RD1 Spirits, renowned for its Kentucky Straight Bourbon, recently announced its plans to launch a $4.8 million bourbon distillery, RD1 Distillery at The Commons, in Lexington, Kentucky. This initiative aims to double the size of its current facilities and serve as a central attraction within The Commons, Lexington’s latest entertainment hub designed for a blend of living, working, and leisure activities.
Scheduled to open in August 2024, the distillery will spotlight Lexington’s historic bourbon roots, dating back to 1865, alongside modern innovations in wood finishing techniques. The distillery will offer a comprehensive experience, featuring tours, private tasting rooms, an R&D lab, a craft cocktail bar, and event spaces. It will also provide unique guest experiences focusing on the exploration of bourbon’s flavors and potential, complemented by outdoor seating areas offering views of the surrounding entertainment district.
Western Bourbon Distillery to Continue
RD1 will continue its main production at Western Kentucky Distilling, under the expertise of 8th-generation Master Distiller Jacob Call, while the new site will focus on research and development, producing one barrel per week.
The project has received support from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, with a $521,000 incentive approved to enhance local tourism and the bourbon industry. RD1 Spirits, celebrating its founding ethos of innovation and community contribution, aims to create 11 full-time jobs with this expansion.
The Commons, where RD1 Distillery will be located, is set to become a prime destination in Lexington, featuring a variety of amenities including vacation rentals, creative office space, and entertainment options, further enriching the community’s lifestyle.
Founded in 2020, RD1 Spirits is dedicated to exploring the bourbon frontier, honoring Lexington’s distilling pioneers while innovating for the future. The brand has quickly risen in prominence, earning 66 awards in 2023 and planning to expand its distribution across the United States.
You can read the full article, and learn more about RD1 Spirits here.
