The owners of a Lexington-based distillery and several dignitaries cut the ribbon on a new research, development and tasting facility named for the first Kentucky distillery to register with the federal government. RD1, short for Registered Distillery 1, will become a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman said bourbon has a $9 billion annual economic impact in the state.
“The Kentucky Bourbon Trail saw an extraordinary 2.7 million guests in 2024 at our nearly 120 distilleries all across Kentucky. And RD 1 is set to expand upon that.”
The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority approved a $521 thousand incentive package for RD1, which is in a new development off West Main Street called Turner Commons. After the opening ceremony, CEO Mike Tetterton was asked whether he was concerned about the ongoing trade war.
“Right now, it looks like a lot of countries are coming to the table, but we look at it as kind of a small hiccup right now, and I do not anticipate long term plans or long-term effect, rather, on the bourbon industry.”
Tetterton said RD1 just signed its first export agreement, with Japan. He said the company produces 50,000 barrels a year at its Ohio County distillery.
