Luca Mariano Distillery Celebrates Grand Opening in Danville, Kentucky
Luca Mariano Distillery has announced the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its 553-acre bourbon estate, set to take place at 4:00 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025. Located in Danville, Kentucky, the opening marks a significant milestone for the brand. Additionally, Luca Mariano announced a new strategic lending partnership with Summit Investments of Denver, Colorado.
Historic Site with Modern Capabilities
The distillery’s estate blends historical preservation with contemporary distilling. Notable landmarks on the property include the William Crow Stone House, recognized as the oldest stone house in Kentucky, and the Guy Jones Prohibition Silo and Tunnels. The combination of heritage structures and advanced production facilities aims to offer a unique, immersive bourbon experience.
Family Legacy and Industry Collaboration
Founded by Francesco S. Viola, Luca Mariano Distillery is rooted in family legacy. Named in honor of his grandfather Mariano and his son Luca, Viola’s vision was to build a “Napa Valley of Bourbon” in central Kentucky. “This distillery was built to honor my family and the rich bourbon heritage of Kentucky,” said Viola. He credited several industry peers—including Wilderness Trail, Wild Turkey, Bardstown Bourbon, and Lux Row—for offering guidance and support.
Production Capacity and Unique Aging Technology
The facility includes an 18-inch column still and is capable of producing up to 18,000 barrels annually. A highlight of the estate is the custom-built “Torta A Tre” rickhouse, modeled after the Deatsville rickhouses of Heaven Hill and designed with a proprietary three-layered aging system to enhance barrel maturation. The operation also utilizes its own limestone water source—the largest recorded well in Kentucky—to ensure water quality.
Tours Open to the Public Starting June 13
Beginning on the day of the grand opening, public tours will be offered every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can book their experience through the distillery’s website, LucaMariano.com.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, subscribe to our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Woodinville Launches New Whiskey: 8 Year, 100% Rye
- Redemption Whiskey Adds to “Ancients Series” with New 18-Year-Old Bourbon
- Luca Mariano to Host Grand Opening of New Distillery on June 13th
- Central Standard Will Expand Distillery Operations to Harley-Davidson’s Historic Campus
- Old Forester Debuts New President’s Choice Rye Whiskey
- Heritage Distilling Introduces New, Crypto-Inspired Bitcoin Bourbon with Giveaway
