Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. sits on Nanny Goat Strut in Louisville’s NuLu district, founded in 2015 by co-owners Shane Baker and David Dafoe. These guys came from completely different backgrounds—Baker from the restaurant world and Dafoe from engineering—but both shared an obsession with bourbon and the craft behind it. They opened their doors in a 6,000-square-foot space that’s part distillery, part cocktail bar, all Kentucky spirit. The operation focuses on bourbon, rye, and vodka, with their custom-built still churning out small batches that reflect their hands-on approach. The name comes from the old distillery term for the tool used to sample whiskey from barrels—fitting for a place that’s all about getting the liquid right. What started as two friends’ passion project has evolved into a legitimate player in Louisville’s crowded distillery scene, but they’ve kept that original energy of guys who just really love making whiskey. The space feels industrial but welcoming, with exposed brick, metal fixtures, and the constant hum of production. You’re not just visiting a tourist attraction here—you’re stepping into an active distillery where the owners are likely behind the bar or checking on the mash.
