Short answer: Kentucky bourbon whiskey stands apart because of strict legal rules, the state's dramatic seasonal temperature swings, and limestone-filtered water. Kentucky produces the vast majority of the world's bourbon, and Southern Kentucky Distillery is part of that tradition, having made the first legal bourbon in Cumberland County since prohibition.
Key Takeaways
- Bourbon must be at least 51 percent corn, aged in new charred oak, and made in the United States.
- Kentucky's temperature swings push bourbon in and out of the barrel wood, deepening flavor and color.
- Limestone-filtered water is a long-standing part of Kentucky's bourbon tradition.
- SKD made the first legal bourbon in Cumberland County since prohibition, founded in 2022.
What the Law Requires
Bourbon has specific legal rules, regardless of where it is made. It has to come from a mash bill that is at least 51 percent corn, be distilled to no more than 160 proof, enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof, and age in new charred oak barrels. No coloring or flavoring can be added, and it has to bottle at 80 proof or higher.
Bourbon does not have to be made in Kentucky to carry the name. But Kentucky produces the large majority of the world's bourbon supply, and that concentration is not an accident.
Why Kentucky's Climate Matters
Kentucky's weather swings hard between seasons, hot summers and cold winters. That temperature swing makes the wood in a barrel expand and contract throughout the year. As it expands, bourbon pushes into the wood. As it contracts, bourbon pulls back out, carrying color and flavor with it each time.
That back-and-forth cycle is a big part of why Kentucky bourbon develops the deep caramel, vanilla, and oak notes it is known for. Distilleries in milder, more stable climates do not get the same natural cycling.
Kentucky is also known for limestone-filtered water, which runs naturally through the region's bedrock. Many distillers, including SKD, use locally sourced water as part of the process.
Southern Kentucky Distillery's Place in the Tradition
Southern Kentucky Distillery was founded by three local partners in 2022. We produced the first legal bourbon in Cumberland County since prohibition, which lasted until county residents voted the county wet again in 2016.
We are located in the foothills of Appalachia, between Lake Cumberland, Dale Hollow Lake, and the Cumberland River. We use locally sourced grain and water, and age our bourbon in new charred white oak barrels, letting Kentucky's climate do its work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bourbon have to be made in Kentucky?
No. Bourbon can legally be made anywhere in the United States. Kentucky just happens to produce most of it, thanks to its climate, water, and long tradition.
What makes Kentucky's climate good for aging bourbon?
Kentucky's hot summers and cold winters cause barrels to expand and contract throughout the year, cycling bourbon in and out of the wood and deepening flavor and color.
Is Southern Kentucky Distillery's bourbon legally bourbon?
Yes. We follow the same federal rules every bourbon producer follows: at least 51 percent corn, aged in new charred oak, no additives.
How old is Southern Kentucky Distillery?
We were founded in 2022 and produced the first legal bourbon in Cumberland County since prohibition.
Explore SKD Bourbons
Browse our full lineup of Kentucky bourbon in our shop, or read our guide on how to drink bourbon if you are new to it.