RD1 Breaks Ground on $4.8 Million Kentucky Distillery to ‘Provide a Great Bourbon Experience’ for Visitors
RD1 Spirits announced plans for a $4.8 million distillery experience in the heart of Kentucky. (Photo: RD1 Spirits)
On Thursday, RD1 Spirits unveiled that it has broken ground on a $4.8 million brand destination in Lexington, Kentucky. The destination is set to more than double the size of the bourbon brand’s current facilities.
“RD1 is expanding the boundaries of Lexington’s Distillery District and strengthening the appeal of what the great city of Lexington has to offer,” RD1 shareholder and advisor Mark Stoops said in a news release. “As one of the newest brands added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, RD1 Distillery at The Commons will help boost hometown pride and contribute to the vibrant, winning atmosphere of our community.”
According to RD1 Spirits, the new facilities will have customized guest experiences for those looking to taste through the brand’s portfolio of spirits. An interactive experience will chronicle the history of Lexington’s bourbon milestones. Private tasting rooms, a VIP speakeasy tasting room, a craft cocktail bar and a private event space will also be included.
“RD1 looks to allow guests to experience bourbon in a way that’s most comfortable to them,” RD1 Spirits CEO Mike Tetterton said in the release. “For most of us, that starts with exploring your palate. From there we like to ask ‘What else can bourbon do?’ And we fill that curiosity by experimenting with different woods that delicately dance with the bourbon and really draw some exceptional flavor profiles.”
A new 800-gallon pot still is the crux of the facilities, complete with an additional 175-gallon pot still, a 750-gallon fermenter and a 1,000-gallon mash cooker.
“We want RD1 Distillery at The Commons to serve as a cornerstone of education, exploration and entertainment in Lexington,” Tetterton added. “As a brand founded by Lexington entrepreneurs, we are motivated by the bourbon giants of our past and look to honor them with bourbon growth right here in our hometown.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced that $521,000 in incentives were approved for the project from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority.
“This exciting new investment will provide a great bourbon experience for visitors to the Fayette County area,” Beshear said. “As we continue to see growth in Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry, projects like this are also adding momentum to our tourism efforts. I want to congratulate RD1 Spirits’ leadership and look forward to the positive impact the project will have on the tourism industry and the local community.”
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