8 Up-And-Coming Distilleries Bourbon Fans Should Know About - Tasting Table

"Along with the challenges of operating any new business, making good bourbon takes time and expert craftsmanship. It's for this reason that many new "distilleries" aren't distilleries at all (non-distilling producers, blenders, rectifiers). Instead, they source bourbon and then sell it as their own. That's not inherently a bad thing, as some expertly blend whiskey or add extra maturation to create a genuinely impressive bourbon, but there is a clear difference."

"That's why, for these 8 distilleries, we want to highlight those who are making their own. Some of them still part-source bourbon due to economic realities, but all of them distill at least some product on-site. I feel that's important for bourbon fans such as myself, as it shows heavy investment and a long-term vision."

"James E. Pepper Distilling is both new and very old. It's new in the sense that the brand first distilled whiskey in 2017, but the distillery itself goes back to 1880. A few brands like to lean on history to give themselves a sense of grandeur, but there is a difference here, as there is genuine authenticity. The original distillery operated all the way until 1967."

The bourbon industry remains dominated by established giants, but emerging distilleries challenge this status quo. However, creating quality bourbon requires time and expertise, leading many new operations to source existing bourbon rather than distill their own. While some non-distilling producers create impressive blends, a clear distinction exists between true distilleries and those relying on sourced products. Eight distilleries highlighted here actually distill on-site, demonstrating substantial investment and long-term vision despite potential economic pressures requiring partial sourcing. This distinction matters to bourbon enthusiasts seeking transparency and credibility. James E. Pepper Distilling exemplifies this authenticity, combining new production since 2017 with genuine historical roots dating to 1880, operating continuously until 1967 before revival in its original building.

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