Wilderness Trail Distillery

Overview of Wilderness Trail Distillery

Founding and Early Years

Wilderness Trail Distillery was founded in 2012 by Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist. Located in Danville, Kentucky, the distillery was established with a mission to produce high-quality spirits using traditional methods. Both founders brought their expertise in fermentation and microbiology to the distillery, which helped to create unique and exceptional whiskey.

Production Methods

Wilderness Trail Distillery prides itself on using local ingredients and traditional distillation methods. The distillery sources its grains from local farms, ensuring the highest quality raw materials. They employ a sweet mash process, which is a meticulous and time-consuming method that enhances the flavor and character of their whiskey. Additionally, they use Kentucky limestone-filtered water, which is essential for making authentic Kentucky bourbon.

Industry Impact and Recognition

Since its inception, Wilderness Trail Distillery has made a significant impact on the spirits industry. It has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its products, cementing its reputation as a producer of high-quality whiskey. The distillery’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and traditional craftsmanship has earned it respect and recognition among whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Wilderness Trail Distillery aims to continue its tradition of excellence while exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation. The distillery plans to expand its product line and increase production capacity to meet the growing demand for its spirits. By staying true to its roots and maintaining a focus on quality, Wilderness Trail Distillery is poised to remain a leading name in the whiskey industry for years to come.

Awards Won by Wilderness Trail Distillery

1. Manufacturer of the Year Award (2016): The distillery, along with Ferm Solutions, was honored by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers in the small business category. This award recognized their innovative and entrepreneurial leadership, contributions to community quality of life, and active involvement in advancing industry and manufacturing​.
2. Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2020): Co-founders Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist were named East Central Award winners. This award celebrates entrepreneurial leaders who excel in innovation, financial performance, and societal impact​.
3. San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2017): Wilderness Trail’s Blue Heron Vodka earned a Gold Medal, and its Harvest Rum received a Bronze Medal. The competition is one of the most respected in the world, making these awards particularly significant​.

Wilderness Trail Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Wilderness Trail Distillery, located in Danville, Kentucky, offers a unique and educational tour experience for visitors. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

Tour Overview

• Duration and Schedule: Tours are available six times daily at 9, 10, and 11 a.m., and 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended to ensure availability. The tour typically lasts about one hour.

Tour Highlights

• Introduction to Distilling: The tour begins with an introduction to the history of Wilderness Trail Distillery and the bourbon-making process. Visitors learn about the distillery’s founders, Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist, and their commitment to quality and innovation.
• Production Process: Guests are guided through the distillation process, starting with the selection of grains, the milling of corn, rye, and malted barley, and the creation of the mash bill. The tour highlights the distillery’s use of local, Kentucky-sourced ingredients and the science behind their fermentation process.
• Maturation and Aging: Visitors explore the aging warehouse, where they can see the barrels resting in the rickhouse. The tour explains the importance of the aging process, including how the climate and the charred oak barrels influence the flavor profile of the bourbon.
• Interactive Demonstrations: The tour includes interactive demonstrations where guests can see the distillation equipment in action. This hands-on experience allows visitors to understand the complexities of bourbon production, from fermentation to bottling.

Tasting Experience

• Guided Sampling: After the tour, guests are invited to a tasting room where they can sample a selection of Wilderness Trail’s spirits. The tasting includes their signature bourbons, rye whiskey, and specialty releases. The guide provides insights into each spirit’s flavor profile, aging process, and unique characteristics.
• Exclusive Tasting Options: For those interested in a more in-depth experience, Wilderness Trail offers a VIP Tasting Experience. This premium option includes rare and limited-edition spirits, along with detailed explanations from the distillers themselves.

Flask & Barrel Review of Wilderness Trail Distillery

I recently visited Wilderness Trail Distillery, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. As a whiskey collector who has toured numerous distilleries, this place stands out. The tour was informative, covering everything from grain selection to the aging process. I appreciated the detailed explanations and interactive demonstrations. The tasting session was a highlight, with their bourbons and rye whiskey offering unique and complex flavors. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience even better. Overall, I’d rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5. Highly recommend a visit!

What To Do Nearby Wilderness Trail Distillery

The Great American Dollhouse Museum (1.5 miles): Explore U.S. history through intricate miniature dollhouses at this 6,000-square-foot museum. It’s a unique and educational experience that’s great for all ages​​.

Pioneer Playhouse (3 miles): Catch a show at Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theater, which has hosted notable alums like John Travolta. Enjoy the charming atmosphere and well-done performances under the stars​​.

Constitution Square Historic Site (2.5 miles): Visit this historic park where Kentucky’s first constitution was signed. The site includes log cabin replicas, the first post office west of the Alleghenies, and beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings​.

McDowell House Museum (2.5 miles): Tour the historic home and office of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, known for performing the first successful ovarian tumour surgery in 1809. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into early medical history​.

Downtown Danville (2 miles): Stroll through the heart of Danville, filled with boutique shops, antique stores, art galleries, and a vibrant food scene. It’s a delightful area to explore on foot​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Wilderness Trail Distillery?

1. Copper and Oak: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 303 W Main St, Danville, KY 40422. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 859-209-2087.
2. The Parthenon Greek-American Eats: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1000 E Lexington Ave #32, Danville, KY 40422, United States. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18597124976.
3. Cattleman’s Roadhouse: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 3795 S Danville Bypass, Danville, KY 40422, United States. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18592092694.

What hotels are near Wilderness Trail Distillery?

1. Hampton Inn Danville: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 100 Montgomery Way, Danville, KY 40422. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 859-236-6200. The hotel offers amenities like free hot breakfast, free WiFi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center​.
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Danville: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 200 Shannon Way, Danville, KY 40422. For reservations, you can contact them at +1 859-936-7500. This hotel provides free breakfast, free parking, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.
3. Comfort Suites: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 864 Ben-Ali Dr, Danville, KY 40422. For reservations, you can call them at +1 859-936-9300. Amenities include free breakfast, free WiFi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.