Kentucky Artisan Distillery Releases Bottled-in-Bond Additions to Artisan Series

Signs deal with Heritage to expand sales across Kentucky.

CRESTWOOD, KY -- Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD), renowned for its prowess as an award-winning contract distiller, today released two additions to its Artisan Series: KAD High Rye Bourbon and KAD Four Grain Bourbon, both Bottled in Bond.

"Kentucky Artisan Distillery blends old world craft with modern production facilities to produce some of the finest whiskeys on the market," said Master Distiller Jade Peterson. "We released our Artisan Series a year ago and the response has been so strong, that we knew it was time to add to the portfolio. These Bottled-in-Bond expressions are infused with the quality and authenticity that are the hallmarks of Kentucky Artisan Distillery."

KAD High Rye Bourbon is a 4-year blend that celebrates the rye – a little spicy mellowed by warmth from the other grains, with a clean, dry finish highlighted by a subtle hint of caramel. KAD Four Grain Bourbon, also aged for 4 years, offers a delicious blend of milk chocolate and fresh bread on the nose, balanced by all four grains on the palate and a clean finish with a lingering sweetness.

KAD was founded in 2012 by Steve Thompson, Chris Miller and Mike Loring who came together to create a place for people to come and 'bottle their dreams.' It was the first contract distillery in Kentucky focused on helping customers start new brands, and, at that time, was the only production sized farm-to-bottle distillery capable of distilling as little as ten barrels for a special occasion up to more than 2,000 barrels a year for retail partners. Today its core business remains a thriving contract distilling operation that crafts custom whiskeys and bourbons for clients, as well as a bottling and co-packing operation, able to process up to 1,000 cases a day.

"Our flexibility and inventory have served us well – even during this challenging time – and we enter 2026 in a very strong position," added Mark Emberson, General Manager.

Like the other bottles in the Artisan Series, KAD High Rye and Four Grain bourbons are crafted from grains harvested from fields just a mile away and under the care of Peterson's team have undergone the process of milling, mashing, distilling, aging and bottling on site.

KAD High Rye Bourbon (Aged 4 years)

Mash Bill: 60% Corn/36% Rye/4% Malted Barley – 100 Proof

SRP: $49.99

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Fresh rye spice leads with subtle floral notes and warm baking spice. Hints of orange peel and light caramel follow, with clean grain character out front and oak firmly in the background.
• Palate: Structured but not heavy. Rye spice arrives first, giving way to sweet corn, toasted grain, and soft toffee. Well-integrated warmth without drying the palate.
• Finish: Dry and clean, spice-driven with a gentle caramel note. Minimal oak presence, allowing grain and spice to carry through.

KAD Four Grain Bourbon (Aged 4 years)

Mash Bill: 67% Corn/12.5% Rye/12.5% Wheat/8% Malted Barley – 100 Proof

SRP: $49.99

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Soft and approachable with honey, milk chocolate, vanilla cream, and fresh bread. Grain notes dominate, with oak remaining subtle and supportive.
• Palate: Balanced and rounded. Sweet corn and wheat provide softness, rye adds light spice, and malted barley brings depth. Flavors lean toward caramel, vanilla, and cereal grain rather than wood.
• Finish: Medium and clean, with lingering sweetness and a touch of gentle spice. No heavy tannins or drying oak.

Beginning February 1, the two new Bottled-in-Bond releases will be distributed throughout Kentucky by Heritage Distributors and will be available on and off-premise. Barrel Strength versions of both bottlings will also be available along with the whole Artisan Series at The KAD Clubhouse, located at 6316 Old La Grange Road. The Clubhouse is open Friday and Saturday from 11:00am-6:00pm and Sundays from 12:00 to 6:00. While reservations are encouraged, walk-ins will be welcomed while space is available.

About Kentucky Artisan Distillery

Kentucky Artisan Distillery was the first distillery in Kentucky to focus on contract distilling and is one of only a few distilleries that produce bourbon and spirits in true artisan fashion, from the roots to the bottle, all by hand. The operation in Crestwood, KY serves as home to several brands, including Whiskey Row (Avalon Brands), and is one of the stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.