Balance Distilling Company announced the revival of legacy whiskey brand Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a tribute to the grandeur of Mammoth Cave and the rich history of Kentucky Bourbon.

An official launch event will take place on Nov. 9, 2024, at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park, featuring product tastings, music from local singer-songwriter Sarah Houk, plus dinner and cocktail specials offered by the Green River Grill.

“Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey embodies the spirit resilience and depth that mirrors that of its namesake, Mammoth Cave,” Luke Jean, founder and distiller at Balance Distilling Company, said in a news release. “Just as Mammoth Cave reveals history and wonder, our bourbon offers a traditional wheated profile that invites exploration.”

According to author and bourbon historian Michael Veach (www.bourbonveach.com), the Mammoth Cave brand was created by W. G. Coldewey & Co. in 1869. In 1901, the brand was advertised in the Wine and Spirits Bulletin as having a 16-year-old bonded whiskey for sale. 

By 1907, W.L. Weller and Sons had purchased the Mammoth Cave brand as it became part of their portfolio of whiskeys for sale. W. L. Weller & Sons sold Mammoth Cave Bourbon Whiskey as a medicinal spirit during Prohibition.

After the repeal of Prohibition, W.L Weller and Sons and A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery merged to become Stitzel-Weller Distillery (1935) with Julian (Pappy) Van Winkle, Sr. as president and in charge of sales. Pappy Van Winkle sold a portfolio of brands including Old Fitzgerald, Cabin Still, Rebel Yell and Mammoth Cave Bourbon Whiskey – all leading bourbon brands in their time. 

Stitzel-Weller continued to support the Mammoth Cave brand in certain markets up until the 1960s when it disappeared from their portfolio and was considered abandoned.

“Working with Balance Distilling to revive this historically important brand allowed us to share the rich narrative of both the cave and Kentucky bourbon with our visitors,” Mike Davis, General Manager of The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, said. “This partnership allows us to highlight the intriguing history of moonshiners that used the intricate cave systems throughout Kentucky for generations.”

Mammoth Cave Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave gift shop and restaurant, and Balance Distilling Company’s tasting room. 

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About Balance Distilling Company

Balance Distilling Company is an award-winning family farm distillery located in Smiths Grove, KY. The operation is the only distillery in Warren County, Kentucky and is veteran owned and operated. Balance Distilling Company distills moonshine, gin, whiskey, and the only rum made 100% in Kentucky. For more information, visit https://www.balancedistilling.com/.