Balance Distilling Company in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, is proud to announce the revival of legacy whiskey brand Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a tribute to the grandeur of Mammoth Cave National Park and the rich history of Kentucky Bourbon.
“Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey embodies the spirit resilience and depth that mirrors that of its namesake, Mammoth Cave,” said Balance Distilling Company Founder and Distiller Luke Jean. “Just as Mammoth Cave reveals history and wonder, our bourbon offers a traditional wheated profile that invites exploration.”
The Revival of a Historic Bourbon Brand – 1869 to 1960s
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The original Mammoth Cave brand was created in 1869 by W. G. Coldewey & Co. according to author and bourbon historian Michael Veach. In 1901, the brand was advertised in the Wine and Spirits Bulletin as having a 16-year-old bonded whiskey for sale. By 1907, W.L. Weller and Sons had purchased the Mammoth Cave brand as it became part of their portfolio of whiskeys for sale. W. L. Weller & Sons sold Mammoth Cave Bourbon Whiskey as a medicinal spirit during Prohibition.
After the repeal of Prohibition, W.L Weller and Sons and A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery merged to become Stitzel-Weller Distillery (1935) with Julain “Pappy” Van Winkel, Sr. as president and in charge of sales. Pappy Van Winkel sold a portfolio of brands including Old Fitzgerald, Cabin Still, Rebel Yell and Mammoth Cave Bourbon Whiskey – all leading bourbon brands in their time. Stitzel-Weller continued to support the Mammoth Cave brand in certain markets up until the 1960s when it disappeared from their portfolio and was considered abandoned.
“Working with Balance Distilling to revive this historically important brand allowed us to share the rich narrative of both the cave and Kentucky bourbon with our visitors,” said Mike Davis, General Manager of The Lodge at Mammoth Cave. “This partnership allows us to highlight the intriguing history of moonshiners that used the intricate cave systems throughout Kentucky for generations.”
Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The official launch event will take place on November 9, 2024, at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park, featuring product tastings, music from local singer-songwriter Sarah Houk, plus dinner and cocktail specials offered by the Green River Grill. Admission to the event is free.
Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made in Kentucky on a pot still with a mash bill of 70% corn, 20% wheat, and 10% malted barley. Mammoth Cave Bourbon was barreled in 53-gallon barrels and aged for 4-years and 3-weeks and is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon has a suggested retail price of $44.50 and is available at the distillery and The Lodge at Mammoth Cave gift shop and restaurant.
Balance Distilling Company is an award-winning family farm distillery. The operation is the only distillery in Warren County, Kentucky and is proudly veteran owned and operated. Balance Distilling Company distills moonshine, gin, whiskey, and the only rum made 100% in Kentucky.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park visitor center is about half an hour from the distillery. The Park is open year-round and offers a variety of cave tours.
Mammoth Cave National Park is more than just the home to the longest cave system in the world. It is a place for hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, and camping on over 52,000 acres in south central Kentucky. Get inspired to plan your next vacation to Mammoth Cave National Park.
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. The park offers Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world’s longest known cave system.
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