I’ve visited Lexington more times than I can count, and every trip reminds me that this city has always had bourbon in its bones. Bardstown is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World; However, Lexington was making a name for itself by also making whiskey. The smell of oak, mash, and limestone water still lingers here—if you know where to look.

The roots of Lexington’s whiskey story trace back to the Town Branch, the little stream that flows beneath downtown. That mineral-rich water gave both the city’s horses and its whiskey their strength. By the mid-1800s, Lexington wasn’t just raising racehorses—it was raising rickhouses. Whiskey in Lexington grew on Manchester Street; distilleries and warehouses stood shoulder to shoulder. It was a lively corridor filled with dray wagons, coopers, and the constant rattle of barrels heading toward the rail lines. James E. Pepper and the Lexington Distillery helped make this stretch of town one of the most important bourbon-producing areas in Kentucky.

I’ve walked those same streets today—what’s now called the Distillery District—and you can still see the brick skeletons of that bourbon past. The warehouses have been reborn into restaurants, bars, and craft operations, but if you close your eyes for a second, you can almost hear the sounds of that 19th-century whiskey economy.

William Tarr

One of the stories that’s always stuck with me is that of Ashland Distillery, founded in 1865. It was the first federally registered distillery in the area and carried the prestigious title “Registered Distillery No. 1,” or RD#1. That’s more than a historical footnote—it’s a symbol of Lexington’s pioneering role in bourbon’s early days. Ashland would later become the William Tarr Distillery and, for a time, was a real powerhouse. But like so many others, it fell silent when Prohibition arrived.

After repeal, Lexington didn’t bounce back as quickly as Bardstown or Louisville. For most of the twentieth century, the city’s bourbon identity went quiet. There were hints of history everywhere, but no major producer was flying the flag for Lexington whiskey.

That all began to change when Town Branch Distillery opened in 2012. I still remember my first visit—it felt like a spark had been reignited. The copper stills gleamed, the aroma of fermenting mash filled the air, and for the first time in decades, Lexington was once again making bourbon within city limits. Town Branch became part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and that was the beginning of a larger revival. Suddenly, the Distillery District started drawing visitors, restaurants popped up, and a new generation began to rediscover Lexington’s bourbon heritage. One of the unfortunate consequences of success is that the Town Branch experience began to deteriorate. My first visit was friendly and the staff was eager to teach and welcoming. Later visits became a running commercial, with the biggest concern being how many people can we push through a tour.

RD1 Arrives

During my more recent visits, I’ve been especially drawn to the story of RD1 Distillers. Founded in 2020, RD1 resurrected the old Ashland Distillery’s RD#1 designation—but not as a nostalgia project. They built something new while paying tribute to the city’s past. I’ve toured their facility and tasted through their lineup, and what stands out most is their willingness to experiment with wood in ways that feel both respectful and forward-thinking.

Their French Oak Finish bourbon has a smooth, toasty character layered with dark chocolate and baking spice. The Brazilian Amburana Finish—that’s one you won’t forget—offers bold cinnamon and clove that burst on the palate. And the Double Finished Oak & Maple release adds a touch of sweetness that almost feels like a dessert bourbon. Every bottle I’ve sampled carries that careful balance of craftsmanship and curiosity.

The Commons

This spring, RD1 took things up a notch with its new location at The Commons in downtown Lexington. It’s more than just a tasting bar—it’s a destination. The two-story space includes a bourbon bar, a speakeasy for private tastings, and a fascinating “RD1 Forest” experience that dives into the science of oak finishing. You can even participate in guided flavor sessions that let you taste how different wood types shape a bourbon’s profile. It’s a smart, modern expression of what Lexington whiskey can be.

Every time I visit, I’m reminded that Lexington’s bourbon story isn’t just about history—it’s about evolution. From Manchester Street’s whiskey row to RD1’s sleek new tasting room, the thread that ties it all together is innovation rooted in respect. Lexington has gone from being bourbon’s birthplace to one of its most exciting comeback stories.

For me, that’s what bourbon is all about—continuity and curiosity. You honor the past, yet you continue to explore. RD1 Distillers does just that, and in doing so, they’ve given Lexington back its rightful place on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail map.

If you ever find yourself in the Bluegrass, take a walk through the Distillery District, take in the sights, and make sure you spend time at RD1’s new home at The Commons. There’s something special happening in Lexington, and I have a feeling its best bourbon chapters are still being written. Here is a video look at one of RD1’s newest releases.

Closing Thoughts

Lexington is one of those places that rewards curiosity. Every time I visit, I find another reminder that bourbon’s story isn’t just written in barrels—it’s written in people, in neighborhoods, and in the perseverance of a city that refuses to be forgotten. From the old Ashland Distillery to the new RD1 Spirits, Lexington has managed to honor its history without living in the past.

When I walk along Manchester Street today, I still feel that same sense of connection—the hum of progress mixed with echoes of the past. You can taste it in a pour of Town Branch, smell it in the air around the Distillery District, and see it in the ambition of RD1’s new home at The Commons. Lexington doesn’t shout for attention; it lets the bourbon speak for itself. And for those of us who love this craft, that’s more than enough reason to keep coming back.

Author’s Note

I’ve been exploring bourbon for many years, and places like Lexington remind me why I fell in love with it in the first place. It’s not just about proof, mash bills, or labels—it’s about legacy. The people who built these distilleries didn’t know they were shaping history; they were simply doing what they loved.

Today, as I walk those same streets and taste what modern distillers like RD1 are creating, I can’t help but think they’d be proud. Proud that their city still makes whiskey worth talking about. Proud that Lexington’s spirit—both literal and figurative—continues to flow. Whiskey in Lexington has changed, as has whiskey in Kentucky; however, the history and the heritage remain.

If you enjoy stories like this, I invite you to explore more bourbon history, distillery visits, and tasting notes on Bourbonfool.com. The journey is far from over, and the next pour might just tell the best story yet.

— Don Williams
Bourbonfool.com