Kentucky Distillers’ Association tells BourbonBlog.com that Limestone Branch Distillery has joined the ranks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Commonwealth’s voice on spirits issues.
The small batch Craft distillery is producing a variety of whiskies from heirloom white corn grown on its Marion County property. The first offerings will be T.J. Pottinger corn whiskey and T.J. Pottinger Sugar Shine, with plans for an artisan rum and vodka.
Limestone Branch was founded in 2011 by brothers Steve and Paul Beam, whose ancestral roots run deep in the Bourbon industry. Their great-great grandfather was Joseph Washington Dant, an early Bourbon pioneer, and their great grandfather was Minor Case Beam, the eldest son of Joseph M. Beam in the legendary Beam lineage.
“We’re proud to welcome yet another one of the state’s emerging and innovative Craft distilleries to the KDA,” Jeff Conder tells us, Chairman of the KDA Board of Directors and Vice President of Americas Operations for Beam, Inc.
“Our Craft members are an important part of our organization, and we look forward to working with them to promote and protect our signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry,” Conder said.
“It is an honor to join this distinguished group of Kentucky distillers,” Steve Beam tells BourbonBlog.com. “As Craft distillers, we are fortunate to have such a valuable resource as the KDA and its members to draw upon.
“We are very excited to return our family to the Kentucky distilling community.”
Limestone Branch becomes KDA’s tenth member and the fourth Kentucky Craft distillery to join. The KDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1880. Members include Beam Inc. (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Four Roses, Heaven Hill and Wild Turkey.
Craft distillery members include Alltech, Barrel House Distilling Co. and MB Roland Distillery.
The KDA’s Craft membership is available to licensed Kentucky distillers that maintain an inventory of less than 25,000 barrels of distilled beverage spirits, according to KDA President Eric Gregory.
“Craft distilleries bring a unique perspective on issues that affect our industry because they’re small businesses,” Gregory said. “Yet they’re an important part of our growth, and we’re thrilled that many are choosing Kentucky, the authentic home for Bourbon, to launch their business.”
“We applaud Limestone Branch on their opening, and we look forward to working with them to promote our rich heritage, to advocate fair treatment of our industry and to continue our commitment to responsible drinking.”