Kentucky Bourbon: History and Distilleries in Western KY

Bourbon 101: A Brief Lesson

The relationship between whiskey and bourbon can be likened to that of genus and species. On a basic level, whiskey is the result of fermenting grain, distilling it, and storing the liquid in a barrel for aging. Whiskey can be produced anywhere in the world, from America to Scotland to Japan, but each specific “species” of whiskey, like bourbon, scotch, and rye, has certain requirements that give it its unique name and character.

In the case of bourbon, those requirements are:

• Bourbon must be produced in the United States
• Mash bill (grain mixture used for fermentation) must contain at least 51% corn
• Aged in new, unused, charred oak barrels
• Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV) and a maximum of 150 proof (75% ABV)

Distilleries all across America produce bourbon, but bourbon made in Kentucky is really what has captured the attention of global whiskey connoisseurs.

History of Bourbon in Kentucky

There is no single identifiable inventor of bourbon, but we do know that Kentucky was the birthplace. Like so many examples of creative genius, bourbon was a product of limitations and resourcefulness. When early American settlers of Kentucky wanted to make whiskey, they were restricted by the high price of importing malt and barley, so instead, they filled their mash bills with locally grown corn and… voila! The first sweet drops of bourbon fell from the copper mouth of the still (the apparatus that’s necessary for the distillation process) and an original was born.

Bourbon has gone through multiple waves of popularity throughout its 200+ year history but has ultimately taken its rightful throne as king of the American spirits.

The Best Kentucky Bourbon

Many of the most well-known bourbon distilleries are in and around Louisville and Lexington. Although the largest concentration of distilleries lies on the east side of the state, the western half of Kentucky (near Paducah) is home to a wealth of award-winning whiskey blenders. Our team at Westcreek Villas has come up with a curated list of distilleries within an hour or two of Paducah so that residents and bourbon aficionados can plan for epic weekend trips in Kentucky.

Our Favorite Distilleries in Western Kentucky

Casey Jones Distillery

The towering figure behind Casey Jones’ famous Kentucky bourbon is Casey Jones himself. Back in the days of prohibition, it was difficult to find a high quality still, which is when Casey Jones stepped onto the scene with his innovative copper stills known for producing the highest quality bourbon on the market. All these years later, AJ Jones, Casey’s grandson, owns and operates the Casey Jones Distillery, churning out batch upon batch of award-winning bourbon. Westcreek Villas residents are just one hour away from one of Kentucky’s most beloved distilleries.

The Bard Distillery

Housed inside a stunning 1920s art-deco schoolhouse in Muhlenberg County, The Bard Distillery is undoubtedly one of Kentucky’s most unique bourbon destinations. Owned by the husband-and-wife duo of Thomas and Kimberly Bard, the founding vision was to produce inventive whiskeys while making good use of the schoolhouse and its one-of-a-kind architecture. The result is multiple award-winning bourbons that include a signature whiskey in honor of John Prine, the singer/songwriter who wrote so eloquently about Muhlenberg County in songs like “Paradise.” The Bard Distillery is all about honoring family tradition and the rich history of Kentucky.

Green River Distilling Co.

The most famous distillery on our list, Green River Distilling Co. is known as “the pride of Owensboro,” a city that, like Paducah, sits on the banks of the Ohio River. With over 140 years of distilling expertise, Green River’s whiskey has developed an international fanbase with its bourbon, rye, and single-barrel options. Owensboro is one of the state’s hidden gems, housing the Green River Distilling Co. along with the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum and a myriad of exciting restaurants. It’s 2 hours from Paducah and perfect for a weekend trip.

B.H. James Distillers

The stories behind brands of Kentucky bourbon are often as important as the product itself. In many cases, the brands are named after a well-loved patriarch from that family’s lineage. This is the case with B.H. James Distillers, which bears the name of Burton Hulon James, the founder’s great-grandfather. B.H. James was a polymath— he played professional baseball in the early decades of the sport and went on to run multiple businesses in Adairville, KY. The great man’s courageous life influenced his great-grandson’s decision to strike out on his own and found his very own bourbon distillery. Today, B.H. James offers world-class bourbon, whiskey, and vodka and is only 2 hours east of Paducah.

Kentucky Bourbon: An American Original

Much like jazz, baseball, and apple pie, bourbon is an American original. This iconic whiskey blend was born in the bluegrass hills of Kentucky and developed into one of the globe’s most recognizable spirits. Now, in the 21st century, fans of bourbon can be found on every continent.

At Westcreek Villas, we are excited to honor this homegrown export and invite you to check out the distilleries listed above. They are all within a short 1 to 2-hour drive of Paducah. If you found this blog to be helpful, please drop us a line and let us know which distillery was your favorite, and if you’re looking for a new apartment in Paducah, KY, schedule a tour today with one of our leasing specialists. We would love to help you discover your next home.