In the heart of western Kentucky, where the Mississippi River carves a path through rolling hills and fertile fields, a small town named Hickman is making a big name for itself in the bourbon world. Jackson Purchase Distillery, a relative newcomer to the Bluegrass State’s storied bourbon scene, has just unveiled its first private label bourbon—a bold move that’s turning heads and filling glasses across Kentucky. This isn’t just another bottle hitting the shelves; it’s a testament to craftsmanship, community, and the enduring allure of Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Founded in 2021, Jackson Purchase Distillery started with a vision to revive a shuttered facility in Fulton County, a rural corner of Kentucky far from the bustling bourbon hubs of Bardstown or Frankfort. Under the leadership of Master Distiller Craig Beam, a seventh-generation distiller from the legendary Jim Beam family, and Assistant Master Distiller Terry Ballard, a veteran of the prestigious Willett Distillery, the distillery has transformed from a quiet contract operation into one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing bourbon producers. In just four years, it’s filled 100,000 barrels, a milestone celebrated by Governor Andy Beshear in June 2025, and earned a coveted spot as a Kentucky Distillers’ Association Heritage Member, a rank reserved for distilleries aging over 50,000 barrels annually.
The distillery’s rise hasn’t been by chance. Beam and Ballard, with decades of experience and a deep respect for Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, have leaned on the region’s unique attributes to craft something special. Located just three miles from the Mississippi River, the distillery draws calcium-rich water from the Mississippi Embayment Aquifer, which enhances fermentation and adds depth to the bourbon’s flavor. The western Kentucky climate, with its hot, humid summers and significant temperature swings, accelerates aging, giving their whiskey a rich, complex profile in less time than traditional methods might require. Add to that their commitment to sourcing corn, rye, and barley from local farmers, and you’ve got a bourbon that’s as much a product of its place as it is of its people.
Until now, Jackson Purchase has been a behind-the-scenes player, producing bourbon for other brands through contract distilling. Their two copper column stills churn out 200 barrels a day, five days a week, meeting the needs of clients who want custom mash bills or extra capacity for their own labels. But in September 2025, the distillery is stepping into the spotlight with its own bourbon, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that’s already generating buzz for its quality and character.
This inaugural release, bottled on August 25, 2025, is a four-year-old bourbon with a mash bill of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley, clocking in at a robust 117.8 proof. Crafted from a select batch of 15 barrels, it boasts a deep amber hue that belies its relatively young age, a testament to the region’s climate and the distillery’s skill. Tasters at a Louisville launch event described notes of honey, caramel, banana, cinnamon, and vanilla, with some comparing its depth to bourbons twice its age. Beam and Ballard credit the western Kentucky heat and humidity, which coax richer flavors from the charred white oak barrels, for this mature profile.
The bourbon’s debut is limited, available only in Kentucky starting in September, with the first bottles hitting shelves at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown from September 5-7. Priced at $59.95 at retailers and $75 at the festival due to special packaging, it’s expected to be a hot commodity at places like Volare on Louisville’s Frankfort Avenue and other bars and restaurants across the state. Beam and Ballard will be on hand at the festival, signing bottles and sharing their creation with enthusiasts, including a stop at the CaskX tent, a nod to their long-standing partnership with the bourbon investment platform.
For Beam, this launch is more than a business milestone—it’s personal. With a family legacy stretching back to 1795, when his ancestor Jacob Beam built his first still, he sees this bourbon as a continuation of a tradition that’s defined Kentucky for centuries. Ballard, whose own distilling roots run deep, shares that pride, emphasizing the unique flavors each taster can discover. “Everybody pulls out their own notes,” he said at the launch, encouraging sippers to savor the bourbon’s complexity.
Beyond the bottle, Jackson Purchase is weaving itself into the fabric of Fulton County. The distillery has invested over $37 million in the area, including a $25 million expansion that added a new copper column still, 10 massive fermenters, and two rickhouses to store its growing inventory. Two more warehouses are in the works, part of a $40 million investment that’s creating 48 new jobs and supporting local farmers by buying their grain and repurposing spent mash for livestock feed. The distillery’s community efforts extend further, with initiatives like donating barrels for auctions, including one that raised $10,100 for the region’s only emergency medical service.
The distillery’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. In July 2025, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association elevated Jackson Purchase to Heritage Member status, making it the 17th distillery to achieve this honor. “We applaud their commitment to the timeless craft of Kentucky bourbon,” said KDA President Eric Gregory, highlighting the distillery’s role in expanding the state’s $9 billion spirits industry, which supports over 23,000 jobs and draws millions of visitors to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Looking ahead, Beam and Ballard are already experimenting with new mash bills, including a wheated bourbon that Beam is particularly excited about. They’ve also ventured into American single malt whiskey, taking advantage of new federal regulations to explore this emerging category. For now, though, the focus is on their flagship bourbon, a drink that captures the essence of western Kentucky’s land and people.
For those looking to enjoy it at home, the distillery shared a recipe for the Fulton Old Fashioned, a cocktail crafted by award-winning mixologist Heather Wibbels. It combines 1.5 ounces of Jackson Purchase bourbon with 0.5 ounces of Giffard’s Banane du Brésil, 0.125 ounces of Banana Réal Purée Syrup, and four dashes of El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters. Stirred and poured over ice, it’s garnished with a candied pecan and a spritz of banana liqueur—a nod to the distillery’s Fulton County roots.
As Jackson Purchase Distillery carves out its place in Kentucky’s bourbon legacy, it’s clear this is just the beginning. With a team rooted in tradition, a location that enhances every barrel, and a commitment to community, this Hickman distillery is crafting more than just whiskey—it’s building a legacy that’s here to stay.
