New Era Whiskey Distillery Opens in Downtown Lexington, KY

LEXINGTON, KY (Sept. 2, 2026) — Downtown Lexington has a new bourbon destination. New Era Whiskey — the city’s first combination distillery, gift shop, tasting room and social club — opened to the public today.

Founder Zane Brammell cut the ribbon alongside Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, and Visit Lex Director of Communications Martina Barksdale.

“Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry is one of the many reasons we’ve been able to break our tourism record for economic impact for four straight years,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank New Era’s leadership for believing in the commonwealth and the Lexington community, and I looking forward to their future success.”

Secretary Jeff Noel added: “Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries are vital to the economic growth of the state, and projects like New Era Whiskey Distillery opening in downtown Lexington only help to drive the momentum. Bourbon tourism brings visitors from across the world to Kentucky, supporting local restaurants and hotels and driving economic growth for our state. We’re proud to see this investment into Lexington’s future and one of our key industries for the state.”

“We’re excited to welcome New Era Whiskey Distillery to Lexington. This investment strengthens our local economy, supports jobs, and adds to the steady momentum we’re building in our urban core,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “Bourbon is an important part of Kentucky’s heritage, and this new space is another step forward in making our downtown a vibrant, welcoming destination for everyone.”

Martina Barksdale echoed that sentiment: “Lexington has firmly established itself as a premier destination for bourbon tourism, and new distillery experiences like this help strengthen that position. Visitors are increasingly seeking authentic, immersive ways to connect with Kentucky’s signature industries, and bourbon remains at the center of that journey. New Era Whiskey’s immersive experience will not only enhance our guests’ experiences, but it will also drive meaningful economic impact for our local businesses, hospitality partners, and the broader community.”

Inside New Era

Visitors will find a tasting room and gift shop featuring New Era’s catchy-named bourbons and branded merchandise, plus a growing library of past bottlings and new arrivals. Every release is cask-strength and single barrel, with names inspired by newspaper headlines — a nod to the era when print was the only way to break news. Fan favorites include “Stage Diver,” “Frankenfurt,” “Lefty” and “The Heart,” each paired with bold, colorful label art.

After a walk through the bottling area, New Era Social Club members step into a private tasting space with comfortable seating, a kitchen, games and big-screen TVs. Membership also includes one bottle delivered monthly, invitations to special events and other members-only perks.

“I’m beyond excited to bring this experience to downtown Lexington,” said founder Zane Brammell. “It’s hard to believe that what started as a hobby for me to help decompress from my healthcare job during COVID-19 has turned into reality. I can’t wait to welcome visitors into downtown Lexington and show them our famous Southern hospitality!”

About New Era Whiskey

New Era is a headline-worthy whiskey that honors the traditions of craftsmanship and storytelling while moving into a new era with bold intention — a tribute to tradition reimagined for a new generation. Every pour of this cask-strength single-barrel whiskey nods to the past as publisher of our stories today and tomorrow. New Era Whiskey’s distillery and social club opened September 2 in downtown Lexington, KY. Learn more at newerawhiskey.com.