Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD) unveiled a program that extends their Clubhouse Barrel Tasting Experience to the selection of customized single barrels. KAD will offer single barrels in a smaller capacity of either 15 or 25 gallons (which become double oaked), as well as the industry standard 53-gallon barrels. Bottles featuring personalized labels are usually available for pick-up at the Distillery the next day, making this the ultimate souvenir.

“Single barrel programs are wildly popular, but interested consumers are often limited by the cost of purchasing a standard 53-gallon barrel,” Kentucky Artisan General Manager Mark Emberson said in a news release. “KAD was founded on the philosophy of ‘bottling your dreams.’ Very few whiskey fans can afford to purchase a standard barrel, and by offering access to smaller barrels, we’ve made a personalized single barrel purchase possible – at both a fraction of the cost and the time for bottles to be produced.”

Emberson noted that the smaller barrels are the ideal size to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, as well as corporate gifting opportunities. For restaurants or bars who are interested in testing out a single barrel program for their customers, the smaller barrels offer less of a financial commitment, as well.

Like the KAD Clubhouse Barrel Tasting Experience, guests begin their single barrel selection process by tasting five different mashbills guided by one of KAD’s distillers:

• Wheated Bourbon (Aged 2 years)  70% Corn/20% Wheat/10% Malted Barley
• Four Grain Bourbon (Aged 4 years) 67% Corn/12.5% Rye/12.5% Wheat/8% Malted Barley
• High Rye Bourbon (Aged 4 years) 60% Corn/36% Rye/4% Malted Barley
• Rye Whiskey (Aged 3 years) 95% Rye/5% Malted Barley
• Distiller’s Choice –a seasonal or other blend selected by Master Distiller Jade Peterson

“Our grains are harvested from fields just a mile away and under the care of our team undergo the process of milling, mashing, distilling, aging and bottling right here on site,” Master Distiller Jade Peterson said. “For more than a decade we’ve crafted some of the finest American whiskeys available and now are thrilled to be able to share our version of a single barrel experience with visitors.”

Once the mashbill has been selected, guests can continue to personalize their selection by choosing from different barrels which offer a variety of flavor profiles depending on how long the whiskey has been exposed to the secondary barrel. 

A third step enables guests to proof the whiskey to their desired taste (80, 90 or 100 proof), or they may opt to keep the original barrel strength. With the final step, KAD can print a short, personalized message on each label and the bottles will be ready for customer pick-up at the Distillery the following day.

“The entire process has been designed to allow for ultimate customization at lower required bottle quantities which is a huge step change for the industry,” Emberson added. “What better way to chronicle your visit to the Kentucky Derby or The Bourbon Trail than with a delicious souvenir and a custom taste of Kentucky.”

Consumer prices are dependent on the mashbill and are before taxes.

• The 15-gallon barrels produce approximately 65 to 75 (750ml) bottles at barrel strength and are  priced at $3,785 to $5,678 ($50 – $75 per bottle).
• The 25-gallon barrels produce approximately 115 to 125 (750ml) bottles at barrel strength and are priced at $5,299 to $7,949 ($42 to $63 per bottle).
• The 53-gallon barrels produce approximately 190 to 200 (750ml) bottles at barrel strength and are priced at $7,065 to $10,598 ($35 to $52 per bottle).

Beginning April 8, two KAD Single Barrel Experiences are planned daily (one on Sundays) with reservations accepted Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $50 per person, which is applied to the purchase of a barrel. Reservations can be made at this link.

Read more: Kentucky Artisan Releases Two New Expressions

About Kentucky Artisan Distillery

Kentucky Artisan Distillery was the first distillery in Kentucky to focus on contract distilling and is one of only a few distilleries that produce bourbon and spirits in true artisan fashion, from the roots to the bottle, all by hand. The operation in Crestwood, KY serves as home to several brands, including Whiskey Row (Avalon Brands), and is one of the stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. To learn more about Kentucky Artisan Distillery, visit https://kentuckyartisandistillery.com.