History

Barrel House Distilling Co. is owned and operated by Jeff Wiseman and Pete Wright. They began work in the winter of 2006 and released their first product – Pure Blue Vodka – in December 2008. Located in the barrel house at the old Pepper Distillery in Lexington, Kentucky, they strive to continue the tradition of the old Kentucky distillers by producing fine spirits made with traditional methods.

Barrel House has also incorporated regional legends into their branding, including Devil John Wright and King Solomon, and offers Devil John Moonshine, which they say is authentic to the original recipe.

They have announced an expansion to Harrison County (Cynthiana, Kentucky) with an investment frame of around $1.8 million. The project is expected to create jobs and attract visitors as well as provide an economic return to the region. The new facility will primarily produce Barrel House Select Bourbon along with other products such as Pure Blue Vodka, Oak Rum, Barrel House Rum, Devil John Moonshine, Dark Shine, Brandy and King Solomon Rye Whiskey; RockCastle Bourbon and Elkhorn Tavern in Lexington will remain in operation.

Production / Manufacturing

Barrel House Distilling Co. is located in the barrel house of the old Pepper Distillery and strives to produce fine spirits using traditional methods. RockCastle Bourbon is described as a smooth, sweet bourbon, handcrafted with locally sourced Kentucky corn and wheat. The distillery describes itself as continuing the old traditions of Kentucky distilleries.

Products / Whisky Series

RockCastle Bourbon — Bourbon Barrel House Select Bourbon — Bourbon King Solomon Rye Whiskey — Rye Whiskey

Visit / Experiences

Tours & Tastings are part of the Barrel House Distilling Co. experience. Each tour starts on the hour; the last tour ends at 5:00 PM. Elkhorn Tavern offers food and cocktails and is a place to enjoy Barrel House products. The house hours are: - Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM - Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM - Sunday: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Gift shop hours are: - Mon–Thu: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM - Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM - Sun: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Group reservations and private events can be booked through the site; there are also options to purchase tours and tastings. Price for tours and tastings for adults 21+ is $10; children 20 and under are free, but cannot participate in the tasting. Tastings alone cost $10 per person. Active military personnel and veterans receive a discounted price with valid ID.

Philosophy

Our mission is to make fine spirits with an old-fashioned approach. RockCastle Bourbon is made with our limestone-rich spring water and locally sourced Kentucky corn and wheat. We value the traditional method and the Kentucky spirit.