Own a piece of Kentucky's finest — tangible, maturing, and built to last.
CONTACT US TO GET STARTEDWe want to welcome you to our distillery and product offering. Founded by three partners and natives of the area in 2022, Southern Kentucky Distillery produced the first "legal" bourbon in Cumberland County Kentucky since prohibition.
SKD is a modern manufacturing facility that can produce over 18,000 barrels of bourbon per year. We own 4 bonded storage warehouses.
We operate as a large craft style destination facility and offer tours year-round. We manufacture a wide range of products that are available for sale online in 40+ states and on the ground with distribution in KY, TN, WI, GA, SC, WV, FL and more coming soon.
SKD is a proud member of the Kentucky Distillers Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Moonshine Trail.
The value of bourbon increases as it matures. The production process requires that after manufacture, the distiller will store the alcohol or "distillate" in charred, white oak barrels for a period of years prior to bottling. It is this process whereby the new filled barrels are purchased by investors and held for typically 4–7 years before it is used in a finished or bottled product. This time period allows the bourbon to acquire the traits of the charred oak — namely color, odor and flavor.
The bourbon-filled barrel is stored and insured in one of our federally bonded warehouses. These legal requirements and the storage period inherently limit the supply of authentic bourbon and also act as a driver for its asset value.
After the maturation or storage period, the filled barrels may be sold back to the distillery for use in our products or on the wholesale market to another brand. SKD is currently developing markets for our 2, 4 and 7 year specialty bourbons — these are the primary exit strategies for our investor's barrels.
After manufacture — the investor will receive a warehouse receipt that indicates the barrel serial numbers and locations in SKD's warehouse. Investors are welcome to visit their barrels with appropriate notice.
BS Eastern KY University, M Ed. Lindsey Wilson College. Worked for UK Extension. Understands Moonshine and knows everyone in a 4 County radius.
BS University of KY, DO Lincoln Memorial University — practicing ER doctor and hyper-focused on process optimization.
BS University of KY. Extensive work in Fuel Alcohol Starch Conversion / Yeast Fermentation and business development.
New Fill Bourbon investing offers portfolio diversification and is not correlated with interest rates or traditional financial markets. Kentucky Bourbon is highly regarded and recognized around the globe as a premium spirit.
The global whiskey market is valued at $72 Billion USD and growth is estimated at 6.7% (Global Market Insights). SKD offers the individual investor an opportunity to participate in a low fee environment directly with the manufacturer and storage provider of their asset.
In short order, SKD has achieved gold medal awards for its bourbon products at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Crafted from hand-selected barrels at Southern Kentucky Distillery, this bold high-rye bourbon earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Tasting Alliance Competition and was named one of the world's best small-batch bourbons by Forbes Magazine.
5–7 Year High Rye Kentucky Bourbon, Cask Strength | 68 Corn / 22 Rye / 10 Malt Barley (SKD RB22 Mashbill)
SKD Long Ridge Rye is a 2025 finalist in the 6–10 year small batch category.
Crafted from corn, wheat, and malted barley, then finished with cherrywood for a smooth, distinctive taste. Distilled in Southern Kentucky and rooted in Jeremiah Turbyville's Tennessee legacy, it earned a Single Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Tasting Alliance Competition.
2 Year Wheated Kentucky Cherrywood Bourbon, 90 Proof and Cask Strength | 69 Corn / 21 Wheat / 10 Malt Barley (SKD WB21 Mashbill)
According to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
2-Year Cherrywood Finished Rye Bourbon
Launching 2026
4-Year Wheat and Rye Bourbon
Launching 2027
The difference in purchasing direct with SKD is that the primary intended purpose of our bourbon is the future development of our brands. As demand increases in the retail marketplace, the value of our maturing barrels is growing.
We recommend investors that hold, expect a 4–7 year maturation period. By virtue of our brand development, we are working towards 3 potential internal and one external exit opportunity.
The Wholesale Market is cyclical and offers periods of high value. It is 100% the decision of the investor where and when to sell their barrels. If the wholesale market outpaces SKD, the investor may sell their barrels to another brand with or without a broker.
Bourbon must be made in the United States, the mashbill must contain 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to a maximum of 160 proof, enter a barrel at no more than 125 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. SKD can produce 18,000 barrels per year and any variety of whiskey or bourbon mashbills to suit its customers.
Bourbon investing has largely been practiced by industry insiders but few institutional investors. As it gains popularity, there are several broker-type companies emerging in a wholesale market. Purchasing direct from the distillery avoids fees and allows you to work directly with the people who manufacture, age and potentially bottle your investment.
Unlike larger distilleries, SKD is building brands to secure and increase the value of the Bourbon we produce. Investors may be enticed by lower prices from sellers that have no intention to purchase the barrel back later or may not offer storage — leaving the investor in a vulnerable position. Brokers exist to help such matters but add cost to the transaction and storage.
SKD offers a sophisticated but easy to understand model through its brand development & market focus.
SKD Bourbon Brand Growth Increases the Value of Our Investment Barrels
Featuring Eddie Montgomery — Celebrating 25 Years
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry is our brand ambassador and has been vital to our product promotion efforts. Eddie's music is timeless and appeals to the country music genre that is also a target for many of our products.
Having worked with other large Bourbon brands in the past, Eddie and his team are familiar with liquor distribution and have guided us into new market opportunities.
Whether you're considering a single barrel or one hundred, we're excited to discuss more with you. Please don't hesitate to reach out — we'll get back to you promptly to help you begin your bourbon journey.
4890 Albany Road | Burkesville, KY 42717
Investment Disclaimer: SKD is not qualified to give investment advice. Barrel investing has risk. SKD cannot predict the ending values or guarantee an exit strategy. The content on this page may contain or imply forward-looking statements regarding the potential profitability of investing in certain assets. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product made reference to directly or indirectly herein will be profitable, equal to any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), or be suitable for your portfolio.
Due to various factors, including changing market conditions, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained on this page serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from SKD. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with a professional advisor.
In no event will SKD be liable to Buyer for any lost profits, lost savings or incidental, indirect, special or consequential damages, arising out of the Purchased Assets. Prices and terms subject to change without notice.