Popular Kentucky Distillery: RD1 Spirits

OriginLexington, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerWestern Kentucky Distilling Co.
EstablishedFounded in 1865
OwnershipWestern Kentucky Distilling Co.

Introduction

The history of RD1 Spirits traces back to the establishment of the Ashland Distillery in 1865, which was the first distillery to obtain a federally registered license and was assigned the RD#1 designation. Over the next decade, the distillery was operated by Turner, Clay, & Company. In the late 1800s, the distillery was acquired by William Tarr, who renamed it the William Tarr Distillery. However, Tarr soon defaulted on loans, and the distillery was auctioned off to the Stoll family, who were involved in the Whiskey Trust.

During Prohibition in the 1920s, the distillery’s warehouses were raided, and the remaining whiskey was eventually moved to Louisville. The distillery was finally closed down by National Prohibition. After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the William Tarr Distillery and associated brand names were retained by subsequent owners.

In 2021, the RD1 brand was reborn with the mission to revive the legacy of Lexington’s legendary whiskey heritage. The distillery’s famous product releases include “Old Buckhorn Whiskey” and “Sam Clay Bourbon,” which were re-introduced into production by the Greenbaum family in the early 1900s. The history of RD1 Spirits is marked by significant events, such as the Ashland Distillery being the first to obtain a federally registered license, the Prohibition-era raid, and the brand’s recent revival to honor Kentucky’s whiskey legacy.

RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Awarded Double Gold in 2023 Sip Awards; Awarded 95 points and Gold in 2023 New York International Spirits Competition

RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With French Oak: Awarded 96 points from The Tasting Panel; Awarded Double Platinum from Fred Minnick’s 2023 Ascot Awards

RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood: Awarded 100 points from the 2023 Pr%f Awards; Awarded 95 points from the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Competition

RD1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Finished In Oak and Maple Barrels: Awarded 100 points from the 2023 Pr%f Awards

Timeline

  • In 1865, the Ashland Distillery was established, the first to obtain a federally registered distillery license, and was assigned RD#1. It was located on Manchester Street at the city limits of Lexington, Kentucky.
  • Over the next 10 years, the distillery was operated by Turner, Clay, & Company, comprised of Horace H. Turner, Samuel M. Clay, and Thomas D. Mitchell.
  • In the late 1800s, the distillery was acquired by William Tarr, who renamed it the William Tarr Distillery. Tarr soon defaulted on loans and the distillery was auctioned off to the Stoll family, who were involved in the formation of the Whiskey Trust.
  • During Prohibition in the 1920s, the distillery’s warehouses were raided by a gang of thieves who stole 96 cases of bonded whiskey. The remaining whiskey was eventually moved to Louisville. The distillery was finally closed down by National Prohibition.
  • In 2021, the RD1 brand was reborn with the mission to bring a portfolio that embodies the spirit worthy of Lexington’s legendary whiskey heritage.

Famous Product Releases

  • “Old Buckhorn Whiskey” and “Sam Clay Bourbon” were re-introduced into production by the Greenbaum family in the early 1900s.
  • The William Tarr Distillery and associated brand name were retained for a time by subsequent ownerships.

Important People

  • Horace H. Turner, Samuel M. Clay, and Thomas D. Mitchell – founders of the original Ashland Distillery in 1865
  • William Tarr – acquired the distillery in the late 1800s and renamed it the William Tarr Distillery
  • James S. Stoll and Richard P. Stoll – members of the Stoll family who took over the distillery after Tarr’s bankruptcy and were involved in the Whiskey Trust

Significant Historical Events

  • The Ashland Distillery was the first to obtain a federally registered distillery license, assigned RD#1
  • During Prohibition, the distillery’s warehouses were raided by a gang of thieves who stole 96 cases of bonded whiskey
  • The distillery was finally closed down by National Prohibition in 1919
  • The 21st Amendment was ratified in 1933, repealing Prohibition and making alcohol legal again
  • In 2021, the RD1 brand was reborn to bring back the quality bourbon that signifies Kentucky’s whiskey heritage

Sources


[1] https://rd1spirits.com/blogs/news/tagged/history
[2] https://rd1spirits.com/pages/about
[3] https://rd1spirits.com/pages/detailed-history
[4] https://whiskyadvocate.com/bourbon-timeline
[5] https://vinepair.com/articles/11-important-american-whiskey-brands-history/