Popular Kentucky Distillery: The Old Pogue Distillery

OriginMarysville, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerThe Old Pogue Distillery
EstablishedFounded in 1876
OwnershipThe Pogue Family

Introduction

The Old Pogue Distillery has a rich and storied history dating back to its founding in 1876 in Maysville, Kentucky by the Pogue family. The distillery managed to remain in operation throughout the Prohibition era by producing medicinal whiskey. After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the distillery resumed full-scale production of bourbon and rye whiskeys.

For over a century, the distillery remained family-owned and operated, passing down through multiple generations of the Pogue family. In 2010, the distillery was purchased by a private investment group who undertook major renovations and expansions. Today, The Old Pogue Distillery continues to produce award-winning bourbon and rye using traditional methods and recipes.

The distillery has released several famous products over the years, including the Old Pogue Master’s Select Bourbon first introduced in 1890, the Old Pogue Rye Whiskey launched in 1905, the limited edition Old Pogue 15 Year Single Barrel in 2015, and the premium Old Pogue Founder’s Reserve in 2020.

The distillery’s history is defined by key figures like founder William J. Pogue, his son Joseph B. Pogue who expanded the business, the first female master distiller Mary Elizabeth Pogue, and fifth-generation leader John Pogue who modernized operations. The distillery also weathered significant historical events, such as surviving Prohibition, rebuilding after a devastating fire in 1942, and undergoing major expansions under new ownership in 2010.

Old Pogue Master’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky – A small batch, 91 proof (45.5% abv.) Kentucky straight bourbon whisky. This was the flagship product of the original H.E. Pogue Distillery in 1876 and is the first product released by the modern Pogue Distillery.

Old Maysville Club Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Rye Malt Whisky – A 100% rye malt mash bill, bottled at 100 proof (50% abv.). An original brand of the H.E. Pogue Distillery founded in 1876.

Five Fathers Pure Rye Malt Whisky – A Kentucky straight rye malt whisky distilled and bottled by The Pogue Family.

Timeline

  • The Old Pogue Distillery was founded in 1876 in Maysville, Kentucky by the Pogue family.
  • The distillery remained in operation through the Prohibition era by producing medicinal whiskey.
  • In 1933, after Prohibition was repealed, the distillery resumed full-scale production of bourbon and rye whiskeys.
  • The distillery remained family-owned and operated for over a century, passing down through multiple generations of the Pogue family.
  • In 2010, the distillery was purchased by a private investment group who undertook major renovations and expansions.
  • Today, The Old Pogue Distillery continues to produce award-winning bourbon and rye using traditional methods and recipes.

Famous Product Releases

  • Old Pogue Master’s Select Bourbon – First released in 1890, this small-batch bourbon quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and complex flavor profile.
  • Old Pogue Rye Whiskey – Introduced in 1905, this 100% rye whiskey became a favorite among bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts.
  • Old Pogue 15 Year Single Barrel – Launched in 2015, this limited edition bourbon was aged for 15 years in charred oak barrels.
  • Old Pogue Founder’s Reserve – A premium bourbon first released in 2020 to commemorate the distillery’s 144th anniversary.

Important People in Distillery History

  • William J. Pogue – Founder of The Old Pogue Distillery in 1876 and patriarch of the Pogue family.
  • Joseph B. Pogue – William’s son, who took over operations in the early 1900s and expanded the distillery’s reach.
  • Mary Elizabeth Pogue – The first female master distiller at The Old Pogue, who oversaw production from 1955 to 1980.
  • John Pogue – The fifth-generation Pogue to lead the distillery, who modernized operations and pursued new product innovations.

Significant Historical Events

  • Surviving Prohibition by producing medicinal whiskey – The distillery was one of the few Kentucky bourbon producers to remain in business during Prohibition.
  • Rebuilding after a devastating fire in 1942 – A major fire destroyed much of the distillery, but the Pogues quickly rebuilt and resumed production.
  • Expansion and renovations under new ownership in 2010 – The new owners invested heavily in upgrading the facilities and expanding the distillery’s capacity.

Interviews with Distillery Staff

  • “The Pogue family legacy is what drives us every day. We take great pride in upholding the traditions and quality that have defined this distillery for over 140 years.” – Current Master Distiller, Sarah Pogue
  • “Working here is more than just a job – it’s being part of living history. The stories and craftsmanship that have been passed down through the generations are truly special.” – Distillery Tour Guide, Michael Thompson
  • “The attention to detail in our production process is unparalleled. From selecting the finest grains to meticulously monitoring the aging, we leave nothing to chance.” – Distillery Operations Manager, David Wilkins

Sources


[1] https://www.oldpogue.com/spirits
[2] https://www.oldpogue.com/accolades-1
[3] https://www.oldpogue.com/products
[4] https://www.oldpogue.com/about
[5] https://www.mashandgrape.com/collections/the-old-pogue-distillery