Crafting the Future: Bourbon Innovation Meets Tradition in Covington

February 17, 2025

If you’re a bourbon lover—or just someone who appreciates a great story poured into a glass —Covington, Kentucky, is about to steal your heart. This gem of a city blends history, innovation, and good ol’ Southern charm into an unforgettable experience for anyone curious about Bourbon. Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves at a blending workshop or sipping on more modern spirits, Covington has something special waiting for you.


Bold  Innovation at Wenzel Whiskey


If innovation is what gets you excited, Wenzel Whiskey is the place to be. Their award-winning spirits are bold, complex, and unforgettable—just like the stories behind them. They’re known for pushing boundaries with their rectifying or redistilling process and personalized blending experience. Visiting Wenzel feels like being part of bourbon’s next big chapter. And trust me, once you’ve tasted their creations or blended your own, you’ll see why they’re making waves far beyond Covington.

 

Want to learn more about their philosophy and spirits? Visit Wenzel Whiskey for a deeper dive into their offerings and upcoming events.



A Taste of the Past at Pensive Distilling


Not everything in Covington is about reinventing the wheel. Pensive Distilling, right down the road in Newport, is a beautiful reminder of bourbon’s rich history. This is where tradition takes center stage—old-school recipes, classic equipment, and a respect for the process that makes every sip feel like a journey through time. Upstairs, they even have a hidden speakeasy room, its entrance concealed just like during Prohibition.


Walking into Pensive feels like stepping into a piece of Bourbon history, and the stories behind their craft are just as rich as the bourbon itself. It’s a place where you’ll leave with more than just a taste—you’ll leave with an appreciation for the roots of bourbon culture. Check out all that Pensive Distilling has to offer.


Pensive Distilling


Savoring Tradition at Augusta Distillery 


If you want to experience bourbon the way it was meant to be enjoyed, you’ve got to make your way to Augusta Distillery. Tucked along the banks of the Ohio River, this place feels like a step back in time—but with a modern twist. It’s where tradition meets craftsmanship, where every bottle tells a story, and where bourbon lovers (new and seasoned) come to connect over a shared passion.


One of the coolest things they offer? The River Proof Series Bourbon, where you don’t just drink bourbon—you bottle it yourself. There’s something special about sealing up your own piece of history, knowing you’ll pop it open later and relive the moment. Discover more and bottle your own bourbon at Augusta Distillery.




Your Next Bourbon Adventure in Covington


Here’s the thing about Covington—it’s more than just a city; it’s a full-on experience. It’s about the people, the experience, and that unmistakable Kentucky charm. A vibe you can’t mistake. It’s a place where tradition and innovation meet, and where every bottle, every sip, tells a story. So, whether you’re sipping a perfectly aged pour, chatting with the folks behind the craft, or just kicking back and soaking in the river town vibes, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve just discovered something truly special.


Are you ready to explore Covington and taste the story for yourself?

Come Find Bourbon

May 22, 2025
In 1818, Catherine Spears Carpenter Frye made bourbon history as the first person to write down the recipe for sour mash. A century later, Margie Samuels made her own historic contribution when, in the 1950s, she created the most iconic whiskey packaging in the industry with Maker’s Mark’s hand-dipped red wax seal. In 2016, Joyce and Autumn Netherly made headlines as Kentucky’s only mother/daughter bourbon distillery owners. As far back as the early 1800s, Kentucky women have been leaving their mark on the bourbon landscape. “The bourbon industry isn’t just for the boys,” said Stacy Prichard, vice president of distillery relations at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival , held every September on the grounds of Spalding Hall in Bardstown. “There are a lot of women in bourbon—many with chemical and engineering degrees. There are lots of women in leadership roles. Pretty much anything women want to do, they’re doing it.” 
May 14, 2025
Bourbon and chocolate. Bourbon and bacon. Bourbon and the Great Outdoors. Bourbon is the ultimate pairing partner. And in Northern Kentucky , bourbon sipping and strolling, tasting and touring go hand in hand—especially when the neighborhoods explored are architectural beauties with lots of character and independently owned shops and restaurants, like in Covington and Newport, or countryside charmers surrounded by gorgeous scenery, like Florence. Whether walking, shuttling, or ridesharing, these communities seamlessly blend bourbon adventuring and outdoor fun while also supporting safe and responsible exploration. COVINGTON: A WALKABLE BOURBON HUB Bourbon Experience: Stroll MainStrasse Village, a German-inspired, pedestrian-friendly, National Register of Historic Places neighborhood. Pop into Stoney’s Etc. toy shop, Hail Records & Oddities, and other unique shops, or take a snap of the Goose Girl Fountain, and relax at Goebel Park with its historic glockenspiel clock tower. Pop into B-Line ® stop, the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar , and let the staff guide you to your perfect cocktail, mixed with one of a selection of more than 800 bourbons. Sip inside or enjoy on the patio. Alternatively, ride-share to Ludlow to experience one of NKY’s most original distilleries, Second Sight Spirits , with its Las Vegas show-inspired Swami still, crystal balls, and tours that include a tasting of the distillery’s Oak Eye Kentucky Bourbon, fine rums, moonshine, and fan-favorite hazelnut liqueur. Outdoor Adventure: Walk the Roebling Suspension Bridge for sweeping views of the Ohio River unwinding between Cincinnati’s stunning skyline and Northern Kentucky’s church-steepled landscape. At night, when illuminated, the experience is magical. Play a round of disc golf at Devou Park, a 700-acre playground with one of the most photogenic views in the region at its iconic city overlook. Follow the outdoor art on foot with walking tours in Covington’s Central Business District with its mid-1800s architecture to see murals, mosaics, statues, and sculptures, including Clive the Alien, a 50-foot green space invader hanging out—or over—the Midtown Parking Garage and keeping a watchful eye on the earthlings below. 
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