As I gear up for the Bourbon Country Burn next weekend—a three-day cycling event through the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country—my pours will be from distilleries along the route. The Burn is a unique combination of cycling and bourbon, with stops at some of the most iconic distilleries in the Bluegrass State. This week’s pours will serve as a preview of what’s to come during the ride.
Today’s pour comes from Hartfield & Co., the only distillery on Friday’s 49-mile medium route. Hartfield & Co. is a craft distillery in Paris, Kentucky, with the distinction of being the first legal distillery in Bourbon County since Prohibition. Like other grain-to-glass distilleries, Hartfield is committed to local ingredients and artisan techniques, but what sets them apart is their passion for pre-Prohibition style spirits. This approach emphasizes a return to the whiskey-making methods used before industrialization—focusing on bolder flavors, higher rye content, and a more hands-on, small-batch process.
Founded in 2014, Hartfield has made a name for itself by reviving these heritage practices. Their bourbons are unfiltered and rich, with a focus on grain-forward complexity and robust character. The result is a whiskey that harkens back to an earlier era of bourbon-making, where craftsmanship and flavor were prioritized over efficiency. For Hartfield, every bottle is a tribute to the history of Bourbon County and the art of making whiskey the old-fashioned way.
Tonight’s pour is Hartfield & Co.’s 8-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, released in September 2023 to commemorate the premiere of Bluegrass Spirits at the Kentucky Theater. Director Jonny Walls shot much of the movie at the Hartfield distillery, making this bottle a special nod to both the film and the distillery. Bottled at a hearty 124.2 proof, this cask strength bourbon offers a true taste of what Hartfield is capable of.
I picked up this bottle during last year’s Bourbon Country Burn, so it feels fitting to revisit it as we approach the Burn again this year.
On the nose, the bourbon opens with a bright apple sweetness that sets the stage for what’s to come. On the palate, warm apple and cinnamon come forward, giving the bourbon a classic, spiced character. Despite its hefty 124.2 proof, it’s approachable, with the rye in the mash bill delivering a gentle tingle on the tongue. The finish is long and balanced, with the apple and spice lingering, underscored by the rye’s warmth.
Hartfield & Co. continues to show that their dedication to heritage and craftsmanship results in some truly exceptional bourbons. And while you don’t need to ride 49 miles to enjoy a bottle, this one is definitely worth the effort.
Distillery: Not indicated, bottled by Neeley Family DistilleryMash Bill: Wheated bourbon (exact ratios not disclosed)Age: 6 YearsProof: 106.2 (53.1% ABV)Availability:
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