Popular Kentucky Distillery: Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.

OriginFrankfort, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerWhiskey Thief Distilling Co.
EstablishedFounded in 2012
OwnershipWalter Zausch

Introduction

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. has a rich and storied history, tracing its roots back to 2012 when it was founded as Three Boys Farm Distillery in Franklin County, Kentucky. In 2022, the distillery celebrated its 10th anniversary by undergoing a comprehensive rebranding to return to its original name of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., completing a top-to-bottom rebrand to better align with its product offerings and unique distillery experience. Whiskey Thief is renowned for its uncut and unfiltered single-barrel bourbon offerings, as well as its small-batch moonshines and prototype gins that are only available on-site.

The distillery is led by owner Walter Zausch, who has been instrumental in its growth and rebranding efforts, and employs a passionate team of “barrel tenders” who are all Stave & Thief Certified Bourbon Stewards. Whiskey Thief has made significant historical contributions, such as donating a barrel of bourbon to the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit in 2022 to support flood relief efforts, and becoming the first Kentucky distillery to offer every visitor a single-barrel filling experience. The distillery is also committed to sustainability, growing its own grains on the 127-acre Three Boys Farm, and providing a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere for visitors to enjoy food, cocktails, and the picturesque grounds. Through its dedication to quality, innovation, and Kentucky hospitality, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. has cemented its place as a premier craft distillery in the heart of the Bluegrass State.

Whiskey Thief Bourbon – A small-batch bourbon that is distilled and bottled at the Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is known for being uncut and unfiltered.

Moonshines – The distillery produces moonshines that are only available for purchase on-site.

Seasonal Bottle Releases – Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. releases special seasonal bottle offerings.

Single Barrel Offerings – The distillery allows visitors to fill their own bottles directly from a single barrel using a “whiskey thief.”

Timeline

  • Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. was founded in 2012 in Franklin County, Kentucky as Three Boys Farm Distillery.
  • In 2022, the distillery celebrated its 10th anniversary by undergoing a rebranding to return to its original name of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
  • As part of the rebranding, the distillery completed a top-to-bottom rebrand to better align itself with its product offerings and experience.

Famous Product Releases

  • Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is known for its single-barrel Bourbon offerings, which are uncut and unfiltered.
  • The distillery also produces moonshines and prototype gins that are only available for purchase on-site.
  • Seasonal bottle releases are another highlight of the Whiskey Thief product lineup.

Important People

  • Walter Zausch is the owner of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. and has been instrumental in the distillery’s growth and rebranding efforts.
  • The distillery’s “barrel tenders” are a passionate and educated team that guide visitors through tastings and help them fill their own bottles.
  • All of Whiskey Thief’s employees are Stave & Thief Certified Bourbon Stewards, trained in the nuances of tasting, understanding, and explaining Bourbon.

Significant Historical Events

  • In 2022, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. donated a barrel of its Bourbon to the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit, with all proceeds going to support rebuilding efforts in flood-ravaged Eastern Kentucky.
  • The distillery is the first in Kentucky to offer every visitor a single-barrel experience, with the opportunity to fill their own bottle using a “whiskey thief.”
  • Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour in 2022 as part of its rebranding and expansion efforts.

Interviews

  • In an interview, owner Walter Zausch stated that the distillery is “getting back to our roots” with the rebranding, but that the signature distillery experience remains – “straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered.”
  • Zausch also emphasized the distillery’s commitment to Kentucky hospitality and giving back to the community, saying “Kentuckians are known for their hospitality and helping their neighbors.”

Products and Practices

  • Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is known for its single-batch pot-still distillation process, which produces uncut and unfiltered Bourbon.
  • The distillery grows its own corn and other grains on the 127-acre Three Boys Farm, which are then used in the distillation process.
  • Visitors to the distillery can enjoy food, cocktails, and a back patio and lawn with picnic tables, creating a “living room with your best friends” atmosphere.

Sources


[1] https://americanwhiskeymag.com/2022/10/18/whiskey-thief-distilling-co/
[2] https://www.whiskeythief.com/about
[3] https://www.whiskeythief.com
[4] https://www.distillerytrail.com/video/watch-whiskey-thief-distilling-co-announce-name-change-joins-the-kentucky-bourbon-trail-craft-tour-video/
[5] https://www.bourbonhalltours.com/unveiling-the-unique-experience-of-whiskey-thief-distilling-company