The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced that Lux Row Distillers has joined its legendary ranks as a “Heritage” member, the highest level in the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
Lux Row Distillers, broke ground on their $35 million distillery in The Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky in the summer of 2016. They just started distillation and barreling at their new distillery in January 2018. Lux Row is the Kentucky Distillers’ Association’s ninth Heritage member and 37th overall member. To qualify as a Heritage member, distilleries must have at least 25,000 barrels of distilled spirits aging in Kentucky warehouses.
Though the distillery in Bardstown is brand new, the parent company Luxco, Inc. with its home base in St. Louis, Missouri has been in the distilled spirits business since 1958. The distillery will become home to the company’s whiskey brands including Ezra Brooks, Rebel Yell, David Nicholson 1843 and Blood Oath – all Kentucky Straight Bourbons. In addition to the 18,000 square foot distillery, the 90-acre property includes an 18th-century stone house, several barns, a barrel warehouse with plans for five more, a visitor center, tasting room and event space. Luxco also offers a portfolio of other products across several distilled spirits categories.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Lux Row Distillers to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association,” said Rob Samuels, an eighth-generation distiller at Maker’s Mark Distillery and is chair of the KDA Board of Directors. “The fact that they’re joining as a Heritage-level member demonstrates their strong commitment to Kentucky. We look forward to working with them to strengthen not only the spirits industry but also the entire Commonwealth.”
Luxco Chairman Donn Lux said, “We are thrilled to be joining the KDA as a Heritage member. We have made a large investment into our brands and the state of Kentucky with the building of Lux Row. Eric and his team at the KDA have been wonderful to work with during this evolution and we are extremely excited about our future in Kentucky.”
As a Heritage Member, Lux Row will have an expanded leadership role in the management of the organization and the direction of Kentucky’s distilled spirits industry, Gregory said. Heritage members also are eligible to join the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail – Established 1999
- Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville
- Bulleit’s Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Louisville
- Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg and Cox’s Creek
- Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown
- Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Louisville
- Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont
- Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, Louisville
- Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto
- Town Branch Distillery, Lexington
- Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg
- Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles
There are now 39 companies operating 52 distilleries in the Commonwealth making 6.8 million barrels of aging Bourbon – all modern records. Lux Row hopes to welcome its first visitors as early as April, and plans to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour by summer.
Luxco Inc’s portfolio of brands also includes Juarez Tequila & Triple Sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear Grain Alcohol, El Mayor Tequila, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky and other well-recognized brands. The company also owns 50 percent interest in the Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KY run by Steve and Paul Beam – which produces Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
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