Whiskey Thief (Franklin Co and Louisville, KY) WF0060

Surprise, surprise, we're going to have a repeat guest to the show today. Distilling director Lisa Wicker (formerly of Limestone Branch, Huber's Starlight, and Widow Jane) joins us along with Walter Zausch, owner of the Whiskey Thief Distillery. If you've never been, you're missing one of Kentucky's most unique distillery experiences. From the barn and farm, to the goats, food trucks, and barrel thieving - there may not be a better distillery to get a feel for Kentucky Bourbon hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere.

We'll talk about how Walter came to own this farm, the philosophy change since he arrived, the person who inspired him, the distillery's new space in NULU, and we'll find out from Lisa, who is just settling in, her first impressions and what brought her to Whiskey Thief.

It's all in celebration of the release of Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon: Second Edition. Catch the extended version at patreon.com/whiskeylore as a member of the Speakeasy.

Augusta Distillery (Augusta, KY) WF0059

The month-long celebration of the release of Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon: Second Edition continues with a journey to the Northern Kentucky region that is home to New Riff, Neeley Family, Boone County and others. But did you know, along the Ohio River, below Cincinnati and northwest of Lexington there are three distilleries just waiting to be explored?

Today, we're going to visit with Ryan Edwards, co-founder of Augusta Distillery, a facility I've had the privilege of seeing evolve from the bones of an old manufacturing building into an experiential distillery that blends town charm, the building that employed so many, and a modern distillery that stretches the concept of what you can do in a distillery. It's also the home of a distiller you should know - Alex Castle.

Join me as we go through the evolution of the distillery and find out what things you can do here that you've likely never done at any other distillery. We'll make you put Northeast Kentucky into your travel plans.

And for Patreon.com/whiskeylore members, get an extra ten minutes to this episode with some insider information on some of the features of this distillery.

Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew

RD1 Spirits Distillery (Lexington, KY) WF0058

Today, we start a journey through Kentucky, visiting some of the great distillery experiences that have arrived since the release of my first edition of Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon in 2020 - as I celebrate the launch of the expanded Second Edition this week.

Our first guest is Barry Brinegar of RD1 Spirits of Lexington. His new distillery experience is a perfect example of how distilleries are expanding the story and process of whiskey making in new creative ways. This isn't your normal "51% corn" Bourbon lesson, it is a dive into the influence of the barrel on whiskey. The distillery is also in an entertainment district that makes it the perfect spot for a day of diverse fun while you're exploring the Bourbon trail.

Enjoy a little extra history in the Patreon.com/whiskeylore version and some insider information into what is coming next from RD1 Spirits. Get a free-7 day free trial as well as a bonus limited time offer for a discount off my new book for Father's Day.

Cheers and slainte mhath,
Drew