A Kentucky family transforms their ancestral farmland into a whiskey distillery, releasing their first bourbon in honor of their late patriarch.
PaPaw’s Ridge Brings Generational Farming Heritage to Bourbon Making
The Nethery family of Shelbyville, Kentucky, has entered the bourbon market with their first release, PaPaw’s Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The new brand draws on from the farmland that has been in the family since the 1800s, converting agricultural roots into distilling operations.
Named after Roy “PaPaw” Nethery, the brand reflects the family patriarch’s connection to the land. “PaPaw’s Ridge” refers to a remote spot on Roy’s old farmland, where he spent his later years out in nature on the ridge with his family.
“PaPaw’s Ridge is more than just a bourbon brand, it’s a tribute to the man who taught us that the best moments in life don’t need much more than good company and a glass of something honest,” says Autumn Nethery, Co-Owner and VP of Operations at PaPaw’s Ridge. “We crafted this whiskey with that same spirit – simple, high-quality, and made to be shared. Every pour is a toast to our PaPaw’s stories, laughter, and the legacy he left behind.”
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PaPaw’s Ridge Kentucky Straight Bourbon Features Local Corn and Four-Year Aging
The bourbon uses yellow corn combined with rye and barley in the mash bill. After aging for a minimum of four years, the whiskey reaches 43% ABV.
Official tasting notes describe the bourbon as presenting a golden honey amber color. The nose offers dark chocolate bourbon balls, butterscotch, baked apple crumble, and campfire smoke. The palate delivers butterscotch and caramel apple with fig hints, while the finish provides vanilla bean notes with lasting warmth.
The Nethery family’s marketing emphasizes Roy Nethery’s preference for simple pleasures and good company over material excess.
PaPaw’s Ridge Bourbon is designed to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.
The 86-proof bourbon launches August 19 in Florida Publix stores at $39.99, with online sales following shortly after. Additional states will see distribution in early 2026.
