WhistlePig Whiskey representatives, along with Research and Development Distiller Mitch Mahar, on Thursday escorted media through what will in a few weeks open as its Louisville, Ky., outpost, to be called the WhistlePig Vault.

The tasting room, cocktail bar and retail space is to be located at 403 E. Market Street, within walking distance of the city’s historic Whiskey Row, and steps from the popular NuLu entertainment district.

The space will include a private tasting event space, a cocktail bar, retail space and a special tasting room located inside a literal bank vault. The roughly 8,000-square-foot facility is currently being built out by Miranda Construction.

The space was, for many years, a billiards hall named Bank Shot Billiards, but the building originally was built in 1912 as German Security Bank. The original limestone facade, featuring four columns, remains intact, along with many of the structure’s other original architectural features – including what was in its day Louisville’s largest bank vault.

Part of the conversion involved removing drop ceilings to reveal the original ornate 24-foot ceilings, which also opens the space up, providing a cavernous atmosphere for the new WhistlePig Vault attraction.

The goal, in addition to bringing the Vermont brand known primarily for its rye whiskeys developed by original Master Distiller Dave Pickerell to bourbon country, is to provide a unique whiskey experience for bourbon tourists. Coincidentally, WhistlePig already has marketed a PiggyBank whiskey product, making the bank location a perfect headquarters for the brand outpost.

The Vault will include golden pig-themed decor and interactive activities for guests, such as dip-your-own bottle waxing. Additionally, walk-ins for a cocktail or shopping will be welcome at all times – no appointment necessary.

The new tasting room is expected to open in mid- to late September. For more information, visit https://www.whistlepigwhiskey.com/. 

-Story and photos by Kevin Gibson