RD1 opens Lexington distillery and visitor centre
RD1 Distillery at The Commons by Registered Distillery One (RD1) opened its doors in Lexington, Kentucky, this week (13 May).
First announced in January 2024, RD1 Distillery at The Commons is a newly constructed US$5 million visitor attraction, described as ‘an immersive brand destination distillery’. It is expected to welcome up to 30,000 guests annually as the newest stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The opening comes only days after RD1 announced an eight-figure financial agreement with private equity firm InvestBev.
RD1 Distillery at The Commons is a research and development (R&D) distillery that offers ‘sensory-driven’ whiskey experiences and wood-finished science experiments. The company will continue to produce its Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Western Kentucky Distilling in Beaver Dam. The new facility at The Commons will be an R&D distillery for experimentation and innovation.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said at the opening ceremony on 13 May: “Congratulations to RD1 Spirits on today’s grand opening. This is more than just a distillery; it’s a prime example of the type of opportunity Bourbon tourism can offer communities across the Commonwealth.
“This is a tremendous addition to Lexington and our state’s Bourbon industry, which continues to innovate and grow.”
The distillery spans 10,215 square feet, nearly three times the size of its previous tasting room and gift shop. It features a 50-gallon fermenter, a custom hybrid pot still with a column, and an 800-gallon pot still that may be used for larger test runs in the future.
CEO Mike Tetterton said: “We’re incredibly proud to open the doors of our beautiful new home and invite guests into our world of wood-finished Bourbon. As we listened to our fans and their captivating interest around how we test unique woods from throughout the world, we reimagined our original distillery plans to ultimately give guests an experience like no other on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”
Led by Dr Jarrad Gollihue, master distiller of R&D, the on-site distillery will test up to 50 unique wood finishes annually.
RD1 Distillery at The Commons is complete with a 240-barrel rick and a 10-foot-tall oak tree serving as the lobby centrepiece.
Lexington mayor Linda Gorton added: “The rebirth of the Bourbon industry in Lexington continues with RD1 Spirits. In 1865, the Ashland Distillery became Central Kentucky’s first federally licensed distiller, known as RD No1. Today, RD1 Spirits mixes history with new approaches.”
Bourbon experiences
The new Lexington distillery offers a variety of visitor experiences, including tours and tastings. Before scheduled experiences begin, guests can enjoy a self-guided tour of the RD1 lobby, including the ‘RD1 Forest’ – an indoor experiential zone where guests walk among the trees while learning about forestry science and wood chemistry.
Mark Stoops, RD1 investor and advisor, said: “Bourbon’s ties to wood are undeniable. But RD1 is taking nature’s force to another level with barrel finishing that leaves guests with eyes wide open to what else is out there.”
Upstairs, guests can sample Bourbon from the RD1 portfolio or experimental barrels that change every few months.
Visitors can also book a lab appointment with Dr Gollihue to choose a barrel sample and fill it into a mini barrel for ageing at home.
Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, commented: “RD1 didn’t just resurrect a name; they rekindled a passion for innovation, asking: ‘What else can Bourbon do?’
“This stunning new distillery at The Commons answers that question. It’s a place where visitors from near and far will discover the complex artistry of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, enhanced by unique wood finishes that push the boundaries of flavour.”
For private groups, the upstairs speakeasy offers a barrel-backed lounge and large screens for game day parties, celebrations, or exclusive tastings.
To celebrate the opening, RD1 has released a 12-year-old limited release single barrel Kentucky straight Bourbon. It is available from the distillery shop for US$799.
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