RD1 Spirits’ speciality S’mores Old Fashioned. | Photo by Alexis Baker LEXtoday
History
Lexington’s bourbon story starts in 1865, when Ashland Distillery became the city’s first federally registered distillery and was the “RD#1” tax designation.
A fire nearly destroyed it a decade later, but it rose from the ashes with more barrel warehouses. Prohibition closed its doors in 1919, and today, Manchester Music Hall stands where the distillery once defined Lexington’s whiskey legacy.
Revamped in 2020 as RD1 Spirits, in the space now home to Dark Arts Whiskey House, the distillery released its first whiskey. Visitors can now experience it at the Turner Commons development, which opened this past May.
Signage appeared on the door of Lexington’s gourmet biscuit chain, Maple Street Biscuit Company, announcing its permanent closure. The restaurant, purchased by Cracker Barrel in 2019, has issued no further updates. Fortunately, Lexingtonians still have plenty of brunch options to enjoy. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Development
Last week, the Warehouse Block community — including Wild Lab Bakery and Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream — broke ground on a new green space at 737 National Ave. It will feature a stage and open areas for food, music, and play, with completion expected Nov. 1. (LEX 18)
Eat
Pizza lovers rejoice. From Sept. 22–28, 17 local restaurants will be serving up specialty pizzas you won’t find on the regular menu — all for just $10. Don’t miss your chance to taste the city’s best pizza creations. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Cause
Lexington Habitat for Humanity, a local nonprofit organization that has been building and repairing homes for decades, has launched a new initiative called Women Build. The program is a coalition of women aiming to “increase access to decent, affordable housing.”
Featured
Lexington ranked No. 87 for coffee lovers in the U.S., according to a new WalletHub report of the 100 largest metros. But anyone who’s sipped their way through town knows we deserve a spot much higher — from simple favorites to barista-level indulgences, Lexington’s coffee scene delivers.
Ranked
Kentucky’s own Old Hickory Bar-B-Q landed on Southern Living’s ranking of the “Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South.” Located in Owensboro, aka the “barbecued mutton capital of the world,” the restaurant came in at No. 25 and was lauded for its “outstanding” burgoo.
Transform your demo into a donation. Lexington Habitat for Humanity’s Deconstruction Program lets you clear out kitchen materials at no cost, with items finding a second life at the ReStore. Psst… It’s an easy way to support affordable housing while keeping waste out of the landfill.*
Legacy
For more than 175 years, The Lexington Cemetery has served Central Kentuckians with honor, beauty, and dignity. Learn more about burial options.*
Fun Fact
Posting on LEXtoday’s local job board is like using GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
Featured Deal
Hair loss can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Happy Head’s board-certified dermatologists prescribe a personalized treatment based on your hair goals. Try it for 45% off with code 6AM.*
The Buy
A great way to get a sparkling clean toilet: Splash Foam Cleaner. Clean stains, toilet rings, and more without forceful scrubbing thanks to Splash Foam’s revolutionary cleaning formula. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. Bonus: It leaves your bathroom smelling clean.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
As a Lexington Pizza Week veteran, I live for the rotating menus — and this year, I’m especially excited for Rolling Oven’s Bourbon Blue Door BBQ Brisket pizza.
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