In the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, a new chapter in American whiskey is being written. Whiskey Row Bourbon, launched by Avalon Spirits, is more than just a new label on the shelf—it’s a tribute to the roots of bourbon and a bold step toward redefining what premium bourbon can be. With its Triple Wood, Bottled in Bond, and Cask Strength expressions, Whiskey Row Bourbon brings to life the experimental spirit of pre-Prohibition distillers while honoring the legacy of a legendary figure in the industry. This is the story of how a small distillery in Crestwood, Kentucky, is reviving the past to inspire the future of America’s native spirit.
A Nod to Louisville’s Whiskey Row
Louisville’s Main Street, once known as Whiskey Row, was the beating heart of the bourbon industry from the 1850s through Prohibition. During this golden era, the Ohio River carried barrels of bourbon from distilleries across the region to Louisville, where they were blended, bottled, and shipped to markets far and wide. This bustling hub wasn’t just a place for commerce—it was a melting pot of ideas, where distillers experimented with aging techniques and flavor profiles that would define bourbon as America’s quintessential spirit.
Whiskey Row Bourbon, crafted at Kentucky Artisan Distillery (KAD) in Crestwood, Kentucky, draws its inspiration from this historic period. The brand’s creators at Avalon Spirits wanted to capture the complexity and creativity of those early bourbons, a time when distillers weren’t afraid to push boundaries. By reviving the blending methods and aging techniques of pre-Prohibition whiskey, Whiskey Row Bourbon offers a taste of history with a modern twist.
The Vision of a Bourbon Legend
At the heart of Whiskey Row Bourbon is the legacy of Steve Thompson, a late distiller and Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee whose passion for whiskey shaped the brand’s philosophy. Thompson dreamed of returning to the pre-Prohibition era’s craftsmanship, where variation and experimentation were the norm. His vision was to create a bourbon that honored tradition while embracing innovation—a balance that Avalon Spirits has worked tirelessly to achieve.
Thompson’s influence is evident in every bottle of Whiskey Row Bourbon. From the careful selection of barrels to the thoughtful blending process, the brand reflects his commitment to quality and creativity. Avalon Spirits sees Whiskey Row Bourbon as a living tribute to Thompson, a way to carry forward his belief that bourbon is more than a drink—it’s a story of American ingenuity and resilience.
Three Distinct Expressions
Whiskey Row Bourbon debuts with three unique expressions, each showcasing a different facet of the brand’s approach to bourbon-making: Triple Wood, Bottled in Bond, and Cask Strength. These expressions are designed to appeal to both seasoned bourbon drinkers and newcomers eager to explore the depth of America’s spirit.
Triple Wood: A Symphony of Flavors
The Triple Wood expression is the cornerstone of Whiskey Row Bourbon’s lineup. Aged for a minimum of four years, this bourbon undergoes a distinctive finishing process that sets it apart from the crowd. After maturing in traditional oak barrels, the whiskey is finished in Cognac and Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks, a technique that adds layers of complexity to the final product. The Cognac casks impart rich, fruity notes, while the PX sherry casks contribute deep, sweet flavors of dried fruit and caramel. Bottled at Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Triple Wood is a smooth, approachable bourbon with a sophisticated edge, perfect for sipping neat or mixing into a classic cocktail.
Bottled in Bond: A Mark of Quality
For purists, the Bottled in Bond expression is a testament to Whiskey Row Bourbon’s commitment to tradition. This expression adheres to the strict standards of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, a law designed to ensure the quality and authenticity of American whiskey. To earn the Bottled in Bond designation, the bourbon must meet six rigorous criteria: it must be produced by a single distillery, in a single season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and free of any additives. The result is a bourbon that’s bold, balanced, and true to its roots, with a flavor profile that honors the craftsmanship of Kentucky’s early distillers.
Cask Strength: Unfiltered and Uncompromising
For those who crave intensity, the Cask Strength expression delivers a powerful, unfiltered experience. Unlike the other expressions, this bourbon is left unfinished, meaning it doesn’t undergo additional cask finishing after its initial aging. Instead, it’s bottled straight from the barrel at its natural proof, preserving the whiskey’s raw, robust flavors. The Cask Strength expression is a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate the bold, untamed character of high-proof whiskey. Each batch varies slightly, offering a unique tasting experience that reflects the individuality of the barrels used.
Challenging the Kentucky Myth
While Whiskey Row Bourbon proudly calls Kentucky home, it challenges the notion that premium bourbon must come exclusively from the Bluegrass State. The brand acknowledges that Kentucky’s prominence in bourbon-making isn’t just about its limestone water or fertile grain fields—it’s also about Louisville’s historical role as a hub for blending and distribution. The Ohio River carried whiskies from across the country to Whiskey Row, where they were transformed into the bourbons that captivated the world.
Avalon Spirits believes that bourbon’s future lies in embracing this broader American story. To that end, Whiskey Row Bourbon has plans for regional releases that will highlight maturation techniques and blending profiles inspired by lesser-known bourbon regions. These upcoming expressions will celebrate the diverse agricultural and cultural influences that have shaped bourbon’s evolution, from the Midwest to the South and beyond. By blending Kentucky tradition with regional flair, Whiskey Row Bourbon aims to redefine what premium bourbon can be.
A Spirit Rooted in America’s Story
John Glover, the founder of Avalon Spirits, sums up the brand’s mission with a simple but powerful idea: “Whiskey Row Bourbon is rooted in Louisville, Kentucky, but its origins reflect a broader range of flavors across America—shaped by the agriculture, entrepreneurship, and exchange of ideas that established bourbon as the quintessential American spirit.” This philosophy drives everything the brand does, from its innovative aging techniques to its commitment to storytelling.
Each bottle of Whiskey Row Bourbon is a celebration of the people, places, and ideas that have made bourbon what it is today. It’s a reminder that bourbon isn’t just a product of Kentucky—it’s a product of America, born from the ingenuity of farmers, distillers, and merchants who turned grain into liquid gold.
Where to Find Whiskey Row Bourbon
Whiskey Row Bourbon is currently available in eight states: Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, and Tennessee. For bourbon lovers outside these regions, there’s good news: Avalon Spirits has plans to expand to Europe and other international markets in the near future. Whether you’re a local sipping a dram in Louisville or a whiskey enthusiast across the Atlantic, Whiskey Row Bourbon is poised to make its mark on the global stage.
To learn more about the brand, its expressions, and its upcoming releases, visit www.whiskeyrowbourbon.com. Fans can also follow Whiskey Row Bourbon on Instagram at @whiskeyrowbourbon or connect on Facebook for updates, tasting notes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the distillery.
The Future of Whiskey Row Bourbon
As the first premium spirit in Avalon Spirits’ portfolio, Whiskey Row Bourbon is just the beginning. The brand’s commitment to experimentation and regional storytelling sets it apart in a crowded market, promising exciting things to come. With plans for destination-inspired releases and a dedication to honoring Steve Thompson’s legacy, Whiskey Row Bourbon is poised to become a name synonymous with innovation and quality.
For now, bourbon lovers can raise a glass to Whiskey Row Bourbon’s Triple Wood, Bottled in Bond, and Cask Strength expressions. Each sip tells a story—of Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, of a distiller’s dream to revive the past, and of a brand that’s reimagining the future of America’s spirit. In a world where tradition and innovation often clash, Whiskey Row Bourbon proves they can coexist, one delicious pour at a time.
