Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, has launched a unique and interactive tour called the Mash Maker's Experience, set to begin on August 31st as an early celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month in September. This new offering allows visitors to step beyond traditional tours and tastings, giving them a hands-on role in crafting a custom mash bill—the unique blend of grains used in bourbon production. This initiative marks the first of its kind on the bourbon trail, reflecting the growing trend of immersive experiences within whiskey tourism, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
The Mash Maker's Experience is designed to appeal to everyone, from seasoned bourbon enthusiasts to casual visitors exploring the distillery. It focuses on the fundamental grains used in bourbon making—corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley—and educates participants on how these grains influence the flavor and overall profile of the whiskey. Guided by the knowledgeable staff at Casey Jones Distillery, guests can gain a deeper understanding of the production process, from grain selection to the finished bourbon.
Participants will follow in the footsteps of Master Distiller Arlon "AJ" Casey Jones, who is the grandson of the distillery's namesake and a legend in Kentucky whiskey-making. Visitors start by choosing up to three grains from barrels located in the same still room where AJ has crafted spirits for years. They then pour the selected grains into the distillery’s original mill, grinding them to prepare for the next steps in production. The milled grains are added to designated barrels, where they will be combined with other participants' contributions over the course of the month. The final mash bill, with AJ’s personal touch, will be announced on the distillery's social media platforms and through their email newsletter.
This experience offers a unique opportunity for participants to be part of creating a new bourbon, as they can follow the entire journey of their custom mash—from milling the grains to the distillation process, and finally to aging in premium Kelvin Cooperage barrels. Each handcrafted batch will initially be available in a limited run as a new make distillate, before being stored for aging into Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The distillery plans to produce roughly two and a half barrels per batch, with two barrels set aside for aging and the remaining half barrel sold as unaged white dog, allowing participants to taste both the unaged spirit and the finished bourbon.
Master Distiller AJ Casey Jones emphasized the significance of mash bills in whiskey-making, stating, "Mash bills are the cornerstone of any great whiskey. Understanding that the grains are the secret sauce is something Master Distillers have held close to the vest since bourbon became America’s Native spirit." By involving guests in the creation of a new bourbon mash bill, Casey Jones Distillery is not only offering a unique experience but also fostering a personal connection between visitors and the final product.
The Mash Maker's Experience is affordably priced at $10 per guest and is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Tours are available daily, Monday through Sunday, every half hour on the hour, although the exact hours may vary. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended and can be made through the distillery’s website. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and can accommodate up to 20 guests per group.
To further commemorate their participation, visitors can purchase limited-edition Mash Maker's merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and cups. This special touch allows guests to take home a tangible reminder of their unique contribution to Casey Jones Distillery’s whiskey-making tradition.
Located in the heart of bourbon country, Casey Jones Distillery continues to honor its heritage while embracing new ways to engage visitors. The Mash Maker's Experience not only adds to the growing list of attractions in Hopkinsville but also offers a memorable way for guests to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month. For more information or to book a tour, visit the Casey Jones Distillery website or follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @caseyjonesdistillery.
About Casey Jones Distillery
Casey Jones Distillery is a craft distillery located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, known for its rich heritage and commitment to producing high-quality spirits using traditional methods. Founded in 2014 by Arlon Casey Jones, the distillery pays homage to the legacy of the founder’s grandfather, Casey Jones, who was a legendary moonshiner and still-maker during the Prohibition era. The distillery embraces the history and craftsmanship passed down through generations, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern-day distilling practices.
The distillery is named after Casey Jones, who was well-known for his distinctive square copper stills, which he designed to be more efficient and discreet during the Prohibition period. These stills became iconic in the world of moonshining, and they set the foundation for the family’s enduring connection to the craft. At Casey Jones Distillery, these historic designs continue to influence their production process, with a custom-built, modern square still used in the distillation of their spirits. This nod to the past is a key element that sets the distillery apart, bridging the gap between old-world moonshining and contemporary spirit production.
Casey Jones Distillery offers a range of handcrafted spirits, with a primary focus on moonshine and bourbon. Their moonshine is made using traditional recipes and techniques, offering a smooth and authentic taste that reflects its Prohibition-era roots. The distillery produces a variety of flavored moonshines, including apple, peach, and cherry, which appeal to a wide audience and highlight the versatility of their base spirit. In addition to moonshine, Casey Jones has expanded into bourbon production, crafting small-batch bourbons that are aged in new, charred American oak barrels to develop rich, complex flavors typical of Kentucky whiskey.
The distillery’s commitment to quality extends beyond the products themselves to the overall visitor experience. Casey Jones Distillery welcomes guests to explore their scenic grounds, offering tours that provide an in-depth look at their distillation process, the history of moonshining, and the unique story of Casey Jones and his stills. The facility includes a tasting room where visitors can sample the distillery’s range of spirits, often paired with insights into the craftsmanship and heritage that define the brand.
In summary, Casey Jones Distillery is a celebration of Kentucky’s rich moonshining history and a testament to the enduring legacy of its namesake. By combining traditional methods with modern innovation, the distillery produces a variety of high-quality spirits that honor the past while appealing to contemporary tastes. Casey Jones Distillery not only offers a distinctive product but also an engaging experience that connects visitors with the storied past of American distilling.
