How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Ohio

Knox Joseph Distillery at the OTR StillHouse

Cincinnati,

Ohio

— Bourbon, Rye

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏭

Urban Setting

Converted warehouse in historic Over-the-Rhine

🥃

Small Batch

Traditional bourbon and rye in city limits

🚶

Walkable District

Part of OTR’s food and arts scene

🏛️

Historic Neighborhood

Victorian architecture and German brewing heritage

🔧

Industrial Vibe

Working distillery feel, not tourist polish

🅿️

City Access

Street parking, walkable to restaurants and bars

📞 (513) 421-7800

🌐 http://www.otrstillhouse.com/

📍 2017 Branch St, Cincinnati, OH 45214, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Urban Bourbon Making In Historic Cincinnati

Knox Joseph Distillery operates out of the OTR StillHouse on Branch Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district, bringing craft bourbon production to one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. The operation is housed in a converted industrial building that captures the gritty, authentic vibe of OTR’s ongoing renaissance. They focus on small-batch bourbon and rye whiskey production, using traditional methods while embracing the creative energy of their urban location. The distillery represents part of Cincinnati’s growing craft spirits movement, taking advantage of Ohio’s favorable distilling laws and the region’s bourbon heritage. You’ll find this isn’t your typical rural Kentucky operation—it’s very much a city distillery that wears its urban character proudly. The space feels industrial and purposeful, with copper stills and aging barrels sharing space in a building that’s seen decades of Cincinnati’s manufacturing history. They’re serious about their craft but approachable in their presentation, offering visitors a chance to see bourbon-making in an urban environment that’s quite different from the usual farm distillery experience.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Craft Spirits

Being located in Over-the-Rhine puts Knox Joseph in one of Cincinnati’s most historically significant neighborhoods—a 19th-century German immigrant community that’s now experiencing a major cultural revival. The urban setting means they’re working within the constraints and character of an existing building rather than purpose-built facilities, which creates an authentic industrial atmosphere. Their position in OTR also connects them to Cincinnati’s deep brewing and distilling heritage, as this area was once home to numerous breweries and distilleries before Prohibition. The neighborhood itself is a draw, with its intact Victorian architecture and growing food and arts scene, making a distillery visit part of a larger OTR exploration.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Gritty Warehouse Tours Not Polished Tourism

The urban warehouse setting gives tours an industrial feel that’s quite different from pastoral farm distilleries. You’ll see the production process up close in a space that feels working and functional rather than polished for tourists. The tasting experience focuses on their bourbon and rye expressions, letting you understand how their urban approach translates into the glass. The neighborhood location means you can easily combine your visit with exploring OTR’s restaurants, bars, and historic architecture—many visitors make it part of a larger day in the district.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Perfect for City Distillery Explorers

If you’re interested in urban distilling and want to see how craft bourbon production works in a city setting, Knox Joseph offers something genuinely different from rural distilleries. It’s particularly appealing if you’re already planning to explore Over-the-Rhine, as you can hit multiple neighborhood attractions in one trip. The industrial atmosphere and urban location create a unique backdrop for learning about bourbon production. However, if you prefer the pastoral, countryside distillery experience with rolling hills and farmland views, this urban operation might not match your expectations.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Over-the-Rhine can be tricky to navigate for first-time visitors, so plan your route and parking in advance. Street parking is available but can be competitive, especially on weekends when the neighborhood is busy. The distillery is walkable from many of OTR’s restaurants and bars, so consider making it part of a larger neighborhood exploration. Check their website or call ahead to confirm hours and tour availability, as urban distilleries sometimes have different scheduling than their rural counterparts. The neighborhood has excellent food options, so you might want to plan a meal before or after your visit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Knox Joseph Distillery at the OTR StillHouse — Visitor FAQ

Is the distillery easy to find in Over-the-Rhine?

The distillery is located on Branch Street in OTR, which is a well-established part of the neighborhood. However, first-time visitors to Over-the-Rhine should plan their route in advance, as the historic street layout can be confusing. GPS should get you there without issues.

Can I visit other attractions in OTR during the same trip?

Absolutely—that’s one of the main advantages of visiting an urban distillery. Over-the-Rhine has numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and historic sites within walking distance. Many visitors make the distillery part of a larger day exploring the neighborhood.

How is this different from visiting Kentucky bourbon distilleries?

Knox Joseph offers an urban distilling experience rather than the rural, campus-style operations common in Kentucky. You’ll see bourbon production in a converted industrial building within a historic city neighborhood, which creates a very different atmosphere and context for understanding the craft.

GETTING THERE

Find Knox Joseph Distillery at the OTR StillHouse

📍2017 Branch St, Cincinnati, OH 45214, USA

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📞 (513) 421-7800

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