Newport gets new bourbon micro-distillery
NEWPORT, Ky. – The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region stems from a rich history of micro-breweries and distilleries. From Cincinnati’s own Christian Moerlein and Hudepohl to bourbon country across the river, the Tri-State has established a firm presence in the world of alcohol production over the decades.
In the wake of the grand opening of Christian Moerlein’s Lager House at the Banks, it was announced Thursday that a new distillery is in the works for Newport’s Party Source.
The Nth Degree Distilling will be part of a multi-million dollar expansion to The Party Source. Officials are hopeful the new establishment will embody a sense of community that celebrates Kentucky’s heritage, according to the company’s owner and president, Mollie Lewis. Kentucky bourbon originated from the early settlers who converted grains into whiskey to keep excess crops from rotting. Many generations later, Kentucky whiskey was produced in Bourbon County, which is how ‘America’s Official Native Spirit’ derived its name.
“We’ve done everything possible to ensure that our distillery will be top-notch, from the hiring of Glaserworks as the architects of the distillery, to the securing of industry veteran Larry Ebersold as our master distiller,” said Lewis.
A community space will be available to the public for meetings or private gatherings, which includes a roof garden that can hold up to 150 people.
Although the first phase of the project is complete, the west side of The Party Source’s parking lot will continue to undergo construction for the distillery. Once finished, the distillery will reside on the Newport side of the lot.
“The Party Source is going to be a great addition to our city. It’s going to generate investment and jobs by reclaiming land that was otherwise unusable. For a city that doesn’t have a lot of undeveloped land available, this is a special opportunity to not only take full advantage of a limited resource, but to also be part of an exciting project that will enhance our community,” said Newport Manager Thomas Fromme.
The new addition will make Party Source among the nation’s largest alcohol retail stores that will include up to 40 taps of craft beers and a library bar of more than 400 bourbons and ryes, according to Party Source president Ken Lewis.
“The additional space will provide much needed room for dramatically expanding our artisan distilled spirits selection, particularly bourbon and rye, as well as craft beer,” said Lewis.
The Nth Degree Distillery is set to open in the fall of 2013.
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