Whitney Rye Opens The Parlor Room Opens In Bardstown
(Credit: Parlor Room)
The Parlor Room, founded by Bardstown native and bourbon storyteller Whitney Rye, officially opened its doors this summer in the heart of downtown Bardstown. A Victorian-style space designed for connection and storytelling, The Parlor Room invites guests to explore elevated, rare, and vintage spirits while uncovering the people, places, and history that make each bottle unique.
For Rye, host of The Mash Bill Podcast and a respected voice in the bourbon community, the opening of The Parlor Room is both personal and purposeful. It fulfills her dream of honoring her late husband while creating a place where bourbon is more than just a pour—it is a story to be shared.
“Bourbon is about heritage, people, and memory,” said Rye. “The Parlor Room was built to capture that spirit, to give every guest a chance to taste history and hear the stories that make it matter.”
A Bourbon Experience Beyond Tasting Notes
Unlike traditional tastings that emphasize flavor profiles alone, The Parlor Room offers an immersive experience where each pour is paired with the story behind the brand. Whether it is a legendary distiller, a historic rickhouse, or a family recipe passed down through generations, the focus is on connecting guests with the deeper meaning in every glass.
Rye herself brings a depth of knowledge and passion to the space. A Level 2 WSET graduate with merit, she continues to study bourbon as both an educator and lifelong student. Her reputation for storytelling is well established, built through The Mash Bill Podcast and a social media following that spans thousands of bourbon enthusiasts. From Kentucky’s historic distilleries to hidden speakeasies and luxury hotels, Rye has spent years immersing herself in bourbon culture and sharing those discoveries with her audience.
About Whitney Rye
As the founder and host of The Mash Bill Podcast, Whitney Rye has become known for capturing the human side of bourbon. Highlighting master distillers, brand founders, historians, and industry leaders. Her work blends education with entertainment, inviting audiences into the larger story of America’s native spirit.
About The Parlor Room
Located at 111 N. 3rd Street, Suite 105 in downtown Bardstown, The Parlor Room is a Victorian-styled, intimate tasting room designed to celebrate rare and vintage bourbons, storytelling, and community. With curated classes, private tastings, and special events, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience for bourbon lovers and visitors to the Bourbon Capital of the World.
