Rabbit Hole Distillery

Located in the heart of the trendy NuLu district in modern Louisville, the Rabbit Hole Distillery is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most innovative production facilities in the USA. More than just a factory, it is an ultra-modern 55,000-square-foot space enclosed in a glass and metal structure. The five-story building is designed so that every visitor can witness firsthand the transformation of select grain into premium whiskey.

Founded in 2012 by Kaveh Zamanian, the distillery embodies the grain-to-glass philosophy. While honoring Kentucky traditions, they boldly experiment with unique mash bills using rare types of malted barley and rye. At the heart of the production is an impressive custom copper still crafted by the famous masters at Vendome Copper & Brass Works.

The main feature of this place is its transparency in every sense. Panoramic windows allow tourists to see every stage of distillation, creating a feeling of total immersion in the process. Rabbit Hole Distillery is rightfully considered a must-see for anyone who appreciates industrial design aesthetics and wants to experience the modern art of making American bourbon.

For those planning a visit, below is the essential contact information to reach the administration and clarify visiting details.

The highlight of your visit will be the distillery tour, where you can observe all stages of production through giant glass walls. Visitors will see the grain milling process, fermentation, and the operation of the unique 24-inch copper column still. The journey concludes in a controlled rickhouse, where the famous spirit matures in new American oak barrels.

In a special tasting area on the top floor, guests are invited to try flagship varieties such as Rabbit Hole Bourbon or Heigold. Connoisseurs note rich hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Don't miss the chance to taste limited editions, such as the sherry-finished Dareringer or anniversary barrel-strength releases.

After the tasting, it's worth stopping by the brand store, where you can purchase not only rare bottles of whiskey but also stylish merch, books on bourbon culture, and accessories. Special events are occasionally held here to celebrate the release of new batches, allowing tourists to be among the first to evaluate the results of the master distillers' creative pursuits.

Located at 711 E Jefferson St, the distillery is in the heart of the vibrant NuLu district, in close proximity to the historic city center. If you are traveling by car, the site is easily accessible via I-65 or I-71, and parking spaces are available throughout the NuLu area.

For public transport users, a convenient option is the TARC bus system, which stops very close by on Jefferson St. If you are arriving from Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF), a taxi or Uber/Lyft ride will take about 15–20 minutes.

Since the NuLu district is known for its walkability, a visit to the distillery can easily be combined with a stroll through local restaurants and galleries. Many tourists following the Kentucky Bourbon Trail include "Rabbit Hole" as a mandatory stop due to its convenient urban location.

The story of this place began in 2012 when Kaveh Zamanian, an immigrant from Tehran and a successful clinical psychologist, decided to radically change his life. Inspired by his wife Heather’s love for Kentucky traditions, he left a 20-year practice to immerse himself in the world of whiskey making. The name "Rabbit Hole" was not chosen by accident—it symbolizes how deeply and selflessly the founder delved into his new endeavor.

Before opening their own building in 2018, production was carried out at other facilities, but Zamanian always aimed to create a unique space. His approach involved reimagining traditions: using malted grains (barley, corn, and rye) and proprietary yeast strains. This drive for innovation made the distillery a pioneer of the new wave in the industry, prompting connoisseurs to take a fresh look at classic bourbon.

In 2019, joining the Pernod Ricard group gave the company a significant boost, allowing the brand to reach a global level. The founder's achievements were officially recognized in 2022 when Kaveh Zamanian was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Today, the distillery continues to strengthen its connection with the city by releasing special series, such as Cavehill, which features iconic local landmarks on its labels.

To fully appreciate the architecture and technological processes, guests are recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is enough time for a standard production tour followed by a tasting in the bar with panoramic views.

If you plan to explore the gift shop selection in detail or want to linger in the lounge area for a deeper dive into rare releases, you should allow for about 3 hours. Given the popularity of the location, it is best to book your visit time in advance.

The distillery typically welcomes guests from Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The facility is generally closed to visitors on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays.

Since tour schedules and special events can change, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website before your trip.

A visit to this modern distillery is only part of what this region has to offer. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to discover family amusement parks and active recreation areas that will complement your cultural program with bright emotions.

Below are interesting sites located within reach of the distillery: