Buzzard’s Roost Sipping Whiskey is getting ready to fire up its new 75-gallon Vendome pot still at a grand opening party at the new Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience on Main Street in Louisville, KY.  And because every still needs a good name, Buzzard’s Roost is turning to their friends and fans to name the new still. 

Entry forms for the “Name Our New Still” contest can be accessed online from the Buzzard’s Roost website starting today, through Aug.7. The winning name will be revealed at a grand opening party being held in partnership with the Louisville Orchestra on Thursday, Aug. 17. The Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience is located at 624 W. Main St. in downtown Louisville.

Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality and best fit for the Buzzard’s Roost brand. The winner of the “Name Our New Still” contest will receive recognition in the distillery, a basket of Buzzard’s Roost apparel, accessories and barware, and of course, everlasting fame and glory.

Guests at the grand opening event will be treated to music by musicians who are also members of the Louisville Orchestra, and food and drink tastings will be offered throughout the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience space. The bar also will be open for cocktails by Buzzard’s Roost bartender Erin Strong and her team.

Since Buzzard’s Roost launched in 2019, their bourbons and ryes have earned two Double Golds (Toasted Barrel Rye in 2021 and Char #1 Rye in 2023) and four Golds (Barrel Strength Bourbon and Smoked Barrel Rye in 2022, and Barrel Strength Rye and Single Barrel Rye in 2021) from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Additionally, Char #1 Bourbon and Smoked Barrel Rye each won Platinum medals in the 2023 ASCOT Awards.

Buzzard’s Roost CEO Judy Hollis Jones chalks up the success to people and product. “Our whiskies stand out for their exceptional flavors, which are created during a proprietary secondary barrel maturation process, and people just love them,” she says. “Plus, we’ve surrounded ourselves with a team that is smart, passionate and have a great deal of pride in our brand.”

As Buzzard’s Roost heads into its fifth year, Hollis Jones has  three key items on the to-do list: 1) expand distribution across the U.S., 2) become a top destination on Whiskey Row and 3) launch exciting new limited releases. “We’re on track for 300% growth this year,” adds Hollis Jones.