Now Open at The Commons: RD1 Distillery

Ryder Brown • May 21, 2025

A New Kind of Bourbon Destination

We’re thrilled to officially welcome RD1 Spirits to The Commons—a major milestone not just for our development, but for the city of Lexington and Kentucky’s legendary Bourbon Trail.


RD1 Distillery is more than just a tasting room. It's an immersive brand destination, research lab, and full-blown bourbon experience rolled into one. Clocking in at over 10,000 square feet—triple the size of their former Distillery District space—RD1 now anchors our 42-acre mixed-use development with a bold new chapter in Lexington’s bourbon legacy.


What to Expect Inside

Inside, guests are treated to:

 

  • A wraparound bourbon bar
  • Two private tasting rooms
  • A VIP lab experience with R&D Master Distiller, Dr. Jarrad Gollihue
  • A hidden speakeasy for private groups
  • "RD1 Forest," an indoor zone focused on wood science and bourbon finishing
  • A gift shop featuring exclusive releases only available at The Commons

 

RD1's approach to bourbon is experimental, sensory-driven, and rooted in Kentucky heritage. With over 50 wood finishes tested on-site annually, their R&D setup invites you to explore new flavors—and maybe even bottle one to take home.


Fueling Growth in West Lexington

This isn’t just a new distillery. It’s a catalyst for tourism and economic growth on Lexington’s west side. As the official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail here at The Commons, RD1 is projected to welcome 30,000+ visitors each year. The energy is real, the impact is tangible, and the experience is unforgettable.


Plan Your Visit

Come visit RD1 Distillery at The Commons: 113 Turner Commons Way, Suite 110. Open daily with tastings, tours, and plenty of reasons to come back again and again.


Check out their website to learn more.

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