Cave City Distilling Company announced its official ribbon-cutting ceremony and Grand Opening on July 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. CST. The public is invited to join the festivities and experience Cave City’s newest tourism destination, featuring award-winning Kentucky spirits, guided tours, tastings, and Kentucky hospitality.

Owned and operated by Luke and Creste Jean, and Wade and Chasidy Terry, Cave City Distilling Company was founded with a vision of creating a gathering place where visitors and local residents can connect, relax, and enjoy authentic Kentucky craftsmanship. The company traces its roots to Smiths Grove, Kentucky, where it originally operated as Balance Distilling Company before expanding to Cave City.

Located just minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park, the distillery offers visitors an opportunity to explore Kentucky’s rich distilling tradition while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere that inspired its new slogan: “Cave City’s Front Porch.”

The distillery has already earned national recognition for its spirits. At the 2026 American Craft Spirits Association Awards, Mammoth Cave Bourbon Whiskey and Mammoth Cave Rum were awarded Silver Medals, while Mammoth Cave Gin and Mammoth Cave Caramel Moonshine received Bronze Medals. These honors place the distillery among some of the nation’s most respected craft spirit producers and reflect the dedication and craftsmanship of the ownership team.

“Our goal has always been to create more than just a distillery,” co-owner and distiller Luke Jean said in a news release. “We wanted to create a place where people feel welcome the moment they arrive. ‘Cave City’s Front Porch’ reflects exactly what we hope to be—a place where families, friends, travelers, and neighbors can gather, share stories, and enjoy exceptional Kentucky-made spirits. Receiving recognition from the American Craft Spirits Association is an incredible honor and validates the hard work that has gone into every bottle we produce.”

The owners intentionally relied on local contractors, craftsmen, and tradespeople throughout the construction process.

“From the beginning, we wanted this project to be built by locals,” co-owner Wade Terry said. ”This community supported us throughout our journey, and it was important to us that local businesses and tradesmen played a significant role in bringing this vision to life. Their skill and dedication can be seen throughout the entire property.”

In the coming months, Cave City Distilling Company plans to expand its agritourism offerings by introducing cattle, horses, and additional farm animals to the property. The expansion will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience both Kentucky agriculture and Kentucky spirits in one location.

Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher praised the business’s investment and community-focused approach.

“Cave City Distilling Company is a tremendous addition to our community and tourism economy,” Hatcher said. “The owners have created a destination that celebrates Kentucky heritage, supports local businesses, and provides visitors with another reason to choose Cave City. Their commitment to using local contractors and investing in our community demonstrates the values that continue to make Cave City a great place to live, work, and visit.”

“The Kentucky Distillers’ Association proudly congratulates Cave City Distilling Company on this exciting milestone,” KDA Vice President of Operations Colleen Thomas said. “This company embodies the spirit of community and craft that makes Kentucky Bourbon so special. We applaud their investment in the community and their commitment to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Kentucky’s rich distilling heritage, local hospitality and growing craft spirits industry.”

The July 3rd Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is open to the public and will feature complimentary distillery tours, spirit tastings, and light snacks and refreshments. The celebration serves as the perfect kickoff to Cave City’s Independence Day festivities and leads directly into the city’s annual July 3rd Fireworks Show later that evening.

The Grand Opening celebration will continue on July 4th with additional opportunities for guests to experience the distillery, learn about the production process, and sample the award-winning Mammoth Cave spirits portfolio.

Community members, visitors, and supporters are encouraged to attend and help celebrate the opening of Cave City’s newest attraction.

Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting Event
Who: Cave City Distilling Company
Where: 110 Chapatcha Dr. Cave City, KY 42127
When: July 3, 2026 11 a.m. CST. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Other Details:
Open to the public
Tastings, tours, and light refreshments 

Read more: Fred Minnick’s Top 5 Bourbons for Beginners

About Cave City Distilling Company

Cave City Distilling Company is a family-owned, veteran-owned craft distillery located in Cave City, Kentucky. Founded by Luke and Creste Jean, and Wade and Chasidy Terry, the company began as Balance Distilling Company in Smiths Grove before expanding to Cave City.  The distillery produces award-winning bourbon, rum, gin, moonshine, and specialty spirits, and offers tours, tastings, cocktails, and agritourism experiences. For more information, visit Cave City Distilling .