RD1 Spirits: A Fusion of Wood, Science & Bourbon Experiences Coming Soon to The Commons in Lexington

RD1 Spirits’ New Distillery at The Commons Will Blend Bourbon Science, Wood Finishing, and Immersive Bourbon Experiences

I recently had the opportunity to visit RD1 Spirits at their former tasting room in Lexington, Kentucky. There I chatted with Co-Founder and National Brand Ambassador Barry Brinegar and Research and Development Master Distiller Jarrad Gollihue, PhD. Join me as we talk about what’s happening now, and their soon to be opened new brand destination, RD1 Distillery at The Commons!

RD1 Spirits History

The RD1 Distillery is named after the Ashland Distillery, which was the first federally registered distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. Back in Pre-Prohibition times, each state was divided into multiple tax districts, with each having their own numbering systems. The original Ashland Distillery, which later became the Wm. Tarr & Co Distillery, was located in Kentucky’s District 7. Therefore, being the first distillery in the district, it was assigned the designation “District 7 RD#1”, with RD standing for Registered Distillery.

Fast forward to 2020, and the RD1 Distillery was resurrected. Their initial releases were under the Old Wm. Tarr brand, in honor of the distillery’s original namesake. Later on, in 2022, the RD1 line of spirits was introduced, and is the distillery’s core brand today.

Brand Home

Up until very recently, RD1 Spirits’ brand home was in Lexington’s aptly named Distillery District. However, that location is now closed, and they are currently in process of moving to their nearby, newly constructed, brand destination in The Commons. The Commons is Lexington’s newest entertainment district and mixed use community. There, RD1’s new two-story, 10,215-square-foot distillery will feature outdoor seating areas on two levels, as well as numerous guest experiences and a Research and Development Distillery. In charge of the new R&D Distillery will be Jarrad Gollihue, PhD.

Introducing Research and Development Master Distiller Jarrad Gollihue, PhD

RD1 Spirits has a new Research and Development Master Distiller, and he’s bringing some serious scientific firepower to the whiskey world. Jarrad Gollihue, PhD, is a Winchester native with deep Kentucky roots—his family hails from Carter County, near Grayson, and Willard. After earning both his undergraduate and PhD degrees from the University of Kentucky, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship, Jarrad found his passion in the science of whiskey, specifically how wood barrels influence maturation. At just 33, he’s already made a name for himself in whiskey research, and now he’s bringing that expertise to RD1 Spirits.

Jarrad’s PhD focused on the chemical variations between single barrels, an area that had seen little rigorous academic study since the 1990s. While winemakers and the Scotch Whisky Research Institute had explored aspects of barrel influence, much of the existing research wasn’t driven by flavor science or widely shared outside the industry. Jarrad took a different approach, applying insights from the biofuel industry—where similar chemical processes occur—to whiskey maturation. His research involved extensive chemical analysis of barrel staves, revealing significant variations in polymer composition and mineral content. By digging into the complexities of wood chemistry, he’s unlocking a deeper understanding of how the wood shapes whiskey; knowledge that could have a major impact on the industry, as well as on RD1 Spirits’ bourbons.

RD1 Distillery at the Commons

As I mentioned earlier, RD1 Spirits will soon be moving into their new $4.8 million brand destination. RD1 Distillery at The Commons will be a two-story, 10,215-square-foot facility that will be the cornerstone of Lexington’s newest entertainment district. With their move, which still keeps RD1 conveniently located to downtown Lexington, they effectively expand the footprint of Lexington’s Distillery District. In addition, their new location places them in close proximity to The Rail, which is The Commons’ indoor / outdoor performance venue. Multiple restaurants and other entertainment opportunities will also be nearby.

The Research and Development Distillery

In their new home, RD1 Spirits new Research and Development Distillery will house a Still Dragon hybrid pot still as its centerpiece. The still will be complemented by a smaller pot still and a large fermenter and mash cooker. A very cool feature of the still is that it will have a see-through column. That will allow visitors to see the copper bubble plates inside and to gain a better understand of the distillation process.

Visitor Experiences

In addition to the R&D Distillery, the new brand destination will offer a variety of visitor experiences. Visitors can partake in and interactive education about RD1’s production process, as well as sample their whiskeys. In addition, guest will have the opportunity to take a further “deep dive” into the effects of wood on whiskey through advanced sensory, blending and tasting experiences. In addition, a VIP Speakeasy on the second floor will be a site for small group or specialized tastings and events.

Outdoor seating will be available on both levels of the distillery. These areas will conveniently overlook the planned outdoor performance venue. This proximity will afford RD1’s guests with the opportunity to enjoy RD1 Spirits’ bourbons while listening to live music, or while just enjoying a pleasant time outside. Last, but certainly not least, there will be a large event space, suitable for weddings, corporate events or other gatherings.

RD1 Spirits Whiskeys

Although the main focus of this article is on RD1 Spirits new brand destination and Research and Development Master Distiller, I would be remiss not to mention their whiskeys. In addition to their core whiskeys, pictured above, RD1 spirits has yearly limited releases. The most recent is the 2024 Limited Release 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood. RD1’s private barrel program also allows guests to choose from a selection of RD1 Spirits whiskeys, to bottle for their store or organization. In the future, guests will be able to work with RD1’s experts to make their own blends utilizing different wood finishes.

Currently, guests can “thieve” from a number of barrels, and bottle their own barrel strength bourbons. I assume this opportunity will be available at their new location, as well. In addition to sampling some of the barrel strength whiskey, I also had the opportunity to taste some of RD1’s current projects. These include bourbons with new wood finishes, different lengths of finishing, and different blends. Last, but not least, I had the opportunity to try the prototype of their upcoming 2025 Limited Release. You’re going to love what’s coming!

RD1 Spirits: A New Era of Bourbon Tradition, Science & Innovation

As RD1 Spirits moves into their exciting next phase, they’re not just opening a new space—they’re creating a destination where bourbon history, science, craftsmanship and experiences come together. Whether you are interested in learning about the basics of bourbon production, diving deeply into the science behind it, or just sampling some whiskey, they’ll have it all. RD1 Distillery at The Commons is poised to become a must-visit for bourbon lovers headed to the Lexington area. They’re just getting started; stay tuned for what’s to come! Cheers!🥃

To learn more about the brand, visit rd1spirits.com/. You may also be interested in my RD ONE 10 Year Amburana Finished Bourbon, RD ONE Amburana Finished Bourbon and my RD ONE Bourbon Finished With French Oak reviews!

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!