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We explore the innovative world of RD1 Spirits with Barry Brinegar and Dr. Jared Gollihue, discovering how scientific methodology is reshaping bourbon finishing techniques at their new Lexington distillery.

• RD1's journey from honoring William Tarr's 1865 legacy to becoming pioneers in wood-finished Kentucky bourbon
• Dr. Jared Gollihue's scientific approach to wood finishing, bringing PhD-level expertise to bourbon production
• The challenges of wood selection, including regulatory hurdles with the TTB and FDA for exotic wood species
• Why whiskey needs time to "settle" after blending or opening, with flavor compounds needing time to recalculate
• Beer barrel finishing experiments creating unique flavor profiles through a circular aging process
• Sister Cities whiskey, blending bourbon and rye finished with French oak and Japanese Mizunara
• Experimental offerings available only at the distillery's tasting room, including smoked oak and maple
• RD1's position as an anchor tenant in Lexington's new entertainment district at The Commons

Visit RD1 Spirits at their new distillery location in The Commons in Lexington, Kentucky to experience their unique wood-finished bourbons and experimental offerings firsthand.

What happens when scientific methodology meets the artistry of Kentucky bourbon? At RD1 Spirits' gleaming new distillery in Lexington, the answer is nothing short of revolutionary.

Barry Brinegar and Dr. Jared Gollihue are writing bourbon's next chapter through methodical wood experimentation that transforms traditional Kentucky whiskey into something extraordinary. Their journey from honoring the William Tarr legacy to pioneering innovative finishing techniques demonstrates the untapped potential still waiting to be discovered in America's native spirit.

The scientific precision behind RD1's approach is fascinating. Dr. Gollihue, with his PhD in wood maturation, doesn't just randomly add wood to barrels – he calculates precise ratios, documents every variable, and maintains 50+ test barrels simultaneously. When he explains why whiskey needs time to "recalculate" after blending or why flavor chemistry doesn't scale linearly, you realize this is bourbon-making at its most thoughtful.

The tasting room offers an unparalleled experience where visitors can sample experimental barrels that showcase woods from around the world – Mizunara oak, sweet cherry, French oak, and even maple wood smoked on bourbon barrel staves. Their Sister Cities release brilliantly combines bourbon and rye with French and Japanese oak influences, honoring Lexington's international connections while creating a wholly unique whiskey expression.

As an anchor tenant in Lexington's emerging entertainment district at The Commons, RD1 is positioned at the center of a bourbon tourism destination that will soon feature pickleball courts, axe throwing, and an amphitheater. This blend of innovation, accessibility, and Kentucky heritage makes RD1 a must-visit for anyone wondering what more Kentucky bourbon can do.

Come taste the future of bourbon where science meets art – no lab coat required, but an adventurous palate is highly recommended.

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