Fresh Bourbon: A New Wave in Kentucky’s Bourbon Scene
Fresh Bourbon, a new bourbon company, is set to break ground on a bourbon distillery in Lexington early 2021. The company has been recognized by the state as the first African-Americans who were not enslaved to develop bourbon in Kentucky, and it will employ Kentucky’s first Black Master Distiller.
The Development of the Distillery
Fresh Bourbon’s significant launch was anticipated for summer 2020, however, the coronavirus pandemic delayed construction. The expansive 34,000-square-foot distillery is being planned for downtown Lexington, featuring a music hall, tasting room, and lounge.
Production of Unique Bourbons
While the distillery is yet to be constructed, Fresh Bourbon founders Sean and Tia Edwards, a husband-and-wife team and Kentucky natives, have been collaborating with their Master Distiller to produce limited-edition first-run batches. These unique bottles are currently available online, produced by Hartfield & Co. in Paris, Kentucky. The company is accepting pre-orders for shipments in late 2020 or early 2021.
A Commitment to Quality and Tradition
Fresh Bourbon has already received commendations for its achievements, winning a gold medal from the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards in August. The distillery describes its bourbon as “gently sweet and approachable,” showcasing tasting notes of vanilla, brown sugar, oak smoke, and nuttiness. Furthermore, the company aims to welcome all enthusiasts to the world of bourbon, with plans to produce various types of whiskeys and gin in the future.
The Significance of Bourbon in Kentucky
Bourbon is a significant industry in Kentucky: the state boasts more barrels of bourbon than residents, producing over 95% of the world’s bourbon supply. Moreover, Kentucky features its own official Bourbon Trail, which embraces stops at prominent brands like Wild Turkey and Jim Beam alongside up-and-coming microdistillers.
Note: An earlier version of this article indicated that the Fresh Bourbon Company distillery was expected to open next year; it is now anticipated to open in 2022. The article also referenced it as the first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky, but it has received state designation to be recognized as the first Black-owned bourbon distillery in the state.
