Marking the next chapter in a nearly 140-year history, Green River Distilling Co. has begun construction on a new consumer experience that will bring “The Pride of Owensboro” to the streets of downtown Louisville. Located at 714 W. Main Street, Green River’s Louisville tasting room is set to open mid 2025.
The warm and communal space will feature a horseshoe shaped tasting and cocktail bar, serving neat pours and straightforward cocktail classics. A retail and bottle shop will offer both everyday whiskies, and limited-edition distillery exclusives. Made for friendly, low-key fun, patrons can play “Shoot the Shoe,” a game of skill using the Green River bottle as a goal, or relax in the lounge, complete with an intimate performance stage with flexible seating for VIP experiences. Beyond the main room, a hidden entrance will lead to a speakeasy bar where the brand will host a refined cocktail program, educational experiences and private events.
Green River is owned by Bardstown Bourbon Co., whose tasting room and retail shop located on the same block has been a resounding success since opening in 2023. More than 100,000 guests have visited the space in the last year.
“Through our brand homeplaces in Bardstown and Owensboro and our tasting room in Louisville, visitors have come to expect first class experiences that engage, educate and delight,” said Mark Erwin, CEO of Bardstown Bourbon Co. “Green River Distilling Co. has a rich history and an even better revival story and the Main Street experience will embody the brand’s timelessness and approachability.”
Throughout the tasting room, visitors will find Green River memorabilia and artifacts showcasing the brand’s storied history which began in 1885. Relics, photographs, historic blueprints and advertisements will be seamlessly incorporated throughout the 4,400 square foot space.
“Our Owensboro distillery is a special place steeped with the history and grit of a brand that has seen prohibition, natural disasters and changing palates,” said Dan Callaway, VP new product development. “Our new tasting room on Whiskey Row will bring the spirit of the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky to the welcoming home of bourbon tourism, with fun, spirit and surprises like only Green River can.”
Joseph & Joseph Architects, an architecture, interior design and master planning firm specializing in distillery design and hospitality, designed the space. Earlier this month, Joseph & Joseph was honored by The Kentucky Society of The American Institute of Architects with the 2024 People’s Choice Award for the Bardstown Bourbon Company Louisville Experience.
Buzick Construction will serve as contractor for the project. Bardstown Bourbon Company has previously worked with both Joseph & Joseph and Buzick Construction on the Bardstown campus, including the most recent expansion which brought the organization’s distilling capacity to 18 million proof gallons annually.
Green River Distilling Co., part of Bardstown Bourbon Co., was represented by Reed Weinberg and Jenny Johnston of PRG Commercial Property Advisors, who brokered the transaction.