Augusta Distillery

Overview of the Distillery

Augusta Distillery is located on the Kentucky River in the town of Augusta and produces Kentucky straight bourbon under the motto 'Bourbon Uncompromised'. The distillery combines production in the stillhouse with guest experiences; visitors can take guided tours, tastings, and purchase releases, with some younger bottlings sold only on-site. The site has won numerous medals in international competitions and highlights both local community and craftsmanship.

History

Augusta Distillery presents itself as a modern bourbon producer anchored in the region's history along the Kentucky River. In recent competitive seasons, the distillery's bottlings have drawn notable attention: in 2023 Buckners 13 Yr was highlighted as World's Best Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the same period saw several best-in-class and double-gold medals at the American Distilling Institute. In 2024 and 2025 the recognition continued with gold and finalist placements for, among others, Buckners 10 Yr, Buckners 15 Yr, and Old Route 8. Parallel to the competition prizes, the distillery has built a visitor program with tours and tastings and launched series like River Proof, which have also earned medals.

Raw Materials and Production

Production experience is visible and arranged for visitors; you can climb onto a catwalk and look into the stillhouse, where guided tours explain bourbon production. The distillery describes its work as held to 'strict bourbon tradition' and highlights curated batches in production. In addition to the tours, there is discussion of the choice of grains and the subsequent maturation in charred oak barrels. The tasting room serves individual pours, flights, and cocktails without necessarily requiring advance booking, while special experiences such as River Proof Barrel Experience are offered as a voucher product. Tours typically run every hour, and guests gain access to the stillhouse areas rather than detailed technical specifications about mash bill or equipment.

Maturation and Cask Types

The distillery's aging takes place in charred oak barrels, which is reflected in the long aging periods for several of their named bottlings (portfolio examples range from short-aged 2 years to releases labeled 10, 13, and 15 years). The River Proof series features special releases, including an 'Oaked Version', which has also been noted in competitions. The distillery also mentions ongoing special releases and barrel picks, released in limited quantities.

Whiskies

The portfolio ranges from short-distillery-exclusive bottlings (2-, 4- and 6-year bourbons) to named, longer-aged bottles such as Old Route 8 and the Buckners series (including 10, 13, and 15 years). In addition there is a River Proof series and ongoing special releases and barrel picks. Some bottlings are sold only on-site, while others appear in competitions and sales activities outside the distillery.

Whiskey	Type / Series	Age	Cask and Style	Flavor Profile	Status
2-year Bourbon	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	2 year	Charred oak barrels	Short-aged bourbon, available only at the distillery.	Current; Core range; Available only at the distillery
4-year Bourbon	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	4 year		Medium-aged bourbon, sold at the distillery's visitor site.	Current; Core range; Available only at the distillery
6-year Bourbon	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	6 year		Longer-aged variant of the distillery's range, primarily available at the distillery.	Current; Core range; Available only at the distillery
Buckners 10 Yr	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	10 year	Charred oak barrels	10-year bottling from the Buckners series, highlighted in several spirit competitions.	Current; Available at the distillery
Buckners 13 Yr	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	13 year		13-year release in the Buckners series, named 'World's Best Bourbon' in 2023 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.	Current
Buckners 15 Yr	Kentucky Straight Bourbon	15 year		15-year bottling in the Buckners series, with multiple competition medals and placements in 2023–2025.	Current
Old Route 8	Kentucky Straight Bourbon			Old Route 8 is one of the distillery's named releases and is offered at the distillery's visitor site.	Current; Offered at the distillery
River Proof Series	Kentucky Straight Bourbon		Charred oak barrels; finish: Oaked Version (specific release noted)	Series with alternative bottlings, including an 'Oaked Version' noted in spirit competitions.	Current

Visiting the Distillery

Augusta Distillery is open to visitors with guided tours and tastings. Tours typically run hourly, and you are advised to arrive 15–20 minutes before the start. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours beforehand. Experiences are designed for guests 21+, but family members under 21 may be in certain public areas such as Buckner's Landing. There is ADA accessibility in selected rooms (ramp to Thieving Room and Neider Room and lifting equipment). The distillery hours are from Wednesday to Sunday 11–17 and closed Monday and Tuesday. Booking is recommended to secure a spot, but walk-ins are accepted subject to capacity.

The stated opening hours are Wednesday–Saturday 11:00–17:00, Sunday 11:00–17:00; Monday–Tuesday closed.

Philosophy and Craft

The distillery's stated values revolve around 'Bourbon Uncompromised' and maintaining a strict bourbon tradition. At the same time, community and responsible enjoyment are highlighted: the distillery encourages responsible drinking, works with special batch releases, and offers guest-oriented experiences, while upholding rules and safety for staff and visitors.

Awards and Recognitions

World's Best Bourbon (2023) — Buckners 13 Yr
Best in Class (2023) — Buckners 15 Yr
Gold Medal (2025) — Old Route 8

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