History

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is located in rural Franklin County, Kentucky, on a 127-acre working farm. They describe themselves as a destination for bourbon enthusiasts who learn "thieving" from their own barrel in a hands-on experience. The distillery produces single-barrel bourbon made by single-batch distillation and emphasizes Kentucky terroir and the farm's ingredients; they mention "From the farm to the city" and are opening a NuLu location in Louisville, where you can taste straight from the barrel and bottle your own barrel-strength bottle. Their vision is to be a unique nickname for a bourbon experience with bluegrass hospitality and a passion for craft, where every barrel tells its own story.

Production

The farm grows corn and grains, which are used in their pot-still single distillation. The whiskey's character derives from the grain grown on-site and from the process in the rickhouse and oak. A hands-on approach to Kentucky bourbon and a belief that the terroir in Franklin County provides a distinctive flavor. The distillation is "single batch", and they focus on preserving the single-barrel character of each barrel.

Products

The main product is a single-barrel bourbon bottled at barrel strength. They also offer a Pro Shop with on-site spirits, including moonshines, their Prototype Gins, seasonal releases and exclusive single barrels. The experience includes the opportunity to sample five single-barrel bourbons and whiskies and to thief your own bottle directly from the container.

Visits / Experiences

Whiskey Thief offers tours and tastings both at the original farm in Franklin County and in the Louisville NuLu tasting room. Private Barrel Selection makes it possible to "Thieve your barrel. Brand your bottle. Own every drop." and to get products in a personalized bottle. The Louisville location offers cocktails, live music and a combination of tasting room and listening lounge with a focus on tasting bourbon straight from the barrel. Hours are: Mon-Wed 11–7, Thu-Sat 11–11, Sun 12–8.

Philosophy

Their approach to bourbon is described as "unfiltered & uncut" – focusing on tasting straight from the barrel, without unnecessary processing, with only wood and time as the forces. They emphasize "Whiskey Grown Here" and terroir in Franklin County, as well as following their own rules and listening to customers to preserve craft and authenticity.