FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that the O.Z. Tyler Distillery in Owensboro is the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads the state’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.
“We’re thrilled that Bourbon production has returned to Owensboro, which has a rich and deep history in our legendary industry,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “And it’s always wonderful to see one of our landmark distilleries restored to its glory.
“On behalf of the KDA and all our members, we proudly welcome the O.Z. Tyler Distillery to our hallowed ranks, and applaud and congratulate the entire Terressentia team on its investment and success. Thank you for returning Bourbon to Daviess County.”
Even though it has a new name, the distillery actually traces its roots back 130 years. The Green River Distillery, built on the Ohio River site in 1885, was a major producer of Kentucky Bourbon before burning to the ground in 1918. It was rebuilt after Prohibition and
operated as the Charles W. Medley Distillery from 1936 to 1993.
The distillery was mostly vacant until 2014 when it was purchased by Terressentia, a South Carolina firm that has invested $25 million in a massive restoration of the 26-acre site, including six warehouses and a 54-inch column still capable of producing 32,000 barrels annually.
The distillery resumed production earlier this month and will create 75 full-time jobs.
“We are delighted to join the KDA and appreciate the warm welcome extended, as well as that received from the Owensboro community,” said Terressentia CEO Earl Hewlette. “The local vendors and contractors have been great to work with and we have found the community to be a real draw for the staff members we needed to relocate there.
“Everyone seems to have a story to tell about relatives who worked at the distillery at one point or another. It feels like a homecoming of sorts, particularly for Jacob Call, our third-generation distillery from Bardstown.”
O.Z. Tyler is the KDA’s 30th member, the most since the Repeal of Prohibition. Gregory said the distillery enters the group as a craft-level member, but he anticipates a quick rise through its ranks as its production and barrel inventories increase over the next year. The distillery is located at 10 Distillery Road in Owensboro. Its gift shop is open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, with tours and tastings available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays. It is closed for tours Saturday and Sunday.
To learn more, visit https://oztylerdistillery.com.
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