Bardstown Bourbon Company operates from their flagship location in Bardstown, Kentucky, not Louisville as indicated in the provided address. Founded in 2014 by David Mandell and opened in 2016, this modern distillery represents a different approach to Kentucky bourbon-making. Mandell, formerly a Wall Street private equity executive, brought business acumen and substantial capital to create what he envisioned as a bourbon company for the future. The 100,000-square-foot facility sits on 100 acres in the heart of bourbon country, designed from the ground up as both a production facility and visitor destination. The company’s story centers on Mandell’s belief that bourbon was ready for innovation while respecting tradition. He assembled a team including Master Distiller Steve Nally, formerly of Maker’s Mark, where he worked for over three decades. The distillery was built with collaboration in mind—they produce their own whiskey while also offering contract distilling services for other brands. This dual approach allows them to experiment with different mash bills and techniques while maintaining steady production. The facility houses custom-built stills and a sophisticated blending lab where they craft both their own expressions and help other brands develop products. Visitors experience a sleek, modern take on bourbon tourism. The facility feels more like a contemporary winery than a traditional Kentucky distillery, with floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete floors, and state-of-the-art equipment on full display. You can watch the entire process from grain to barrel, and the tasting room offers both their own products and collaborations with other distillers. The rooftop bar provides views of the surrounding countryside, and the kitchen serves elevated comfort food designed to pair with their spirits.