O.Z. Tyler Distillery Bungs 25,000th Barrel Bumping its Ranks in the Kentucky Distillers' Association

Kentucky Distillers' Association - O.Z. Tyler Distillery Becomes Heritage Member of the KDA

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is made up of some of the largest distilled spirits makers in the world, more specifically the largest bourbon makers in the world. The association which has been around since 1880 has just added its eight heritage member. The move from craft spirits distillery making less than 10,000 barrels per year to over 25,000 barrels per year is not a big surprise. When the distillery had their four story, 41′ tall x 54″ diameter Vendome Copper Column still installed in March 2016 it was pretty clear at the time they were going big. The still has capacity to generate 5 million proof gallons of spirits a year or approximately 72,000 barrels.

Installation of 4 Story Column Still

https://vimeo.com/171818373

The O.Z. Tyler Distillery traces its roots back 130 years to the historic Green River Distillery, built on the Ohio River site in 1885. It was a major producer of Kentucky Bourbon before burning to the ground just prior to Prohibition in 1918. It was rebuilt after Prohibition and operated as the Charles W. Medley Distillery from 1936 to 1993 – with Charles and John Medley both serving on the Kentucky Distillers’ Association Board of Directors for decades – before shutting down. The distillery was vacant until 2014 when it was purchased by Terressentia, a South Carolina company that invested more than $25 million in restoring the 26-acre site, including six barrel warehouses.

O.Z. Tyler Distillery Moves to Heritage Member

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The distillery joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in September 2016 soon after it began production in the renovated distillery. The move from Craft member to Heritage member was officially announced last week at the association’s 137th Annual Meeting of Members in Lexington, KY.

“This is an exciting announcement as the addition of Heritage level members is a rare event and one to be celebrated,” said Ryan Ashley, Chairman of the KDA’s Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer at Four Roses Distillery.

“Achieving the production and inventory requirements for this top-tier level in only one year truly reflects the investment and commitment that O.Z. Tyler has made in our signature industry and our Commonwealth,” Ashley said.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory said, “As a Heritage Member, O. Z. Tyler will have an expanded leadership role in the management of the organization and the direction of Kentucky’s distilled spirits industry.” Heritage members also are eligible to join the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.