The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced that Augusta Distillery in Bracken County is the nonprofit trade group’s newest member.

The Augusta Distillery, which becomes the 48^th member of the organization, sits on the banks of the small Kentucky river town for which it is named. The city is widely known as the hometown of actor George Clooney and his famous family. The county dates to the 18th century and was named for explorer William Bracken, a contemporary of Daniel Boone.

Augusta Distillery’s historic 35,000-square-foot building, built in 1883, originally served as a carriage manufacturer. The distillery received its Class B distiller’s license in July and is currently under renovation at 207 Seminary Avenue, just blocks from its sister restaurant, the Beehive Augusta Tavern.

A full-service restaurant, event center, gift shop and tasting room are expected to open in fall 2022. 

The company’s debut product is Buckner’s Single Barrel Bourbon, a limited 13-year-old cask strength release named for Revolutionary War hero Capt. Philip Buckner. Following his years of service in the Virginia Militia, Buckner was awarded 7,000 acres along the Ohio River that ultimately became the city of Augusta.

Augusta Distillery is the KDA’s 28th Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year.

“Augusta Distillery is excited to be a part of the KDA, whose members represent most of the Bourbon produced in the world. Our hope is to bring the Bourbon expansion to our small historic Augusta community while showcasing our beautiful section of the Ohio river,” said Ryan Edwards, Head of Operations for Augusta Distillery. 

KDA President Eric Gregory said Edwards and the Augusta team are developing an ambitious and impressive distilling and tourism campus that will be a “can’t miss” stop in Northern Kentucky and The B-Line experience. 

“Augusta is one of the most charming towns in Kentucky, and its namesake distillery is building on the community’s deep roots and legacy of hospitality,” he said. “We proudly welcome them to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Augusta is now home to two KDA member distillers, with nearby B. Bird Distillery’s site that dates back to 1797 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.