About
Brothers Wright Distilling Co. is an Eastern Kentucky distilling brand rooted in Pike County’s Appalachian heritage, known for an uncommon approach to maturation that ties directly back to the region’s coal mining history. With a growing public-facing presence in Pikeville, visitors can get a feel for the area’s culture and storytelling alongside a taste of Kentucky-made spirits. The brand’s identity is closely connected to place, highlighting reclaimed land, local history, and a distinctive aging environment that sets it apart from more traditional bourbon destinations across the state.
Dueling Barrels Distillery (also known as Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery) is a Pikeville destination that brings Kentucky bourbon culture into the heart of the Appalachian foothills. Set in Eastern Kentucky, it pairs the region’s hardworking spirit and storytelling traditions with a modern visitor experience that blends distilling and brewing under one roof. A visit here feels rooted and authentic, with a strong sense of place: mountain-town energy, local history, and a lineup that ranges from craft beer to moonshine and whiskey. Whether you’re passing through on a scenic drive or building a full Eastern Kentucky itinerary, Dueling Barrels offers a distinctive, off-the-beaten-path take on the Commonwealth’s sipping culture.
History
Brothers Wright Distilling Co. was founded in 2021 by brothers Kendall and Shannon Wright with a clear concept from the start, to mature whiskey in an underground coal mine. The brand’s long-term plans center on Pike County, including a major development project tied to rehabilitating a historic mining property and building out a larger distilling and visitor operation. In late 2023, state leaders publicly announced the company’s plans for a large investment in Pike County tied to establishing a new distillery operation and job creation, with a vision that pairs spirits production with a broader visitor experience. In 2025, Brothers Wright expanded its footprint and public access by acquiring the Dueling Barrels Brewery and Distillery destination in Pikeville, bringing a well-established craft beverage site under the same ownership umbrella and strengthening the brand’s ability to welcome travelers directly in town while continuing to build toward its longer-range distillery development.
Notoriety
Brothers Wright Distilling Co. is best known for its coal mine-aged whiskey concept, a maturation approach that connects modern Kentucky spirits to the temperature-stable, heritage-rich environment of an underground mine. That idea has helped the brand stand out in a crowded bourbon landscape, especially for travelers looking for a distillery story that feels uniquely Appalachian and place-driven. The company’s growing recognition is also tied to its Pike County focus, combining Kentucky whiskey culture with Eastern Kentucky history, land restoration, and a visitor economy angle that aims to bring more attention to the region. With an expanded presence that includes public-facing experiences in Pikeville and continued development plans in Pike County, Brothers Wright has become a name many visitors associate with “something different” in Kentucky distilling, both in how it matures spirits and how it tells the story of where those spirits come from.
experiences
Cocktail Classes
Duration:
N/A
Price:
N/A
At this time, the distillery does not offer any cocktail classes.
Tours & Tastings
Duration:
1 Hr
Price:
$12
Brothers Wright Distilling Co. pairs its coal mine-aged bourbon story with tours and tastings at its Pikeville home base.
amenities
Cocktail Bar
Event Spaces
Food Options
Gift Shop
Scenic Location
Special Events
nearby
Distilleries
Dueling Barrels Brewery and Distillery
Pauley Hollow Distillery
Kentucky Mist Moonshine Distillery
Things To Do
Bob Amos Park
The Appalachian Center for the Arts
Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum
Food & Drink
Bank 253 Restaurant and Nightlife
The Mine 606
Drake’s
Stay
The Landmark Hotel
Hampton Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites