The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced that Fresh Bourbon Distillery in downtown Lexington is the newest member of the non-profit trade group.

Founded by Sean and Tia Edwards in 2017, Fresh launched its first Bourbon in 2020 in partnership with Hartfield & Co. Distillery in Bourbon County. Fresh opened a boutique distillery, tasting room and cocktail experience at 377 East Main Street in Lexington earlier this year. 

“We’re thrilled and honored to be accepted to join the prestigious collection of distilleries in the KDA,” Sean Edwards said in a news release. “Since we started our journey to produce a new Bourbon brand, we’ve been amazed and humbled by the support of people all across the industry who have helped us through numerous challenges.”

Tia Edwards said, “Becoming a KDA member is a milestone achievement and marks the beginning of the next chapter for us. We’re delighted to be participants in this community, and we look forward to an expanded role in giving back and helping support the Kentucky Bourbon industry as a whole.”

A Class B distiller, Fresh Bourbon is a Craft-level member at KDA, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year, and joins an impressive list of distilleries in Fayette County, including Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co., Bluegrass Distillers, James E. Pepper Distillery, RD1 Distillery and Barrel House Distilling Co.

“Sean and Tia have poured their hearts into developing a contemporary concept built on Kentucky’s rich Bourbon heritage,” Gregory said. “We are inspired by their passion, vision and commitment, and proudly welcome them to the KDA and our family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Fresh Bourbon uses a unique four-grain recipe in its flagship brand incorporating honey malt, a rarely used grain in distilling which produces a distinctive sweet and floral character. Sean Edwards said he anticipates releasing single barrel expressions and new products over the next several years. 

Fresh also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, which the association created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the flourishing artisan distilling movement.

Learn more at https://freshbourbon.com.

White Dog Trading & Storage Becomes KDA Heritage Member

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association also announced that White Dog Trading & Storage in Woodford County has advanced to the rank of Heritage member, the highest level in the non-profit group that unites and leads the state’s signature Bourbon and spirits industry.

Located at 167 McKinney Avenue in Midway, White Dog becomes the KDA’s 15th Heritage member, which comes with an expanded leadership role in the 142-year-old trade association, including a full voting seat on its visionary Board of Directors that helps guide the future of the iconic industry.

White Dog is licensed as a Class B distiller in Kentucky. Founded in 2016, it offers state-of-the-art storage and full-service barrel procurement services, specializing in sourcing, storing aged whiskey and brand consultation to help brands and non-producing distillers craft their future.

Gregory said with production, procurement and storage in high-demand right now, White Dog’s potential for growth is unlimited. “White Dog’s business model makes them a vital resource for anyone getting into distilling right now,” he said. 

“The leadership at White Dog is constantly identifying challenges in our industry and rising to meet them,” Gregory said. “We are excited by their growth, progress and plans for the future, and applaud their commitment to upholding the integrity of our beloved Bourbon heritage. We look forward to welcoming White Dog to our leadership ranks.”

White Dog President Tyler Harris said, “We are honored to be moving up to Heritage level membership and working more with Eric and his talented team at the KDA. They have been a tremendous asset and driving force in the growth and long-term success to keep Kentucky at the forefront as America’s Native Spirit.”

To qualify as a Heritage member, distilleries must have at least 50,000 barrels of distilled spirits aging in Kentucky warehouses, although White Dog qualified under a 25,000 barrel requirement when it joined the KDA in 2020 as a Proof level member for medium-sized distilleries. 

Learn more at www.whitedogllc.com.