Midway, KY — June 12, 2025 — Bluegrass Distillers officially opened the doors to its new home at Elkwood Farm with a ribbon cutting celebration that brought together community members, state leaders, and industry partners. The 62-acre farm, located in Midway, Kentucky, now serves as the distillery’s headquarters and production facility.

The event included remarks from Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Midway Mayor Grayson Vandegrift, Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory, and Bluegrass Distillers co-founders Ben Franzini and Sam Rock. Guests enjoyed a celebratory toast, ceremonial barrel fill, lite bites, and guided facility tours.

Founded in 2012, Bluegrass Distillers has earned a reputation for award-winning small-batch and single-barrel bourbons. The move to Elkwood Farm represents a more than 1,000% increase in production capacity, laying the groundwork for expanded distribution while staying rooted in the heritage of Kentucky craft bourbon.

Owned by Lexington natives Sam Rock and Ben Franzini, the $8 million facility features six massive 18,000-gallon fermentation tanks and a 36-inch by 45-foot column still custom-built by Specific Mechanical. The distillery is located just across from the historic Elkwood Farm mansion, a landmark listed on the National Historic Register since 1994.

The new campus also includes a barrel warehouse, a fully automated bottling line, and an on-site limestone spring water well—essential to the distillation process. Staying true to their farm-to-bottle commitment, Bluegrass Distillers even grows their own corn on-site.

In keeping with their ground-to-glass philosophy, the distillery uses local, non-GMO, heirloom blue corn to create bourbon that embodies the rich flavor and tradition of the Bluegrass region. Elkwood Farm is also making an economic impact—creating 15 new jobs with plans to hire 10 more over the next two years.

“The past four years have been an incredible journey bringing Elkwood Farm Distillery to life,” said Sam Rock, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Bluegrass Distillers. “While we’ve already begun distilling and welcoming visitors, this ribbon cutting marks a monumental moment for our team—and we couldn’t be more proud to share it with our community.”

Already a part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the new Elkwood Farm location was officially added as a stop last month. With over 40,000 visitors expected in the next year, the distillery is set to offer guided tours, tastings, and a full-service bourbon bar. Future plans include food-focused experiences that will further elevate the visitor journey.

Now open seven days a week, Bluegrass Distillers invites bourbon lovers to experience the spirit of Kentucky—right where it starts—on the farm.

Visit Us:
158 W Leestown Road, Midway, KY 40347
www.bluegrassdistillers.com