The Southern Kentucky Distillery in Cumberland County recently joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as one of its newest member.
The distillery was founded in 2018, and opened in 2022, brought about by Junior Cecil, Dr. Michael Wilson and Kevin Dailey. All three are originally from the area and graduates of universities in Kentucky.
A press release from the Distillers’ Association described the Southern Kentucky Distillery, located at 4890 Albany Road in Burkesville, as an operation that currently produces 25 barrels a day with plans for an expansion this summer to double its capacity.
The Southern Kentucky Distillery in Cumberland County recently joined the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as one of its newest member. (image via Southern Kentucky Distillery)
Their brands include Ancient Sun Vodka, Slate Fork Flavored Moonshine and an upcoming Broadhead Wheated Bourbon and Long Ridge Rye Bourbon.
The owners noted that they plan to open the gift shop and tasting room for tours later this year, as well as spaces for weddings and events.
Southern Kentucky Distillery joins the KDA as a Craft level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels a year.
“We’re proud of our team and humbled by the support we have received locally for the distillery,” Co-founder Dailey said. “We look forward to working with the KDA to honor and share the traditions of making bourbon here in Cumberland County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Co-founder Cecil praised the state of Kentucky and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association for their job promoting the bourbon industry worldwide. “Even before we started up, the KDA supported us with many references for our legal and compliance efforts.”
KDA President Eric Gregory said they’ve watched with excitement Southern Kentucky Distillery’s progress over the last few years, as Cumberland County didn’t have alcohol sales until 2016.
“As bourbon builds in additional communities across the Commonwealth, Cumberland County will continue to benefit from the economic development, tax revenue, jobs and tourism that comes with it,” Gregory said. “We’re thrilled that Cumberland County and the south-central region of Kentucky are able to take part in the Kentucky Bourbon renaissance thanks to the incredible team at Southern Kentucky Distillery. We proudly welcome them to the KDA and our family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”
For more information on the Association or the Trail, check out www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.