Pike County’s first legal distillery recently opened a brand new experience for those wanting to try their spirits, such as moonshine and bourbon.
Pauley Hollow Distillery, located in Forest Hills near Belfry, has opened the Farmhouse Tasting Room located inside their 100-year-old family home.
Bourbon, Brandy, Moonshine and More
Founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Josh and Jessica Martin, Pauley Hollow Distillery has become known for its handcrafted spirits, all of which are distilled, aged, and bottled on-site.
Their product line includes the Original Recipe Moonshine, Fuel of the Feud (made with water from the historic Randall McCoy Well), Robert’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Papa Nick’s Appalachian Apple Brandy, and several other unique offerings.
Pauley Hollow is also experimenting with a Pre-Prohibition style aged rum, highlighting their commitment to quality and innovation.
The Martins were inspired to establish Pauley Hollow after years of making homemade wine from fruit grown on their family farm.
Encouraged by family and friends, they took their passion for crafting local spirits and turned it into a thriving business.
“We take pride in participating in community events such as Hillbilly Days, Moonshine, Music, and Makers Festival, HippieFest, and Pikeville Pride,” said Jessica Martin. “We hope that the expansion of the Moonshine Trail along with the side-by-side trail systems paired with the opening of our tasting room will help to boost tourism and economic growth in the community.”
Their vision is to be one of the top-rated bourbons in Kentucky, known for quality, taste, hard work, and dedication.
A Family Operation
Pauley Hollow’s products have already garnered significant recognition, including praise from Michael Veach, a bourbon historian and member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.
Their Robert’s Reserve bourbon was voted Best Bourbon at the 2024 Maysville Uncorked festival, and their signature cocktail, The Kentucky Buck, won Best Cocktail at the Bourbon, Blades & Brews event in 2023.
The new Farmhouse Tasting Room marks an important milestone for Pauley Hollow as they continue to grow.
Their products are available in more than 40 retail locations across Kentucky, as well as online in select states.
“We are thrilled to support Pauley Hollow Distillery as they continue to grow and enhance our local community,” said Southeast Kentucky Chamber President Jordan Gibson. “Their commitment to quality and their drive to succeed exactly what make businesses in our region thrive, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for them.”
To make an appointment for a private tasting at the Pauley Hollow Distillery’s Farmhouse Tasting Room, please call (606) 422-4947.
For more information about Pauley Hollow Distillery, visit their website at pauleyhollowdistillery.com or their Facebook page @pauleyhollowdistillery.
