About
E.J. Curley & Co. is a heritage-driven Kentucky bourbon brand rooted in Jessamine County along the dramatic Kentucky River Palisades, where limestone cliffs, creekside bends, and protected natural landscapes create a setting that feels more like a historic river estate than a typical distillery stop. The site is tied to Camp Nelson history and the original Curley-era distilling footprint, and today the brand’s identity blends old-world bourbon romance with a refined, modern presentation. For travelers who love bourbon stories as much as bourbon flavor, E.J. Curley & Co. stands out as a revival project built around place, legacy, and the idea that Kentucky whiskey tourism can feel immersive, scenic, and deeply historic.
History
E.J. Curley & Co. traces its origins to 1867, when E.J. Curley built his namesake operation along the Kentucky River Palisades and helped shape early bourbon commerce with a marketer’s mindset and an empire-builder’s ambition. The historic campus evolved across eras and names, operating on the property through much of the late 19th and 20th centuries and later becoming associated with the Kentucky River Distillery identity before the original operation ended decades ago. In the modern era, the brand has been revived as a major restoration and redevelopment effort aimed at bringing spirits production back to the original setting near Camp Nelson, with plans that have included site preservation, visitor-focused improvements, and a renewed emphasis on connecting bourbon production to the land and history that originally defined it. The result is a “then-and-now” Kentucky story. One that honors the past while rebuilding a new future for a storied riverbank distilling site.
Notoriety
E.J. Curley & Co. is best known for its historic brand revival and its deep ties to early bourbon-era identity, through legacy names like Blue Grass Bourbon, Boone’s Knoll Bourbon, and Curley Rye, which reflect an old Kentucky style of bourbon branding where place and prestige were part of the product. The property itself adds to the notoriety. The Palisades setting is a defining feature, with the river, creeks, and towering limestone cliffs creating a rare sense of natural drama for a whiskey destination. Even for travelers who may not be able to book a formal tour yet, the brand is frequently discussed as a “watch this space” bourbon project. One with the kind of historic footprint and scenic location that could become a standout stop as visitor offerings expand.
experiences
Cocktail Classes
Duration:
N/A
Price:
N/A
At this time, the distillery does not offer any cocktail classes.
Tours & Tastings
Duration:
N/A
Price:
N/A
At this time, the distillery does not offer any tours or tastings.
amenities
Not Applicable
nearby
Distilleries
Wild Turkey Distillery
Castle & Key Distillery
Woodford Reserve Distillery
Things To Do
Camp Nelson National Monument
Keeneland Race Course
Kentucky Horse Park
Food & Drink
Soul on Main
Bella Notte
OBC Kitchen
Stay
The Kentucky Castle
Origin Hotel Lexington
21c Museum Hotel Lexington