Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd.

In 1935, the distillery was erected on a farm, purchased by Lambert Willett, father of Thompson Willett, founder of the Willett Distilling Company.

Thompson’s brother, Johnny Willett, was an established engineer, who was responsible for the construction of the distillery.

Post Civil War
John David Willett, with his brother-in-law Thomas S. Moore of Bardstown, and Mr. Frenke of Louisville, formed the company Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery, located in Bardstown. In 1876, John D. Willett fell ill and sold his interest to Frenke and Moore.

Lambert Willett, son of John David, grew up in the shadow of his father, learning the art of distilling from some of the most respected men in the business at the time. Therefore, it was not unusual that Lambert Willett began his career in the Whiskey business at the early age of 15.

Prohibition Period
During Prohibition, Lambert raised hogs and cattle at his farm in Bardstown.

End of Prohibition
At the end of Prohibition, Lambert was the new superintendent of the newly renovated Max Selliger & Co. Distillery, and his son A.L. “Thompson” Willett joined him as assistant superintendent. Thompson Willett left the Max Selliger & Co. Distillery to build the Willett Distilling Company.

1935
Located just on the outskirts of Bardstown, Kentucky, the Willett Distilling Company began construction in the Spring of 1935. The distillery was erected on a farm, purchased by Lambert Willett, father of Thompson Willett, founder of the Willett Distilling Company.

In the beginning of 1936, the Willett Distilling Company produced its first batch of 300 bushels (~30 barrels) on March 17th, 1936.

The newly barreled whiskey was stored in one of the eight warehouses, each capable of holding between 5,000-6,000 barrels (Total capacity 48,623 barrels). The warehouses were built on some of the highest ground in the county, assuring that a fresh breeze would aid in the maturation of the whiskey. Five years after the foundation of the Willett Distilling Company Lambert retired from the Max Selliger & Co. to manage his farm and oversee the distilling process.

The Willett Distilling Company continued to operate until the early 1980’s. The Willett’s had made their mark on the Bourbon industry and it was now time for them to retire. On July 1, 1984, Even G. Kulsveen (pronounced Evan), a native of Hamar, Norway, and son-in-law to Thompson Willett, purchased the property from the Willett’s and formed Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. Even Kulsveen continues to operate at the facility to this day.

Distillery Restorations
Great efforts to restore the distillery to its original state have been ongoing for several years and are now in the final stages of completion. Upon completion of renovations, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers will welcome visitors from all over the world.

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