Mammoth Cave Distillery is a historic bourbon brand with a storied past, dating back to the late 19th century. As a cavern touring enthusiast, you’ll be fascinated to learn about the distillery’s connection to the Mammoth Cave National Park and its role in the evolution of the bourbon industry.
The Origins of Mammoth Cave Distillery
Mammoth Cave Distillery, originally known as the Old Times distillery, was registered as distillery number 1 in the 5th district of Kentucky. The distillery was built in 1869 and changed hands several times over the years. In 1895, it distilled a Bottled in Bond Kentucky Bourbon, which is now a rare and valuable artifact from the pre-Prohibition era.
The Bottled in Bond Act
The Bottled in Bond Act, passed in 1897, was a significant milestone in the bourbon industry. This act ensured a legal standard of quality for bourbon whiskey, requiring that it be the product of a single distilling season, with the date of distillation and bottling displayed, and a minimum strength of 100 US proof. The act was championed by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. and opposed by “Rectifiers” who produced cheap whiskey using grain neutral spirits and flavorings.
Prohibition and the Legacy of Mammoth Cave Distillery
The Old Times distillery did not survive the Prohibition era and closed its doors in 1920. However, the Mammoth Cave brand was later purchased by W.L. Weller and Sons, who bottled it as a medicinal product during Prohibition. The brand’s legacy continued, eventually leading to the creation of the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1935.
Visiting Distilleries Near Mammoth Cave National Park
As a cavern touring enthusiast, you may be interested in visiting some of the distilleries located near Mammoth Cave National Park. Here are a few options to consider:
| Distillery | Distance from Mammoth Cave |
|---|---|
| Dueling Grounds Distillery | 42 miles |
| Jim Beam Distillery | Approximately 1 hour drive |
| Stitzel-Weller Distillery | Approximately 1 hour drive |
| Maker’s Mark Distillery | Approximately 1.5 hour drive |
Each of these distilleries offers unique tour experiences, allowing you to learn about the history and production process of bourbon.
Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park
Of course, no visit to the Mammoth Cave region would be complete without exploring the Mammoth Cave National Park itself. The park offers a variety of tour options, including the Wild Cave Tour, which involves crawling, wriggling, and climbing through tight spaces, and the Star Chamber Tour, which focuses on the history and geology of the caves.
Conclusion
Mammoth Cave Distillery’s rich history and connection to the Mammoth Cave National Park make it a fascinating destination for cavern touring enthusiasts. By exploring the distillery’s past and visiting the nearby distilleries, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the bourbon industry and its ties to the natural wonders of the region.
References:
- https://whiskyauctioneer.com/lot/135941/mammoth-cave-1895-bottled-bond-kentucky-bourbon-pre-prohibition
- https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/long-weekend-in-ky-bourbon-trail-and-mammoth-cave-971248/
- https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=distilleries&find_loc=Mammoth+Cave%2C+KY+42259
- https://veganvoyagers.com/2017/07/visiting-the-bourbon-trail-and-mammoth-caves-in-kentucky/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g39601-d108035-r467298361-Maker_s_Mark-Loretto_Kentucky.html