Popular Kentucky Distillery: Log Still Distillery

OriginNew Haven, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerLog Still Distillery
EstablishedFounded in 1836
OwnershipWally Dant

Introduction

In 1836, Joseph Washington Dant embarked on his bourbon distilling journey in Kentucky, starting with a humble poplar log still before transitioning to copper while retaining the essence of his origins in the “Log Still” name. The Dant family’s legacy in spirit-making runs deep in southern Nelson County, Kentucky, where small farm distilleries once embraced log still technology for its cost-effectiveness compared to copper stills. Notable figures like J.W. Dant and Richard Wathen leveraged log stills to grow their businesses, eventually transitioning to larger copper stills.

While Log Still Distillery is a recent revival, the Dant family’s historical presence in bourbon and whiskey production under the J.W. Dant brand since the 1800s is significant. Today, with Wally Dant leading as president and distiller, Lynne E. Dant contributing her engineering expertise as chief operating officer and distiller, and Charles D. Dant overseeing operations on the family’s 300-acre property, the legacy continues. The distillery’s revival not only honors its past but also looks towards a promising future by blending tradition with innovation and community engagement.

Monk’s Road Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Log Still’s flagship bourbon, made using traditional methods and a family recipe

Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey – A Tennessee whiskey produced by Log Still, named after a historic local legend

Monk’s Road Kentucky Straight Gin – A craft gin also produced by Log Still Distillery, using botanicals from the local region

Dant Brandy – While not a bourbon or whiskey, Log Still also produces a brandy honoring the Dant family’s distilling heritage

Timeline

  • In 1836, Joseph Washington Dant began distilling Kentucky bourbon, using a hollowed-out poplar log as his first still.
  • Dant eventually upgraded to a copper still, but never forgot his roots, with the “Log Still” name honoring his humble beginnings.
  • The distillery property in southern Nelson County, Kentucky has a long history of Dant family members making spirits.
  • In the early 19th century, many small farm distilleries used log still technology as a more affordable alternative to expensive copper stills.
  • Distillers like J.W. Dant and Richard Wathen were known for using log stills, which allowed them to eventually invest in larger copper stills as their businesses grew.

Famous Product Releases

  • Log Still Distillery has not yet released any major products, as it is a newly revived family distillery.
  • However, the Dant family has a long history of producing bourbon and whiskey under the J.W. Dant brand name, dating back to the 1800s.

Important People in Distillery History

  • Joseph Washington Dant – Founder of the original J.W. Dant distillery in 1836, using a hollowed-out poplar log as his first still.
  • Wally Dant – Current president and distiller of Log Still Distillery, working to revive his family’s historic distilling legacy.
  • Lynne E. Dant – Chief operating officer and distiller at Log Still, applying her engineering expertise to the bourbon and whiskey blends.
  • Charles D. Dant – Vice president of operations, overseeing the 300-acre Log Still property where his family has deep roots.

Significant Historical Events

  • The original J.W. Dant distillery operated for generations, with the Dant family playing a key role in Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.
  • Log Still Distillery is a modern revival of the family’s historic distilling operations, aiming to honor the past while building a new future.
  • The use of log still technology was common among small farm distilleries in the 19th century, providing a more affordable alternative to copper stills.

Interviews with Distillery Personnel

  • Wally Dant, president and distiller, discusses his vision for reviving the family’s distilling legacy and giving back to the community.
  • Lynne E. Dant, chief operating officer and distiller, shares her passion for her family’s bourbon heritage and applying her engineering skills.
  • Charles D. Dant, vice president of operations, reflects on his childhood memories of the distillery grounds and his role in overseeing the property today.

Sources


[1] https://www.logstilldistillery.com/our-story/
[2] https://bourbonveach.com/2020/04/10/images-of-the-past-richard-wathens-log-still/
[3] https://www.whiskey-lore.com/interviews/wally-dant-and-the-dant-familly-of-log-still-distillery
[4] http://www.bourbonenthusiast.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1775
[5] https://www.wave3.com/2023/09/05/log-still-transforms-its-historic-distillery-into-next-generation-bourbon-destination/