One of the hallmarks of this show is finding small craft distillers who are making their way with a unique spirit, and a genuine story. And that’s what we found at Dueling Grounds Distillery.
Located in Franklin, Kentucky, this small craft distillery is tucked away off the main path. Not far, only about a few hundred yards, so it’s easy to get to. However, the name of the distillery has some great history behind it. And, they are concentrating on making their whiskey in true to form small batches and the way they want.
The distillery is a very un-assuming building from the outside. Marked by an old tractor in the parking lot. But, once you walk in, you realize you are in a “whiskey” spot with some local history. To get the full story of the name of this distillery, you will have to watch the video below. But the Readers Digest version (for those of you that remember that magazine) is this. There is a spot not far from the distillery that was once the Dueling grounds for those individuals who couldn’t figure out a way to settle a dispute. The Sandford Duncan Inn is “the” place where this would happen. And, when we visited this historic place we met a great individual who showed us around, Rhonda Barton.
Anyways, the Kentucky constitution was even amended in the pledge that all elected officials have to take when they take office that they haven’t been in or would not take part in a duel. It’s a fascinating story. Watch the video.
But, let’s talk whiskey. They are only making 3 expressions. With one of those being a single barrel of their other two. And the other two are the same mash bill. One is at Cask Strength and the other is proofed down to 100 (and is 4 years old) . So, they are not splitting their time between several different mash bills. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But remember, this is a small distillery. So they are concentrating on making their core product and making it very very well.
And speaking of size, in our discussion with Mark (the owner) they are getting ready for expansion. To almost double the size, Which means more of this tasty whiskey. So they will be going from 1 to 2 pot stills. It’s going to be a very crowded still room when they get the second still installed.

And, you wouldn’t expect a small distillery like this to have a big cocktail culture, but that is not the case here. DGD has their very own certified Mixologist, Zac Smith, who is creating signature cocktails every week. He’s been doing this for over 3 years and has yet to repeat a cocktail! Talk about creativity. Zac made us his signature “Fall-Fashioned” and “Raspberry Collins”. On top of that, Zac is a certified Whiskey Sommelier.
History….Creativity….Knowledge…
Oh, and before I forget….They too have great pizza. Get the pizza.
What i'm drinking while writing this:
Linkumpinch Single Barrel Cask Strength
Proof: 117.5
Nose: Carmel, Vanilla, Oak. ripe Raspberries, the proof comes through
Pallet: Good mouthfeel, Raisins and Fig, Grassy. Warm and the proof is there
Finish: Long, Fig, Chocolate and some malt. Good solid Kentucky hug, Charred Oak
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