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Whiskey Row:
The Birthplace of Bourbon
Whiskey Row bourbon is named after the stretch of Renaissance Revival buildings located on Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky, between West First and West Second Street, locally and internationally known as Whiskey Row. From 1850 through Prohibition, many of the three and four-story buildings with cast iron facades housed whiskey distillers, blenders and traders. Located a couple of blocks upriver from the docks on the Ohio River, Whiskey Row became the trading center for all spirits distilled in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky and newly formed West Virginia. Whiskey from upriver was warehoused and blended with Kentucky whiskey on its way downriver to New Orleans and overland to the West on the Oregon Trail.
WHISKEY ROW FOUNDER
A Legend in the U.S. Whiskey Industry
Whiskey Row Bourbon showcases both the skill and expertise of a legendary whiskey maker, Steve Thompson and the history of Louisville, KY. This offering lets you experience whiskey in its purest form, delicate char, extra time in the barrel, aroma, flavor, color and higher proof. Stephen F. Thompson, Bourbon Hall of Fame, Class of 2022, lived a life richly full of family, friends, and spirits for 78 years. His 40+ year career in the spirits industry began at Heublein before it became known as Diageo. While there, he oversaw all manufacturing activities at numerous plants that produced, such brands as; Smirnoff Vodka, Cuervo Tequila, and a variety of pre-mixed cocktails. Aka, the original RTD.
From Diageo, Brown Forman would hire him to be Executive Vice President of Manufacturing where one of his early projects was modernizing Blue Grass Cooperage. From there, he would be promoted to President of the Distilling Company. In this role, he was responsible for all production, engineering, and R & D activities for Jack Daniels, Early Times, Canadian Mist, Southern Comfort, California Cooler, just to name a few. Of course, one of his most crowning achievements at BF, was to acquire and lead the construction of the Labrot and Graham distillery, which is now formally known as Woodford Reserve. His final spirits adventure, Steve and his business partners opened Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood, KY. KAD set out to offer unique contract distilling, processing, co-packing, and barrel storage for many well-known bourbon whiskey brands, including Whiskey Row, Billy Goat Strut, and Jeffersons.
Steve was a huge advocate of using all four grains; corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley when mashing in, controlling a lower distillation proof of around 120, and a low entry barrel proof of no more or less than 110.
CRAFT DISTILLING AT ITS FINEST
Kentucky Artisan Distillery
Kentucky Artisan Distillery is a craft manufacturer located in Crestwood, northeast of Downtown Louisville, where Whiskey Row is officially located. It is situated next to the historic grounds of Waldeck Farm where it sources grain, allowing them to make a unique farm to glass bourbon. The land and micro-climate is perfect for growing the four types of grain and for aging the whiskey. Kentucky Artisan has an experienced distilling, processing, blending, and bottling team who are well versed in world renowned premium whiskeys.
Whiskey Row Straight
Bourbon Whiskey
Whiskey Row Bourbon was created by industry legend Stephen Thompson at Kentucky Artisan Distillery.
Whiskey Row
Cask Strength
It is named after “Whiskey Row”, Main Street, Louisville Kentucky, where the bourbon business got its start.
Whiskey Row
Bottled In Bond
Steve’s dream was to create some very high-quality, full-flavored bourbons echoing a pre-prohibition style.