In the early 1800s, J.W. Dant first made a still out of a hollowed-out poplar log to make his very own bourbon. The result propelled his family into a successful and booming distilling business until the 1950s. Today, 70 years after the Gethsemane, KY distillery closed, J.W. Dant’s great-great-great grandson is reviving the family business on the very same grounds. The first building completed of the sprawling master plan is a purposefully designed Tasting Room that bridges the legacy and history of its past to its modern future.

Through material and scale, the Tasting Room responds to the rural Kentucky typology and distilling history of its past, while creating a utilitarian, sustainable, and modern facility that is both inviting to visitors and familiar to locals. The footprint of the building is minimal, with large expanses of glass and a kinetic bifold wall set on axis with the under-construction amphitheater that provides visual connection as well as walk-up bar access for patrons.

Many of the reclaimed materials used were sourced locally in Kentucky, and even from the 136 acre site. The stair treads were hand made by local amish carpenters, and the Cypress cladding at the entrance was sourced from the distillery grounds. A section of the original quonset hut distillery was also salvaged and incorporated into the design of the tasting room. This extra effort creates not only an enduring local connection, but roots the facility in its place historically, visually, and texturally.

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