The Fascinating Kentucky Distillery That Was Abandoned And Reclaimed By Nature For Decades
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 13, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
In a state that’s known ’round the world for bourbon, it follows that there will be a few abandoned distilleries along the way. Everyone is familiar with the large brands featured on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail; Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace, and Maker’s Mark are all highly regarded Bluegrass bourbon behemoths. And while these distillers have rich histories of their own, they are merely a few of the hundreds of bourbon producers in Kentucky that have come and gone over the years. Glenns Creek Distilling is one such place; however, this once-abandoned distillery in Kentucky is anything but dead, but filled with history, innovation, and outstanding bourbon.
Distilleries are commonplace here in the Bluegrass, the Bourbon Capital of the World. And while numerous distillers have stood the test of time and become cultural icons, there are lots of places that haven't been so lucky.
Once upon a time, Old Crow Distillery was a thriving distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Dr. James Crow began to make his innovative bourbon here in 1835, but eventually, the property was left to deteriorate and did so for decades.
...a man named David Meier purchased these buildings and acreage with a lofty goal of bringing this historic destination back from the dead. He created Glenns Creek Distilling, which today is open to visitors and creating delicious libations.
Seeing the exorbitant level of craftsmanship that went into the old buildings and observing the state that they were in after being abandoned for 30 years, Meier rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
A visionary is someone who can see the potential and promise of a place, even an abandoned and overgrown distillery in the middle of Kentucky Bourbon Country.
Using old, original barrels with time-honored recipes and wholly unique methods, Glenns Creek Distilling has transformed from rags to riches, ruin to restoration.
Tours are offered at the facility and are a must-do for any Bluegrass bourbon drinker. The "Visitor Experience" consists of a select sampling of the distillery's bourbons, rye, rum, vodka, and other specialty spirits, while listening to the history of the Former Old Crow Distillery property, how Glenns Creek operates today, and a general primer into all things bourbon... and Kentucky.
Have you been to this once-abandoned Kentucky distillery before? Glenns Creek Distilling is a fascinating place that’s definitely worth adding to your Bluegrass bourbon bucket list!
Please note that, due to flood damage affecting the road to the distillery, Glenns Creek Distilling has very specific driving directions to the property, which you can find on the website.
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