
Former Four Roses master distiller Jim Rutledge has revealed plans to open a distillery in Kentucky, which will produce Bourbon and rye whiskey.
" As you are aware by now, my friends and cohorts – Stephen Camisa and Jon Mowry – and I are collaborating to build a modern, energy efficient and sustainable, mid-size distillery. We will produce Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey the “old-fashioned way” relative to the requisites, guidelines and standards for Straight Whiskey production that have been in place for close to two centuries". ~Jim Rutledge
" As you are aware by now, my friends and cohorts – Stephen Camisa and Jon Mowry – and I are collaborating to build a modern, energy efficient and sustainable, mid-size distillery. We will produce Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey the “old-fashioned way” relative to the requisites, guidelines and standards for Straight Whiskey production that have been in place for close to two centuries". ~Jim Rutledge

The Cream of Kentucky brand was originally introduced in 1888 by I. Trager & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Just prior to the end of Prohibition, the brand was acquired by the famed Schenley Company and subsequently re-introduced in 1934. Through the 1930s and 1940s Cream of Kentucky grew to become one of the leading bourbon brands, with renowned artist Norman Rockwell provided much of the award winning artwork for the brand during its heyday. Cream of Kentucky is now owned by J.W. Rutledge, and Jim has recently purchased a limited supply of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey he feels is worthy of the rebirth of Cream of Kentucky Bourbon as a premium whiskey.
The first release of Cream of Kentucky was 11.5 years old, the second was 12.3 years old, the last two have both been 13 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Keep a lookout for the next venture as "High Plains Whiskey" is due out in 2021.