Vermont Whiskey Company Puts Down Roots in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has welcomed WhistlePig Whiskey as one of the newest members of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
Founded in 2007 on a historic 500-acre farm in Vermont, WhistlePig has expanded its spirits portfolio to Kentucky, opening both a production facility in Meade County and an immersive tasting experience in downtown Louisville.
The Vault, located at 403 East Market St. in NuLu, offers a curated experience and full cocktail menu inside a restored 1911 bank building, as well as the brand’s collection of rye, Bourbon and reserve whiskeys.
The distillery’s chief Kentucky production facility is in Brandenburg, the county seat of Meade County, just west of Louisville along the Ohio River. The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued WhistlePig a Class B distiller’s license in August 2025, requiring annual distillation between 600 and 50,000 gallons.
Legendary whiskey consultant Dave Pickerell was the company’s original master distiller. A passionate advocate for rye whiskey, Pickerell brought years of knowledge of production and aging to the distillery as a New England start-up.
“When WhistlePig was founded on the edge of the whiskey world in Vermont, we turned to one of the best, Dave Pickerell, to help us craft a rye whiskey that would pioneer the category again,” said WhistlePig Chief Executive Officer Alex Roberts.
“We’ve since launched Bourbon, expanded our presence in Kentucky, and today, are proud to announce that we’re joining our peers in the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. We’re excited to continue to push the boundaries of American whiskey-making with our new roots in the heart of Bourbon.”
KDA President Eric Gregory said WhistlePig’s expansion to Kentucky speaks volumes about the strength and global draw of the state’s signature industry. “We’re flattered and honored that WhistlePig chose the birthplace of Bourbon to expand its American whiskey portfolio.
“When an established whiskey brand chooses to invest here, it reinforces Kentucky’s position as the premier destination for distilling — driving jobs, investment, and long-term growth across the Commonwealth,” Gregory said.
“We’re proud to welcome WhistlePig to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”
The addition of WhistlePig Whiskey to the KDA reflects the continued expansion of Kentucky’s Bourbon industry, a $10.6 billion economic engine that generates nearly 24,000 jobs and attracts nearly 3 million visitors a year through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.
Learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey at whistlepigwhiskey.com.
WhistlePig Whiskey joins KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1-1,000 barrels annually. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.
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Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft. Kentucky Bourbon is a $9 billion economic engine generating more than 23,500 jobs and attracting over 2 million visits annually through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.
KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly.
