The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has announced Western Kentucky Distilling Co. in Ohio County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
Located in Beaver Dam, Western Kentucky Distilling Co. broke ground in 2022 by Jacob Call and J.D. Edwards. The distillery offers contract distilling, with plans for signature brands and a visitor’s center down the road.
The distillery began production in July and had its grand opening earlier this month.
“Jacob and J.D. are respected industry members with deep roots in Kentucky,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “It’s great to see their warm welcome in Ohio County, which already is benefiting from the jobs and millions in investment that Western Kentucky Distilling brings.”
Master Distiller Call was born in Bardstown and is both an 8th Generation Kentuckian and 8th Generation Distiller. Company President Edwards was born and raised in nearby Owensboro and after several years in the industry is now chasing his entrepreneurial dream.
“We’re humbled and excited to be a part of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and unite with our fellow distillers to promote and protect Kentucky’s rich Bourbon heritage and legacy,” Call said.
“In addition to being 100% Kentucky owned, we’re also 100% Kentucky sourced and built with all of our distilling equipment coming from the Commonwealth and plans to use all locally grown corn in our products,” Edwards said.
“Bourbon is a vital industry in our state and we’re proud to join the KDA. We’re so thankful to the local community who have been so supportive and look forward to continued growth in the region.”
At the heart of the $30 million investment is a 36-inch copper still, complemented by copper condensers, a doubler and 15 state-of-the-art fermenters producing up to 50,000 barrels of Bourbon and rye whiskey each year.
The first official distillery in Ohio County is working with contract brands such as Hemingway Rye Whiskey and is already looking at expansion due to the expected continued growth of Kentucky Bourbon, a major export and thriving symbol of Bluegrass craftsmanship and tradition.
Western Kentucky Distilling Co. joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels per year. The KDA now has more than 50 member distilleries, the most since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition.
“We look forward to working with the Western Kentucky Distilling Co. team to elevate and sustainably grow our timeless craft,” Gregory said. “On behalf of all our members, we are proud to welcome them to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”
