Kentucky Tavern is a brand of straight bourbon whiskey produced at the Barton Distillery located in Bardstown, Kentucky
First produced in the early 1900s, the legendary Kentucky Tavern Bourbon brand was created by whiskey pioneer James Thompson who founded the famous Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro, KY.
Purchased by James Thompson in 1901 who renamed the company Glenmore Distillery Company with locations in Owensboro and Louisville, Kentucky.[2] In 1903 the Kentucky Tavern trademark was first registered.[3] Glenmore proved a successful and durable company, its main brand being Kentucky Tavern. It is usually produced as an 80 proof liquor, although a 100 proof is also available. It bears resemblance in color and flavor to that of Kentucky Gentleman, which is also produced by Barton Distilleries.
Kentucky Tavern is relatively affordable for bourbon and can be purchased in 200 ml, 375 mL, 750 mL, 1 L and 1.75 L quantities.
In March 2009, the Sazerac Company of New Orleans purchased the Tom Moore distillery and many brands owned by Constellation Spirits (formerly Barton Brands) as part of a $334 million transaction.
In 2019 the whisky was awarded the Bronze by World Whiskies Awards for ‘Best Kentucky Bourbon’