About
Coal Pick Distillery is a western Kentucky bourbon maker based in Drakesboro, set in the rolling hills of Muhlenberg County near the former community of Paradise. The experience here is rooted in the land itself, with a working distillery surrounded by wide-open scenery and natural water sources that the brand highlights as part of its identity. Coal Pick focuses on Kentucky straight wheated bourbon, made with a sweet mash process and pot distillation, giving visitors a chance to discover a quieter, less-crowded side of Kentucky’s spirits culture. While many travelers build itineraries around the major bourbon corridors, Coal Pick appeals to those who enjoy finding off-the-beaten-path distilleries where the setting feels as memorable as the whiskey. The overall feel is rural and production-forward, a place where the story is tied to craftsmanship, patience, and the character of western Kentucky.
History
Coal Pick Distillery was founded in 2017 by Kevin and Carrie Lawrence, establishing a modern distilling operation in Muhlenberg County with a clear emphasis on producing and aging whiskey on-site. From early development onward, the distillery positioned itself as both a house brand and a working production facility, supporting its own releases while also building capacity for contract distilling and private programs. Over time, Coal Pick expanded its identity beyond a single bottle release into a broader operation centered on long-term aging, inventory growth, and a controlled grain-to-bottle approach. The distillery also formalized its standing within Kentucky’s spirits industry by joining the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as a craft-level member, reflecting its role as an emerging producer within the state’s modern bourbon expansion. Throughout its growth, Coal Pick has continued to emphasize a western Kentucky sense of place, tying the brand to the Paradise area story and to the idea that bourbon-making belongs just as much to rural communities as it does to the state’s most visited tourism corridors.
Notoriety
Coal Pick Distillery is best known for its Kentucky straight wheated bourbon and its insistence on keeping the process under one roof, distilling, aging, and bottling on-site rather than sourcing whiskey from elsewhere. The distillery highlights a sweet mash, pot-distilled approach and promotes a flavor profile designed to be smooth, grain-forward, and approachable, backed by releases that include small-batch and single barrel styles. Coal Pick has also drawn attention for the scale and intent behind its operation, combining a rural, large-property setting with a business model that includes private barrel selection and contract services in addition to its own bottles. For visitors and enthusiasts, the appeal often comes from the contrast: a modern, production-capable distillery planted in a part of Kentucky that feels quieter and more personal than the busiest bourbon destinations. That blend of western Kentucky identity, on-site control, and a wheated bourbon focus is what has helped Coal Pick stand out in the broader conversation around new and growing Kentucky distilleries.
experiences
Cocktail Classes
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N/A
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At this time, the distillery does not offer any cocktail classes.
Tours & Tastings
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N/A
Coal Pick Distillery pairs its Paradise farm setting with private barrel selections, featuring an on-site guided tasting and personalized bottles.
amenities
No amenities are available
nearby
Distilleries
The Bard Distillery
Western Kentucky Distilling Co.
Green River Distilling Co.
Things To Do
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Reid’s Orchard
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Food & Drink
The Brew Bridge
Old Hickory Bar-B-Que
Lure Seafood and Grille
Stay
Holiday Inn Ownsboro Riverfront
TownePlace Suites by Mariott
Wingate by Wyndham