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The Bourbon Industry And Its Move To Preserve Its Past

The Kentucky bourbon industry, recognizing the value in honoring its history, is working in a large way to preserve its architectural heritage.
  • Maggie Kimberl, inspired by bourbon's people and their passion.
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Historic preservation just makes sense in an industry like the bourbon industry.  Bourbon itself is steeped in so much tradition and heritage even the laws governing the good name of bourbon are called the “Standards of Identity.”  Predominant corn mash and new charred oak barrels were such a strong tradition in bourbon they became its identity.
Now many bourbon brands, both old and new, are extending that history to the preservation of old places.  Buffalo Trace, for example, recently unveiled the restored Old Taylor House after an expansive archaeological excavation.  Now guests have the opportunity to learn about the life and times of Commodore Richard Taylor, E.H. Taylor, Jr.’s great-grandfather.
Bourbon Preservation
On the left is Stitzel-Weller and on the right is the inside of the Commodore Richard Taylor house. (image copyright The Whiskey Wash/Maggie Kimberl)

Louisville’s Whiskey Row, meanwhile, is example of a strong commitment to historic preservation.  When fire threatened to destroy a section of the historic block, it made national news.  However, just days after the fire, Brown-Forman officially broke ground for the Old Forester visitor’s center and distillery in the very spot their offices were located in the early days of the company.

Nearby to this Michter’s has shelled out a significant amount of money and endured multiple construction setbacks in order to save the historic Fort Nelson building on 9th Street in downtown Louisville.  When construction began, the building was leaning nearly two feet and in danger of collapse.  The area was immediately fenced off and engineers began the tedious task of building a building within a building and then attaching the two together.

And finally, Diageo has righted its mistake of shutting down the historic Stitzel-Weller distillery in the early 1990s by renovating and preserving the once and former home-base of Pappy Van Winkle.  It’s now the home of The Bulleit Experience at Stitzel-Weller, and Pappy’s office is now the office of Tom Bulleit. This is happening even at the same time as they are also building a new Bulleit distillery in Shelbyville.

It is through these happenings, and others, that historic preservation in the bourbon industry ties the past to the present in a meaningful way.

Maggie Kimberl

Maggie Kimberl's passion for bourbon ignited during a chance encounter with Four Roses Master Distiller Jim Rutledge. His infectious enthusiasm and knowledge sparked her curiosity, transforming her casual appreciation into a genuine fascination. That pivotal moment reflects the heart of the bourbon industry - a community fueled by passion, where stories and shared experiences forge connections.

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