Popular Kentucky Distillery: Lux Row Distillers

OriginBardstown, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerLux Row Distillers
EstablishedFounded in 1958
OwnershipLuxco

Introduction

Lux Row Distillers has a rich history that spans from its origins as the David Sherman Corporation in 1958 to its rebranding as Luxco in 2006 and the subsequent construction of a new distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky in 2015. In 2018, Lux Row Distillers unveiled its state-of-the-art facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. The distillery has introduced a range of notable products such as Ezra Brooks Bourbon, Rebel Yell Bourbon, Blood Oath, Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel, and Daviess County Bourbon.

Key figures like Paul A. Lux, David Sherman Sr., Donn Lux, John Rempe, and Michele Lux have played pivotal roles in shaping the company’s success. Lux Row Distillers has been involved in significant events like the grand opening of its facility and joining the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The distillery’s commitment to quality is reflected in its production practices, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to create exceptional bourbons and rye whiskeys.

Rebel Reserve Single Barrel Barrel Strength 12 Year Bourbon

Pact 7

Single barrel wheated bourbon at high proof and low cost

Rebel Yell 10 Year Old Wheated Mashbill Bourbon

Lux Row Distillers Double Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 12 Year Old

Timeline

  • 1958 – Paul A. Lux and David Sherman Sr. establish the David Sherman Corporation, originally a private label bottler.
  • 2006 – The company is rebranded as Luxco, a tribute to founder Paul Lux.
  • 2015 – Construction begins on a new distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
  • 2018 – Lux Row Distillers opens its 18,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in the heart of bourbon country.

Famous Product Releases

  • Ezra Brooks Bourbon – An old recipe dating back to the 1950s, this bourbon is charcoal-filtered for a smooth Tennessee whiskey-like taste.
  • Rebel Yell Bourbon – A classic Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey in Luxco’s portfolio.
  • Blood Oath – A limited-release experimental bourbon series created by Master Distiller John Rempe.
  • Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel – A highly acclaimed single barrel expression of the Rebel Yell brand.
  • Daviess County Bourbon – A bourbon with a rich history dating back to 1874.

Important People

  • Paul A. Lux and David Sherman Sr. – Founders of the original David Sherman Corporation in 1958.
  • Donn Lux – Current President and CEO of Luxco.
  • John Rempe – Master Distiller at Lux Row Distillers, with over 20 years of distillation experience.
  • Michele Lux – Creative Director, responsible for the distillery’s visitor experience and product pairings.

Significant Historical Events

  • 2018 – Grand opening of the new Lux Row Distillers facility, marked by a celebratory bagpipe parade.
  • Luxco’s transition from a private label bottler to a distillery owner, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth and innovation.
  • Establishment of Lux Row Distillers as a new addition to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, attracting visitors to experience the bourbon-making process.

Interviews

“Being inside Lux Row Distillers gives visitors a chance to experience the real bourbon-making process in action. One gets a sense of genuineness of the company’s commitment to making quality whiskeys.” – Tim Knittel, Distiller.com

“We’ve been in the business for over 40 years, and we’re honored to be located in the heart of a state that’s so rich with bourbon-steeped history.” – Lux Row Distillers

“As a food scientist with over 20 years of distillation experience, [Master Distiller John Rempe] knows his way around a bottle of bourbon.” – Lux Row Distillers

Products and Practices

Lux Row Distillers produces a wide range of bourbons and rye whiskeys, focusing on using high-quality ingredients and adhering to traditional methods. The distillery features a three-story column still and doubler system with a custom-designed beer pre-heater, as well as 10 barrel warehouses with a capacity of 3 million gallons of spirits per year.

The distillery’s commitment to quality is evident in its manual operation of the majority of valves, ensuring the distillery operators are more connected to the product and can observe the whiskey-making process at strategic points. This approach, combined with the company’s “real roots, real family, real products” philosophy, has earned Lux Row Distillers a reputation for producing exceptional spirits.

Sources


[1] https://www.luxco.com/our-story/lux-row-distillers/
[2] https://distiller.com/articles/lux-row-distillers
[3] https://www.mgpingredients.com/branded-spirits/lux-row-distillers
[4] https://luxrowdistillers.com/blog/what-happens-on-a-lux-row-distillers-distillery-tour/
[5] https://www.whisky.com/whisky-database/distilleries/details/lux-row.html