Stitzel-Weller Distillery

The distillery that gave the world Pappy Van Winkle stands as one of bourbon's most storied houses. Stitzel-Weller pioneered the wheated bourbon style that defines some of America's most coveted expressions, earning its place as a cathedral of Kentucky whiskey-making.

History & Heritage

Stitzel-Weller opened on Derby Day 1935 in Shively, Kentucky, born from the merger of W.L. Weller & Sons and A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery. Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. led the operation, leveraging a medicinal distilling license from Prohibition to establish what would become bourbon royalty. The Van Winkle family maintained ownership until 1972, with production continuing until 1992.

The Whiskey

The distillery revolutionized bourbon by substituting wheat for rye in the mash bill, creating the smooth, soft profile that defines wheated bourbons today. Traditional methods ruled: proprietary jug yeast, open fermenters, roller mills, and spring water only. The house produced legendary brands including Old Fitzgerald, W.L. Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, and Rebel Yell. Today, Diageo operates the site, aging and bottling select expressions like Blade and Bow, which earned recognition as Jim Murray's best bourbon over 10 years in 2017.

Why It Matters

Stitzel-Weller created the template for modern wheated bourbon, influencing countless distilleries that followed. The whiskeys born here remain the gold standard for those who appreciate bourbon's softer side. Five keys still hang on the distillery's front door, symbols of hospitality and the five pillars of whiskey-making that made this house a legend.