FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Silent Brigade Distillery in downtown Paducah is the newest and 34th member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
Silent Brigade was founded in 2014 by Keith Bundy and John Brown, co-workers and friends for more than a decade. Their skills as a boilermaker and crane operator, respectively, led to a shared passion for researching, designing and crafting copper stills.
After sending stills to four craft distilleries, the duo decided to follow their dream and opened Silent Brigade with their own 305-gallon copper pot still. Their experiments with still design led to a smooth corn whiskey and unique “grain to glass” experience.
The distillery offers several varieties of flavored moonshine, including apple pie, peach, blackberry, chocolate coconut and pina colada, as well as the LBL recipes of apple sin and original 1950s style moonshine.
Plans for a Bourbon are underway and will be released when aged.
“Silent Brigade is an exciting addition to Paducah’s downtown scene,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “Keith and John have created an inviting space that welcomes the community and visitors to come together and engage in Kentucky’s thriving craft spirits industry.
“Visitors to Silent Brigade can get a first-hand look at the distillation process, experience the products, then relax at the bar sharing stories with the distillers themselves while enjoying one of their many hand-crafted cocktails.
“We congratulate Silent Brigade on its success and proudly welcome them to our distilling family.”
Silent Brigade, located at 426 Broadway, also features a full-service bar where the bartenders are the same individuals who grind the grains, ferment the mash, distill, bottle, label and serve its signature cocktails. Tours and tastings are Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.
“Silent Brigade would like to thank the KDA for all the hard work they have done, not just for the distilling industry but for the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Bundy, the distillery’s president.
“It is humbling to be accepted into a prestigious organization with so many of the finest distilleries our great Commonwealth has to offer. As we continue to grow, we hope to be an asset and valuable member of the KDA.”
Silent Brigade joins the KDA as a craft level member, aging less than 1,000 barrels a year. The KDA now has 34 members, the most since the Repeal of Prohibition.
To learn more, visit www.silentbrigadedistillery.com for additional information.
Founded in 1880, the KDA is the state’s voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.
Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a booming $8.5 billion economic engine that generates as many as 17,500 jobs with an annual payroll topping $800 million, and pours $825 million into tax coffers each year.
In addition, the industry is in the middle of a $1.2 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism centers to expanded production facilities, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky’s signature spirit.
There are now 52 distilleries in the Commonwealth and 6.8 million barrels of aging Bourbon – both modern records. Distillers also paid a record $19.2 million this year in barrel taxes that fund critical local programs such as education, public safety and health.
The KDA’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour also made history last year, with tourists making a record one million stops at 20 participating distilleries. Attendance has skyrocketed by 300 percent in the last 10 years, Gregory said.
Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.
Gregory said the integrity of its members continues to elevate the KDA’s mission.
“We are proud to welcome Silent Brigade to KDA’s diverse and ever-expanding family. We admire their commitment to the tradition of hard work and hospitality that has sustained and advanced Kentucky’s distilled spirits industry to be the tremendous economic driver it is today.”
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