The Doctor of Wood Will See You Now RD1 Spirits Crafting Kentuckys Next Chapter

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We explore the innovative world of RD1 Spirits with Barry
Brinegar and Dr. Jared Gollihue, discovering how scientific
methodology is reshaping bourbon finishing techniques at their
new Lexington distillery.

• RD1's journey from honoring William Tarr's 1865 legacy to
becoming pioneers in wood-finished Kentucky bourbon
• Dr. Jared Gollihue's scientific approach to wood finishing,
bringing PhD-level expertise to bourbon production
• The challenges of wood selection, including regulatory hurdles
with the TTB and FDA for exotic wood species
• Why whiskey needs time to "settle" after blending or opening,
with flavor compounds needing time to recalculate
• Beer barrel finishing experiments creating unique flavor
profiles through a circular aging process
• Sister Cities whiskey, blending bourbon and rye finished with
French oak and Japanese Mizunara
• Experimental offerings available only at the distillery's
tasting room, including smoked oak and maple
• RD1's position as an anchor tenant in Lexington's new
entertainment district at The Commons

Visit RD1 Spirits at their new distillery location in The Commons
in Lexington, Kentucky to experience their unique wood-finished
bourbons and experimental offerings firsthand.

What happens when scientific methodology meets the artistry of
Kentucky bourbon? At RD1 Spirits' gleaming new distillery in
Lexington, the answer is nothing short of
revolutionary. 

Barry Brinegar and Dr. Jared Gollihue are writing bourbon's next
chapter through methodical wood experimentation that transforms
traditional Kentucky whiskey into something extraordinary. Their
journey from honoring the William Tarr legacy to pioneering
innovative finishing techniques demonstrates the untapped
potential still waiting to be discovered in America's native
spirit.

The scientific precision behind RD1's approach is fascinating.
Dr. Gollihue, with his PhD in wood maturation, doesn't just
randomly add wood to barrels – he calculates precise ratios,
documents every variable, and maintains 50+ test barrels
simultaneously. When he explains why whiskey needs time to
"recalculate" after blending or why flavor chemistry doesn't
scale linearly, you realize this is bourbon-making at its most
thoughtful.

The tasting room offers an unparalleled experience where visitors
can sample experimental barrels that showcase woods from around
the world – Mizunara oak, sweet cherry, French oak, and even
maple wood smoked on bourbon barrel staves. Their Sister Cities
release brilliantly combines bourbon and rye with French and
Japanese oak influences, honoring Lexington's international
connections while creating a wholly unique whiskey
expression.

As an anchor tenant in Lexington's emerging entertainment
district at The Commons, RD1 is positioned at the center of a
bourbon tourism destination that will soon feature pickleball
courts, axe throwing, and an amphitheater. This blend of
innovation, accessibility, and Kentucky heritage makes RD1 a
must-visit for anyone wondering what more Kentucky bourbon can
do.

Come taste the future of bourbon where science meets art – no lab
coat required, but an adventurous palate is highly recommended.


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