Oxmoor Bourbon Co. / Oxmoor Farms

An original label from Oxmoor Bourbon

So usually when I write up a blog post of a distillery visit, I have a pretty good idea of how to start and what all I want to say. But.....that's not the case with respect to Oxmoor Bourbon Co. / Oxmoor Farm. Let's go with Oxmoor Farm from this point forward.

To say we were blown away is an understatement! Oxmoor Bourbon is located in Louisville. And as you would expect, it's a lot of industry, shopping, restaurants, apartment complexes, etc...The drive that leads down to the house, looks like you are driving into a park. The first thought I had was "this has to be what it looks like when you drive down the lane at Augusta National Golf Course. It's freakin' beautiful. Trees lined the drive, and there is grass everywhere. In the middle of the city!

Then, this majestic house appears in front of you and you realize "we're not in Kansas (or urban Louisville) anymore. It's stunning.

We were greeted by Shirley Harmon (the curator) and she was as welcoming as you would expect a southern lady to be. After some introductions, she gave us a quick tour so we could get an idea of what and where to film, and we set to work.

So, here's how this all came about...Since we were going to be in Louisville for a barrel pick, I reached out and contacted Spirits Attorney, Brian Haara to see if he would be interested in sitting down with us for some short discussions on whiskey and the law. He said yes, and then the hunt was on for a place to film. He suggested Oxmoor Farm, so I reached out. A place I had never heard of (and i'm guessing, many of you haven't either).

A couple of emails back and forth, and a few phone calls, and we were all set to film Brian Haara's interview at Oxmoor Farm. Now me being me, I did a little research and realized we were stepping back in time to someplace that most no one knows about. This is my kind of place. History. Legacy. Whiskey. I'm all in.

I knew there would be a story here, but I didn't expect to find the stories we found. Holy. Buckets!!! We heard stories that involved Winston Churchill. We heard stories that involved Evan Williams. Yes that Evan Williams, of whiskey fame and brand (you will have to watch the video to see how he's involved). Could you imagine telling the Queen of England no? We heard this story, and so many others.

Receipt from Evan Williams for the bricks for the fireplace

But one of the biggest stories we heard is that not only was the constitution of Kentucky partially drafted here in this house, but the initial draft of the Bottled in Bond Act was written in this house. And one of the owners of the house, argued against Prohibition at the Supreme Court... twice. Wait. What?!?!

When you come to Oxmoor Farms for a tour, you end up in the grand library. And, there you get to taste their Oxmoor Bourbon. This is a Bourbon that has been resurrected using the same techniques that were used back in the day when they created their own estate whiskey. It is sourced, and they are upfront about that, but oh my is it tasty. Rich, decadent and full of flavor. They have a small Batch and a single barrel. But, don't look for this in a store. You can only get it here at Oxmoor Farm. Even more reasons to come and check this out.

So the big question....why have you or why hasn't anyone heard of this place with so much whiskey history? The simple answer is that it is a private home and working farm. All the history was locked away until 2005. So it's just now getting discovered and released. The house is still a working house. The Bullitt family still comes to the house and stays three or four times a year. Matter of fact, the day we were filming, members of the family were coming in to stay at the house for family wedding. Crazy.

from Left to Right - Brian Haara, Shirley Harmon, Big Human, Jeff Zahrt

Drinking their Bourbon in the Grand Library was surreal. You could feel the whiskey history oozing out of this house. it's almost like whiskey that has been kept in an oak barrel for years and was finally dumped out and shared with everyone. The best way to drink whiskey is to sit down and share it with friends and make memories. At the end of the day, that's exactly what it felt like. With a heavy coat of whiskey history wrapping you up in a blanket. I want to go back.

This was such a surprise shoot and story development. We were completely caught off guard. A huge thank you to Brian Haara for suggesting this location, and to Shirley Harmon for opening up the doors to Oxmoor Farms and telling it's story. In the words of Kirk...Wow!

What am I drinking while writing this?

Oxmoor Bourbon Co. Small Batch

Proof: 119

Nose: Carmel, Vanilla, Marashino cherry, light Oak, and Ripe Red fruit

Pallet: Good mouthfeel, Ripe Red fruit, Creamy and viscous, Buttery Croisant

Finish: Long and Savory, Warm Spice, and Oak, Ripe fruit like raspberries