About
B.H. James Distillers is a small, visitor-friendly distillery located in Adairville, Kentucky, set inside the town’s former fire station. The experience feels personal and rooted in place, with an approachable tasting environment that highlights the distillery’s family inspiration and the craftsmanship behind its spirits. B.H. James has carved out a niche in Kentucky’s whiskey landscape by pairing a modern, award-focused mindset with a historic building and a community-scale atmosphere. Guests who enjoy discovering lesser-known stops beyond the larger distilleries will appreciate how easy it is to step in, learn the story, and sample what is being bottled. It is a stop that fits naturally into a day exploring south-central Kentucky, especially for travelers who want a distillery visit that feels relaxed, local, and conversation-driven.
History
B.H. James Distillers was built from a long-running personal goal that eventually became a full community destination. The project began taking tangible shape when founder and owner Shawn McCormick purchased the historic Adairville fire station in 2019 with the intention of transforming it into a working distillery. Early planning and preparation continued through 2020, including developing the brand identity and laying the groundwork for production, while also evaluating where best to produce and mature whiskey during the buildout. In 2021, the operation began a key phase of growth with expanded distilling and blending activity, along with building an inventory intended for future releases. The distillery moved from planning to public-facing progress in 2022, when B.H. James Distillers officially opened its doors in late fall and began bottling. The brand name and identity were designed as a tribute to McCormick’s great-grandfather, Burton H. James, whose story and legacy became central to the distillery’s character and labels. Since opening, B.H. James has continued developing its product lineup and welcoming visitors into a revived historic building that now serves as a modern distilling home in the heart of Adairville.
Notoriety
B.H. James Distillers is best known for delivering big recognition from a small-town footprint. One reason visitors seek it out is the way the brand ties its identity to Burton H. James, a professional baseball player from the early 1900s, and carries that heritage into the presentation of its bottles and the overall storytelling in the tasting room. Another reason is its momentum in competitions and spirits circles, where B.H. James has earned awards that help it stand out among newer craft operations. The distillery also attracts fans who enjoy a broader spirits range than bourbon alone, with offerings that extend beyond traditional Kentucky staples and create an accessible entry point for mixed groups of travelers. For many guests, the appeal is the combination of a restored historic setting, a founder-led narrative, and a tasting experience that feels direct and unpretentious while still delivering high-quality pours. In a region where some distillery visits can feel crowded or heavily scripted, B.H. James has built a reputation around a more intimate stop, the kind where you can ask questions, learn how the brand came together, and leave with a bottle that feels like a discovery.
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
B.H. James Distillers welcomes tours on request with both free and premium tastings.
amenities
Cocktail Bar
Gift Shop
Pet Friendly
Special Events
nearby
Distilleries
Corsair Artisan Distillery
Dueling Grounds Distillery
MB Rowland Distillery
Things To Do
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Lake Malone State Park
Lost River Cave
Food & Drink
The Filling Station
Ariella Restaurant Bistro & Bar
The Giving Plate
Stay
Springhill Suites
Hampton Inn
The Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa