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A six-pack of new pours and places for Kentucky bourbon

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

These articles focus on new bourbon experiences and attractions in Kentucky.

One distillery adds ready-to-pour cocktails to address changing drink habits and the need for convenience. A new $50 million distillery opens with disco lights and team members roller skating, offering a fun take on whiskey making. Another major brand celebrates its 90th anniversary by releasing a nine-year-old bourbon aged in extra-charred barrels.

During a tour for a handful of journalists, Potter Jane offered samples of their first bourbons; aged only six months, they were surprisingly flavorful and off to a promising start. By Janet Patton

NO. 1: DISCO DISTILLERY: NEW KENTUCKY BOURBON, HELMED BY INDUSTRY VETS, LEANS INTO FUN

Kentucky bourbon distilleries often play up their storied pasts, highlighting landmark structures and prestigious names. | Published November 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton

The Espresso Martini from Yellowstone is made with cold brew and bourbon so it has the caffeine of a cup of coffee plus the extra flavor of whiskey.

NO. 2: PREMIUM KENTUCKY BOURBON LEANS INTO COCKTAIL CULTURE WITH ON-THE-GO DRINKS

A Kentucky distillery known for its award-winning, premium bourbons is heading in a new direction. | Published November 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton

Knob Creek 21 Year Old is the oldest release to date from the bourbon and from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Ky. The limited release will be available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $249.99.

NO. 3: JIM BEAM DISTILLERY RELEASES OLDEST BOURBON YET: KNOB CREEK 21

The James B. | Published October 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton

Heaven Hill Distillery is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a special bourbon release.

NO. 4: HEAVEN HILL TOASTS DISTILLERY’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SPECIALLY AGED BOURBON

Heaven Hill in Bardstown is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a special release: | Published November 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton

The Estate Burger with Ford’s Fries at Ford’s Garage features smoked Gouda cheese, sweet red onion marmalade, arugula, tomato, fried onion straws and white truffle bacon aioli for $16.99, photographed Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 in Lexington, Ky. By Brian Simms

NO. 5: PRIME BURGER, VINTAGE CAR-THEMED RESTAURANT OPENS NEAR FAYETTE MALL. SEE INSIDE

A new-to-Lexington restaurant has opened near Fayette Mall that is sure to get diners appetite revved up. | Published November 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brian Simms

Willett Distillery has released a special family estate small batch bourbon.

NO. 6: NEW BOURBON RELEASES: WILLETT, MICHTER’S, CASTLE & KEY, QUEST’S END AND MORE

Holiday season, shopping season, big bourbon season ... | Published November 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.