Six Woman-Run Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is world renowned. Whiskey lovers all over the globe flock to the Bluegrass State to get a taste of this spirit derived from corn. It’s even the crown jewel of the state’s biggest event: the Kentucky Derby, gracing the race’s signature cocktail, the Mint Julep.
For decades, the bourbon industry has been dominated by men. However, we’ve discovered six woman-owned or woman-operated bourbon distilleries in the heart of Kentucky. These distilleries are crafting amazing spirits and we’re excited to explore each of them.
Get to know each of these locations and consider picking up a bottle of woman-made bourbon.
Jeptha Creed Distillery
A family-owned bourbon distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Jeptha Creed’s spirits are designed and distilled by a matriarch. Joyce Nethery acts as Master Distiller, leading the distillery alongside her husband Bruce and her daughter Autumn.
Since 2016, the distillery has been producing a variety of bourbons. Today, the team is producing nine barrels a day. In fact, there are five bourbons on offer, including a straight 4-grain Kentucky bourbon originally released in 2019.
Get a taste of all the bourbon Jeptha Creed produces when you drop by the bar Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm or Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.
500 Gordon Lane, Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
New Riff Distilling
Based in Newport, Kentucky, New Riff is led by a team of women, including President Mollie Lewis and CEO Hannah Lowen – among other leadership team members. As an independently owned distillery, the brand has a mission to become known as one of the great small distilleries.
That mission is well within reach as the distillery delivers a variety of spirits but, in particular, a line of flagship whiskeys. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is crafted as a high-rye whiskey that delivers a savory and even spicy character.
Experience all of the whiskeys on New Riff’s menu when you visit The Aquifer Tasting room. Contact the distillery directly to make a reservation.
24 Distillery Way, Newport, Kentucky 41073
Augusta Distillery
They call August, Kentucky the original bourbon county and that’s what inspired Augusta Distillery to launch a line of bourbon. All distilling operations are overseen by Master Distiller Alex Castle at this distillery and she’s crafted a variety of spirits worth boasting about.
The bourbon comes first at Augusta Distillery with five well-aged whiskeys on offer. From an eight-year single barrel to a 17-year named for a revolutionary war hero, these spirits are complex and well worth a try.
Get a sip of each of these bourbons when you drop by the distillery Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
207 Seminary Ave, Augusta, Kentucky 41002
Baker-Bird Winery & Distillery
The sole owner of this historic distillery and winery is Dr. Dinah Bird who was inspired to learn more about the business after spending a career wining and dining clients as an investment portfolio manager. Ultimately, she stepped into the industry and took over operations of the whole business based in Augusta, Kentucky.
With spirits named for historic events, including the Kentucky Statehood, a 2-year aged bourbon, this spirits lineup really showcases the storied character of this long-running distillery.
Discover what these bourbons have in store when you visit Saturday or Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
4465 Augusta/Chatham Road, Augusta, Kentucky 41002
MB Roland Distillery, Inc
Founded by Merry Beth “MB” Tomaszewski and her husband, Paul, this Pembroke, Kentucky distillery sources local white corn to craft grain-to-glass bourbon. The location, a former Amish dairy farm, has proven to be an excellent location for making bourbon.
If it’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey you’re looking for, you’ll find it in spades at MB Roland. Each barrel produced features a unique character so the Single Barrel variety definitely showcases the unique flavors MB Roland has generated.
Encounter those flavors when you visit the distillery Monday through Thursday, 10am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am to 6pm; Sunday, 1pm to 6pm.
6534 Pembroke Oak Grove Road, Pembroke, Kentucky 42266
Three Keys Distillery
Native Kentuckian Jessica Banish founded and launched Three Keys Distillery in 2016. Since then, Jessica has overseen whiskey production that closely mirrors the traditional methods and values that have long been responsible for high-quality bourbon.
The small batches of Kentucky Bourbon that Three Keys produces feature spicy notes balanced by sweet flavors from the corn. The cask-strength variety delivers an enhanced sweetness met with citrusy zest.
Taste both bourbons when you pick up a bottle for yourself. Find a bottle for yourself through the website’s Where to Buy map.
Burlington, Kentucky
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Over in Frankfort, Kentucky, Whiskey Thief Distilling staffs what they call “bar(rel) tenders”, educators meant to walk visitors through bourbon tasting. Meanwhile, Kelley Tennille leads the production team, crafting bourbon and many other spirits.
The Cocoa Nib Finished Bourbon definitely sounds delicious. Aged for six years, the spirit is then finished on cocoa nibs for six months. Between this and all the other spirits on offer, there’s a lot of adventure in store at Whiskey Thief.
Jump into that flavor adventure when you drop by Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm or Sunday, 11am to 5pm. There’s also a Louisville location worth visiting as well!
283 Crab Orchard Road, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
610 Nanny Goat Strut, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
