September 2025
RD1 Distillery: A New Kentucky Home
Born from the legacy of Lexington’s first federally registered distillery (Ashland Distillery, RD#1), RD1 Spirits channels the spirit of bourbon pioneers into a modern-day revival. Established in 2020 by a group of visionary entrepreneurs, RD1 honors its roots while pushing boundaries through wood-finished innovation. From French Oak to Brazilian Amburana, their small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbons are crafted to celebrate the mavericks who dare to be first.
Now anchoring The Commons, Lexington’s vibrant entertainment district, RD1’s newly opened flagship distillery is a sensory playground for whiskey lovers. The $5 million facility features an expansive bar, two tasting rooms, and a towering oak centerpiece that nods to bourbon’s deep connection to nature. As a proud stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, RD1 invites guests to explore the art and science behind their award-winning expressions and to raise a glass to the next generation of bourbon storytelling.
