Lux Row, the new bourbon distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, set its first fermenters today. In a few days, that liquid will be distilled, entered into barrels, and placed in the new warehouse to age.
Lux Row is the first distillery for Luxco, a long-time non-distiller producer (NDP), and the seller of such bourbon brands as Ezra Brooks, Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, and David Nicholson. Announced in 2016, it is now open for business. Although nothing made at the new distillery will be available for purchase until 2022 or so, now is a good time to pay attention because Lux Row Distiller John Rempe and his team are documenting their progress on Facebook, Instagram, and their own web site.
As of today, they are transitioning from construction to production.
Luxco, which is based in St. Louis, has been selling bourbon, and a portfolio of other distilled spirits products, since 1958; as the David Sherman Company until 2006. For most of that time they were a regional company. About 20 years ago they acquired several minor but national bourbon brands. They have been building on that to become a significant player, especially in American whiskey. Rempe is their long-time blender, R&D, and quality control guy. He has moved to Bardstown where he retains those roles with the added responsibility of distiller.
When Lux Row claims to be 'family-owned,' they are talking about the Lux family, Luxco's owners.
As an NDP, Luxco purchases the whiskey it sells in bulk from distillers. They typically buy it long before they intend to sell it. As such, they have an aging inventory of about 50,000 barrels.
After 60 years as a successful NDP, Luxco decided to take the plunge and become a distiller because its usual suppliers could no longer provide enough whiskey for Luxco's needs. That is a testament to how robust the American whiskey industry is right now. Their intention is to make all of the whiskey for their four principal brands at Lux Row.
Although it is not yet open to the public, Lux Row/Luxco is a member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association and will be a stop on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
5 comments:
This is great news. I've always thought David Nicholson 1843 was a solid bargain. I"m also a fan of Old Ezra 7, but I haven't seen that around much lately. I hope the new distillery helps them churn out more those bourbons.
Yes, Old Ezra 7 disappeared from Pa. too, easily one of the best deals on the planet these days. Was fortunate to get a tour of Lux Row last April and expect good things moving forward.
Don't know how much anyone cares on this blog, but I think the Exotico Tequila from Luxco is a great deal for tequila right now. Award winning and 100% agave.
I also enjoy Old Ezra 101 7yo. It is now discontinued and replaced by Old Ezra 7yo barrel strength, about $40. Not a bad trend - keep the age statement and up the proof. But not quite the budget value it once was :)
If you see the old bottles, especially discounted, buy them :)
I discovered this on the bottom shelf in Pennsylvania. It’s a great budget tequila. But 1.75s of Espolon are a better value.
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