Day 26: Whiskey Thief

As I gear up for the Bourbon Country Burn this 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.

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., formerly known as Three Boys Farm Distillery, is a small, grain-to-glass distillery that focuses exclusively on single-barrel offerings, each with its own distinct character. What sets Whiskey Thief apart is their unique tasting experience, where visitors use a whiskey thief to pull their own samples directly from the barrel. If you like what you taste, you can fill your own bottle right there at the distillery, giving the process a hands-on, personal touch that’s rare to find.

Ownership changed about four years ago when Walter Zausch became the new owner and CEO. With his background in technology and architecture, Zausch brought a customer-focused approach to the distillery. Over the past few years, Whiskey Thief has made several improvements to the visitor experience, including upgraded tasting areas and a more refined process that emphasizes the personalized nature of their straight-from-the-barrel approach. These enhancements are likely Zausch’s influence, making the distillery even more welcoming to bourbon enthusiasts.

The distillery has plans to expand to a second location in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood, which will offer the same hands-on, straight-from-the-barrel tasting experience. While the Louisville location isn’t open yet, it’s exciting to see Whiskey Thief growing and reaching a broader audience.

Another thing I really appreciate about Whiskey Thief is their option to purchase smaller 375ml bottles. When sampling single barrels, this lets me experience more variety without committing to a full 750ml bottle every time. It’s a great way to enjoy more of their unique barrels and explore the range of what they’re producing.

Today’s pour comes from a single barrel with an 80/12/8 mash bill (80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malted barley) that’s been aged for six years. Whiskey Thief’s small-batch approach, combined with the Kentucky climate, produces rich, flavorful bourbons that don’t shy away from complexity.

On the nose, there’s a sweet hit of caramel and honey with just enough spice to let you know the rye is there. The first sip brings out classic vanilla and oak, with the corn giving it that familiar bourbon sweetness. As you get further in, the rye spice starts to build, adding a nice balance to the sweetness. The finish is long, with warm oak and a leathery note that hangs around, making this a bourbon that’s both comforting and interesting enough to keep sipping.

If you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend checking out Whiskey Thief at their Franklin County farm, located just about 30 minutes from Lexington. And while it may only be on the Century Route for the Bourbon Country Burn, you certainly don’t need to bike 100 miles to get there! You can also visit their upcoming NuLu location in Louisville once it opens. Their hands-on, straight-from-the-barrel experience is a must for bourbon lovers.

---

Distillery: Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
Mash Bill: 80% corn, 12% rye, 8% malted barley
Age: 6 years
Proof: Undisclosed (single barrel)
Availability: Bottled on 3/17/24; no longer available.