Fresh Bourbon Distillery sits in downtown Lexington at 377 E Main Street, founded by Matt Jamie in 2018 as Kentucky’s first Black-owned bourbon distillery. Jamie, a former pharmaceutical executive who left his corporate career to chase his passion for whiskey-making, opened this operation in a renovated historic building that once housed a printing company. The distillery produces bourbon, rye whiskey, and specialty spirits using a 500-gallon copper pot still and traditional Kentucky methods with modern precision. Jamie’s journey into distilling started as a home hobbyist who spent years perfecting recipes in his garage before taking the leap into commercial production. He partnered with experienced distillers and invested heavily in quality equipment, determined to create spirits that would represent both innovation and respect for Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. The operation focuses on small-batch production with careful attention to each step, from grain selection through the aging process in charred oak barrels. Visitors to Fresh Bourbon get an intimate look at craft distilling in action, with Jamie often personally leading tours and sharing stories about building the business from scratch. The tasting room occupies the front of the building with exposed brick walls and industrial touches that reflect the space’s history. You can sample their spirits while learning about the distilling process and Jamie’s philosophy of combining traditional techniques with his own innovative approaches to mash bills and aging.