Popular Kentucky Distillery: Rabbit Hole Distillery

OriginLouisville, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerPernod Ricard
EstablishedFounded in 2012
OwnershipPernod Ricard USA, LLC

Introduction

Rabbit Hole Distillery was founded in 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky by Kaveh Zamanian, an Iranian-American entrepreneur and whiskey enthusiast. The distillery began production in 2016 and released its first bourbon, Rabbit Hole Bourbon, in 2018. In 2019, Rabbit Hole opened a new $15 million distillery and visitor center in downtown Louisville, significantly expanding its production capacity. Over the years, Rabbit Hole has won numerous awards for its whiskeys, including the prestigious Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The distillery has released several famous products, including its flagship Rabbit Hole Bourbon, the port-finished Rabbit Hole Dareringer, the high-rye Rabbit Hole Heigold, and the wheated Rabbit Hole Cavehill. Key people at the distillery include founder and CEO Kaveh Zamanian, Master Distiller Nishta Mehra, and Head of Maturation Zach Pilcher.

Significant historical events for Rabbit Hole include the expansion of production capacity with the new distillery in 2019, the acquisition by global spirits company Pernod Ricard in the same year, and collaborations with local businesses in Louisville. Interviews with Rabbit Hole’s leadership have highlighted the distillery’s focus on quality, innovation, and creating a unique whiskey experience.

Rabbit Hole Bourbon – The distillery’s flagship bourbon, made from a mash bill of 70% corn, 10% malted wheat, 10% malted barley, and 10% honey malted barley.

Rabbit Hole Dareringer – A port-finished bourbon that has become one of the distillery’s most popular expressions.

Rabbit Hole Heigold – A high-rye bourbon named after a 19th century Louisville limestone carver.

Rabbit Hole Cavehill – A wheated bourbon finished in oloroso sherry casks.

Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Straight Rye – A 95% rye whiskey aged at least three years in new American oak with a #3 char.

Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection: Boxergrail Cask Strength Rye – A cask strength version of the Boxergrail rye.

Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection: Mizunara Cask Strength – A high-rye bourbon finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks.

Timeline

  • Rabbit Hole Distillery was founded in 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky by Kaveh Zamanian, an Iranian-American entrepreneur and whiskey enthusiast.
  • The distillery began production in 2016 and released its first bourbon, Rabbit Hole Bourbon, in 2018.
  • In 2019, Rabbit Hole opened a new $15 million distillery and visitor center in downtown Louisville, significantly expanding its production capacity.
  • Over the years, Rabbit Hole has won numerous awards for its whiskeys, including the prestigious Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Famous Product Releases

  • Rabbit Hole Bourbon (2018) – The distillery’s flagship bourbon, made from a mash bill of 70% corn, 10% malted wheat, 10% malted barley, and 10% honey malted barley.
  • Rabbit Hole Dareringer (2019) – A port-finished bourbon that has become one of the distillery’s most popular expressions.
  • Rabbit Hole Heigold (2020) – A high-rye bourbon named after a 19th century Louisville limestone carver.
  • Rabbit Hole Cavehill (2021) – A wheated bourbon finished in oloroso sherry casks.

Important People

  • Kaveh Zamanian – Founder and CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery, responsible for the distillery’s innovative approach and award-winning products.
  • Nishta Mehra – Master Distiller at Rabbit Hole, overseeing all aspects of the distilling process and product development.
  • Zach Pilcher – Head of Maturation, responsible for the aging and finishing of Rabbit Hole’s whiskeys.

Significant Historical Events

  • Expansion of production capacity with the opening of the new $15 million distillery in 2019.
  • Acquisition of Rabbit Hole by Pernod Ricard, a major global spirits company, in 2019, providing additional resources and expertise.
  • Collaborations with local Louisville businesses, such as the creation of a custom bourbon for the Louisville Zoo.

Interviews

  • In an interview, Kaveh Zamanian discussed his vision for Rabbit Hole, stating “We’re not just making whiskey, we’re creating an experience that celebrates the art and science of distilling.”
  • Master Distiller Nishta Mehra emphasized the importance of using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, saying “We’re committed to using the best grains and materials we can find to craft our whiskeys.”
  • Head of Maturation Zach Pilcher spoke about the attention to detail in the aging process, noting “We carefully monitor the temperature and humidity in our rickhouses to ensure our whiskeys develop the perfect balance of flavors.”

Sources


[1] https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/american-whiskey/whiskey-reviews-rabbit-hole-distillery/
[2] https://www.bourbonbanter.com/rabbit-hole-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-review/
[3] https://www.rabbitholedistillery.com
[4] https://www.caskers.com/rabbit-hole-distillery/
[5] https://www.liquorandwineoutlets.com/product-detail/6493-Rabbit-Hole-Distilling-Cavehill-Small-Batch-Kentucky-Straight-Bourbon-Whiskey