FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Wadelyn Ranch Distillery in Lincoln County is the newest and 33rd member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
“Wadelyn Ranch is a great example of Kentucky’s thriving micro-distillery movement that’s using locally sourced grains and fruits to produce premium products and rally their communities in support of the Bourbon renaissance,” KDA President Eric Gregory said.
“These small businesses are continuing the family traditions set forth in Kentucky generations ago, and it’s thrilling to witness their age-old stories come alive. We congratulate Wadelyn Ranch on its success and proudly welcome them to our growing family of distillers.”
Wadelyn Ranch Distilling was founded in 2013 by Thomas Wade Daniels, a sixth generation distillery. The distillery was created with family traditions in mind. In fact, it’s also the name of their first single barrel Bourbon, bottled at barrel proof.
Daniels decided to open a distillery to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. “I learned from an early age helping them and I came to the point in my career where I wanted to be home more, so I decided to start a distillery and carry on a little bit of the family tradition.”
In addition to running a distillery, Daniels raises Clydesdale horses, which have taken a large part in his advertising. The distillery, located at 383 Clydesdale Road in Waynesburg, is producing aged whiskey, brandy and Kentucky white lightening.
“It’s good to be part of such a distinguished group,” Daniels said. “I look forward to sharing stories, knowledge and historical moments with members in the coming years. I’m excited to start meeting with other members and grow with them in the Bourbon industry.”
Wadelyn Ranch joins the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as a craft level member, aging less than 1,000 barrels a year. The KDA now has 33 members, the most since the Repeal of Prohibition.
To learn more, visit www.wadelynranchdistilling.com for additional information.
Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.
Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $3 billion economic engine that generates more than 15,400 jobs with an annual payroll topping $700 million and pours $166 million into state and local coffers each year.
The KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures also set attendance records last year with nearly 900,000 guests touring an all-time high of 19 participating distilleries.
In addition, KDA member distilleries are in the middle of a $1.3 billion building boom, Gregory said, from innovative new tourism centers to expanded production facilities, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky’s signature spirit.
As further proof of the Bourbon renaissance, the KDA recently announced that state distilleries filled nearly 1.9 million barrels of Bourbon last year, the largest amount in nearly a half-century, and paid a record $17.8 million in barrel taxes that fund education and public safety.
There are now 1.5 barrels for every person living in Kentucky.
Gregory said he couldn’t think of a better way to close out Kentucky Bourbon Heritage Month than adding a new member to the KDA’s hallowed ranks – and five during the month. “We’re honored by the growth and confidence of our members in this venerable association.
“The Golden Age of Kentucky Bourbon is upon us, and it’s increasingly important that we work together to secure the integrity of our signature industry and strengthen Kentucky’s rightful place as the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon and distilled spirits.”
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For more information, contact:
Eric Gregory, KDA President, (502) 875-9351
Thomas Wade Daniels, Wadelyn Ranch Distilling Owner, (606) 875-9702
The KDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1880 to promote, protect and elevate Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Heritage members include Beam Suntory (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman Corp. (Old Forester and Woodford Reserve), Diageo North America, Four Roses Distillery, Heaven Hill Brands, Michter’s Distillery and Wild Turkey Distillery. Proof members include the Louisville Distilling Company and Willett Distillery.
Craft members include Alltech’s Town Branch Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barrel House Distilling Co., Bluegrass Distillers, Boone County Distilling Company, Boundary Oak Distillery, Casey Jones Distillery, Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery, Corsair Artisan Distillery, Dueling Grounds Distillery, Hartfield & Co. Distillery, Jeptha Creed Distillery, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Kentucky Mist Moonshine, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., Limestone Branch Distillery, MB Roland Distillery, New Riff Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, O.Z. Tyler Distillery, Second Sight Spirits, Wadelyn Ranch Distillery and Wilderness Trail Distillery. The Distilled Spirits Epicenter is the KDA’s official educational distillery.
Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. For more information about joining the KDA’s distilling family, contact KDA President Eric Gregory at (502) 875-9351. Visit www.kybourbon.com andwww.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.
KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™ and BOURBON TRAIL™ are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Please drink responsibly.
