Why should Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, have all the bourbon fun and notoriety? Georgetown, Kentucky, about 65 miles away is the revolutionary era home to the ‘Father of Bourbon’, Reverend Elijah Craig (c. 1738-1808). In 1789, Craig, a Baptist minister, is credited with being the first distiller to age his whiskey in a new charred oak barrel. The history is a little fuzzy, some say an accidental fire charred his barrels and others say he stored whiskey in former charred sugar barrels and he liked how it improved the flavor of his whiskey.
Heaven Hill Distillery filled its first barrel of Kentucky bourbon whiskey in Bardstown, Kentucky,
‘Bourbon Genesis’ Inviting Travelers to Celebrate the Site Where Bourbon Began
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Though that 250 year old story may be a little fuzzy, this modern-day story is crystal clear. Georgetown, Kentucky tourism is inviting bourbon enthusiasts and history lovers to discover the birthplace of America’s native spirit. This initiative places Georgetown at the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon journey, honoring its legacy as the site where Elijah Craig first distilled bourbon.
At the center of this story is Royal Spring Park, nestled in historic downtown Georgetown. Here, Elijah Craig, a fiery Baptist preacher turned pioneering distiller, used the limestone-rich spring water to create a whiskey unlike any other. That same year, Craig became the first to age whiskey in new charred oak barrels, a process that defines bourbon to this day, imparting its signature amber hue and flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
“Bourbon Genesis is more than a campaign, it’s a pilgrimage to where bourbon began,” said Lori Saunders, executive director of the Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission.
Georgetown continues to reflect Craig’s spirit of innovation and hospitality, offering visitors a vibrant blend of food, drink, and culture in its walkable downtown.
To kick off the campaign, a group of bourbon influencers visited Georgetown, starting with a private meeting at Local Feed with Chef Justin Thompson, before touring the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown to select a single barrel of Elijah Craig Bourbon, which was bottled as Bourbon Genesis Single Barrel.
This exclusive Bourbon Genesis bottle, a private barrel pick from Heaven Hill, was handpicked by a panel of esteemed bourbon palettes including Orlando “OJ” Lima, Jack Beguedou, Victor Sizemore, Tom Wilmes, Seth Thompson, Jess Ann Zimlich, Jeremy Chapline, Justin Thompson, and Chad Cole. Notably, Beguedou was named Top Spirits Influencer by the American Distilling Institute in 2024.
Bourbon Genisis is bottled at 123 proof and is offered with a suggested retail price of $115 per 750 mL bottle. It is available now in limited quantities at Maime’s Fine Wine & Gifts in Georgetown and online.
Georgetown, Kentucky is dedicated to showcasing the rich history, vibrant culture, and unique experiences that make Georgetown a premier travel destination. From bourbon heritage to scenic landscapes, family-friendly experiences and outdoor adventures, Georgetown offers something for everyone and now, bourbon fans.
Factoid: Georgetown was part of Virginia when Rev. Elijah Craig, The Father of Bourbon, discovered the process of adding whiskey to charred barrels. Does that mean that Virginia is the true home of bourbon? Hmm.
‘Birthplace of Bourbon’ Historical Marker
Fayette County, Virginia now Scott County, Kentucky.
“The Rev. Elijah Craig, Founder of “Craig’s Classical School”, first distilled Bourbon whiskey on this site in 1789. A pioneer from Virginia, the Rev. Craig set up his grain mill and used the fine limestone water of Royal Spring to develop the first sour mash process in the production of bourbon.
“The Rev. Craig is also noted as the founder of the city of Georgetown and operated the first fulling mill and paper mill west of the Allegheny Mountains.”
In Craig’s day, this area was part of Fayette County, Virginia which is now Scott County, Kentucky. This sign was erected in 1967 by The Bourbon Institute.
Learn more about the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.
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