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Welcome toBourbon Country
As the popularity of Kentucky’s most famous spirit grows, more parts of the state—and region—are getting in the game. Step inside some of the local bars, restaurants, and distillers rolling out their barrels for you to enjoy. Plus, meet some of the people making all that mash.
By Lauren Fisher, Aiesha D. Little, Sara McCosham, Sam Rosenstiel, John Stowell, and Amanda Boyd Walters
Edited by Amanda Boyd Walters
Seven Local Bourbon Distilleries You Need to Know
Bourbon Country has expanded to Northern Kentucky and beyond. Here are the key players to get familiar with.
Cincinnati Distilling Keeps Us in Good Spirits
The distillery stakes its claim to a piece of local bourbon history with its new Milford distillery.
Big Ice Evangelism: Why Hand-Cut Ice Is Better For Bourbon
After James Ferguson had his first piece of hand-cut ice in bourbon four years ago, he's been preaching it ever since
Sipping History at Old Pogue Distillery
The Old Pogue Distillery in Maysville has deep roots in Kentucky's original Bourbon Country
Brough Brothers Cofound Kentucky’s First Black-Owned Distillery
That historic and important distinction is just one of many noteworthy attributes of the new bourbon brand led by Kentucky-born brothers Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough.
Neeley Family Distillery Uses Moonshiner’s Tricks to Make Bourbon
After 11 generations, the Sparta, Kentucky distillery is finally on the right side of the law.
Chad Brizendine Forges His Own Path with O.K.I. Bourbon
With Jake Warm, Brizendine took over O.K.I. in 2020 looking for a way to stay true to tradition while charting new bourbon territory.
Four Roses Visitor Center Is a Gateway to a World of Bourbon
The new visitor center at Four Roses embraces the distillery's nearly 140-year history and makes bourbon lovers from around the world feel right at home.
Jessica Banish Changes The Narrative at Three Keys Distillery
Founded in 2016, the Burlington distillery has become an inextricable part of the Bluegrass State’s bourbon culture.
Hannah Lowen Explains What Sets New Riff Distilling Apart
The Vice President of operations at also reflects on the local bourbon brand’s origins.
Brain Brew Tailors Whiskey to Your Taste
The Newtown distillery offers a customizable sampling experience that lets you customize and take home the perfect whiskey for you.
These Locally-Made Bourbons Are Still Sleeping
Three tri-state bourbons are nearly ready to come out of the barrel—here’s what their master distillers expect.
Broaden Your Bourbon Horizons on These Local Tours
These local companies will handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the drinks.
Bourbon Country: Local Spots to Sip Kentucky’s Finest Spirit
Pull up a stool at these Greater Cincinnati joints pouring up the good stuff.
