodka, gin), or a combination of any of these. Distilleries listed in red either may not exist or may no longer be open or otherwise functioning.
Anyone who has been to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, Kentucky lately has certainly noticed all the expansion going on. One of the first things people will see is the very large New Heaven Hill Distillery Rickhouse. On the opposite side of the street, the visitor center is being renovated and expanded, with the first phase now complete.
I have seen distilleries and breweries in repurposed banks, jails and even churches. However I have never seen an entire prison converted into a distillery! That's what they have done in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina, at Southern Grace Distilleries, and it's really cool!
Last Friday we stopped by Limestone Branch Distillery. It had been a while since I was last there. The last time I had seen Stephen Fante, their Whiskey Ambassador Extraordinaire, he had told me that they had doubled their capacity, so I was eager to see what was going on. Limestone branch is a small operation, so by doubling their capacity they went from producing one barrel of whiskey a day to two, but that's still cool!
We recently visited the Barton 1792 Distillery. Like Buffalo Trace, this Sazarac owned distillery also does not charge for their tours, which is very cool. It's a great place to visit, and although they, like the Buffalo Trace Distillery, are not technically on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Barton 1792 Distillery Tour should definitely be included in everyone's itinerary.
This is an about 3 1/2 minute video tour from our visit to Neeley Family Distillery on July 4, 2019. It is a revised version of a video which was posted shortly after our visit. This one is now in…
Here is a short (less than 4 minute) video tour from our visit to the Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina. The Southern Distilling Company sits on a 20 acre farm in Statesville, North Carolina. In the late 1800’s…
Bardstown Bourbon Company opens immersive Visitors Center Experience
BARDSTOWN, Ky., Sept. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bardstown Bourbon Company, 1500 Parkway Drive, announces the opening of its new Visitors Center Experience, featuring attractions designed to complement locals, tourists, bourbon enthusiasts and novices alike. The expansive development includes curated tours, cocktail classes, exclusive tastings and multiple private event spaces. The new facility's aesthetic is a continuation of Bardstown Bourbon Company's modern bourbon experience with glass paneling, moss art walls and inviting open design.
We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit WhistlePig Distillery and WhistlePig Farm, and we would like to share our visit with you via this video. A more detailed write up will be coming soon to Cheers!
Investment will build the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery, enhance the visitor experience and establish the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits CLERMONT, Ky., July 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Beam Suntory is breaking ground on the Fred B.…
