History

This innovative local distillery makes its home in the old Boone County Jail building and combines three generations of expertise in the spirits industry with a historic setting. From moonshine to vodka to bourbon and beyond, Boone County Jail Distillery has broken through on the market and won several taste prizes with some of its very first products.

Location and historical background

In 1832, Indiana passed a law to place one county seat somewhere geographically central in the state. The town became Lebanon, Indiana, just 30 minutes northwest of the state capital. The jailhouse was initially just a wooden shack at the town hall. About 50 years later, the jail was moved to its permanent location across the street at Washington & Meridian. In 1938, Boone Co. Jail was upgraded and reinforced, and a secret tunnel was installed for quick in- and out. The facility operated until a new facility was built in 1992. The historic and imposing architecture inspired siblings Nicki and Sean Stoller to create a completely new distillery experience; Boone County Jail Distillery was born.

A family heritage

The distillery is proudly woman-owned and veteran-owned, run by the siblings Nicki and Sean Stoller. They are supported by three generations of experience in the spirits industry and have an understanding of which flavor profiles consumers want in vodka, bourbon whiskey, gin, moonshine and more. Their grandparents were the source of the family's passion for the industry and supplied the region with liquor distribution after Prohibition. The family would later become known through Stoller Imports and their traditions of expertise.

Production and philosophy

BCJD combines tradition and craftsmanship in a historic setting and conveys a family heritage that centers on an honest and quality-driven approach.

Production / Manufacturing

Raw materials and process

Hoosier Vodka and Boone County Jail Vodka are distilled from 100% corn four times, yielding a smooth finish. Gin is juniper-forward with citrus notes and a hint of spicy and floral elements. Moonshine is described as corn-based with a sweet corn aroma and a light grain flavor. Conjugal Visit Moonshine and related variants such as Lemon Drop Moonshine and Apple Pie Moonshine contain natural flavorings and are described as relatively approachable and not to be missed. Kinnard and Drake line includes various bourbons: Straight Bourbon, Toasted Straight Bourbon and Single Barrel Straight Bourbon with notes of honey and rum- or fruit-tones along with vanilla and oak. Boone County Jail Barrel-Aged Gin is gin aged in bourbon barrels for 9 months, offering a blend of citrus, pepper, floral notes and oak. Absinthe and Bourbon Cream products round out the range.

Taste and notes (excerpts)

Hoosier Vodka vs. Boone County Jail Vodka: semi-sweet taste, 80 proof (40% ABV). Gin: juniper-forward with citrus and a spicy, floral note. Moonshine variants: sweet corn aroma and a full-bodied mouthfeel. Bourbon variants: classic bourbon notes with honey, cinnamon, apricot; toasted and single barrel variants with strong oak and vanilla notes. Absinthe and Bourbon Cream also expand the range with distinctive notes.

Products / Whisky Series

• Hoosier Vodka (80 Proof / 40% ABV) distilled from 100% corn; four-times distilled for a smooth finish.
• Boone County Jail Vodka (80 Proof / 40% ABV) distilled from 100% corn; four-times distilled.
• Boone County Jail Gin (86 Proof / 43% ABV) juniper-forward with citrus and spicy notes.
• Conjugal Visit Moonshine (100 Proof / 50% ABV) sweet corn aroma and full-bodied mouthfeel.
• Conjugal Visit Lemon Drop Moonshine (50 Proof / 25% ABV) sweet and tart with natural flavors.
• Conjugal Visit Apple Pie Moonshine (60 Proof / 30% ABV) apple and cinnamon flavor with natural flavors.
• Kinnard and Drake Straight Bourbon (92 Proof / 46% ABV) 5-year bourbon with honey, cinnamon and apricot; creamy body and rye-spice.
• Kinnard and Drake Toasted Straight Bourbon (92 Proof / 46% ABV) newly toasted barrels, stronger vanilla and oak; full-bodied palate.
• Kinnard and Drake Single Barrel Straight Bourbon (115 Proof / 57.5% ABV) single-barrel bourbon with honey and pear notes and char.
• Boone County Jail Barrel-Aged Gin (92 Proof / 46% ABV) gin aged in bourbon barrels for 9 months – citrus, pepper, floral notes and oak.
• Poet's Potion Absinthe Classique (125 Proof / 62.5% ABV) sweeter than traditional absinthe with cinnamon, cloves and a light licorice finish.
• Brown Jug Bourbon Cream (34 Proof / 17% ABV) bourbon crème liqueur with milk and vanilla; ideal in milkshakes or coffee.

Visits / Experiences

BCJD presents itself through its history and products on pages such as Contact Us, Our Products, and Gallery. The products are available from many retailers listed on their Where to Buy page with detailed lists of retailers and regions. Their presence spans several states, with a focus on a broad network of retailers and stores.

Philosophy

The distillery highlights a family heritage and commitment to quality through Nicki and Sean Stoller, supported by three generations of spirits experience. They are described as woman-owned and veteran-owned and claim traditions of expertise and an ear for consumer preferences through Stoller Imports and the family's involvement in the industry.