A Northern Kentucky program that celebrates the region’s bourbon-forward establishments has two new members.
Wenzel Whiskey, a whiskey-blending experience and event space in Covington, and Becker & Bird Distillery in Augusta are now officially part of The B-Line, a group of bourbon-centric distilleries, bars and restaurants that offer a self-guided bourbon experience in Northern Kentucky. The businesses were also among 10 stops added to the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
“Kentucky bourbon draws over 2 million visitors to our Commonwealth each year, providing a substantial economic boost to the region,” Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY, said in a press release. “The B-Line offers visitors a chance to dive into a history-rich journey, not only through renowned distilleries on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but also through bourbon-inspired bars and restaurants that celebrate our region’s deep distilling heritage.”
Apart from helping patrons blend whiskey, Wenzel Whiskey has also been helping resurrect Kentucky’s storied bourbon history in a brick building built in 1873 that was used as a rectifier (a non-producing distiller) before Prohibition. The business is expected to open a new distillery in the spring.
“Wenzel is thrilled to begin producing our very own Kentucky bourbons and share them with the world,” said Austin Dunbar, Wenzel Whiskey partner. “Many know us for our unique blending experience. In partnership with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and The B-Line, we are excited to continue building on our company’s historic past and bring new opportunities to the Covington community.”
And Becker & Bird Distillery is located at the Baker-Bird site in Augusta, one of the most historic spirits sites in the country. Distiller John Baker fought in the American Revolution and distilled whiskey during the Whiskey Rebellion. He continued distilling after moving to Augusta in the late 18th Century, and his grandson, Abraham Baker Jr., built a large wine cellar on the land in the1850s. The Baker-Bird Wine Cellar is the largest and oldest wine cellar on the National Registry of Historic Places, and it’s the only winery that survived a Civil War battle.
“We’re thrilled to be added as a new stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and The B-Line,” said Dinah Bird, owner of Becker & Bird Distillery. “With our rich history in distilling and winemaking, we’re excited to welcome visitors seeking a unique bourbon experience. The town of Augusta is beautiful and serves as the perfect link between The B-Line and the rest of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”
New stops have to meet seven strict criteria in order to join The B-Line, including fostering a culture around bourbon, stocking certain kinds of bourbon, restaurants having at least 50 labels of bourbon and bars at least 100 with a preference for Kentucky bourbon and weekly bourbon-infused food and drink specials. Bars must also offer specialty flights and host bourbon-related events, and distilleries must be a members in Good Standing with the Kentucky Distillers Association and be part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The group consists of, now, 28 establishments in Covington, Newport, Independence, Sparta, Augusta and Maysville. You can see all the participating establishments at thebline.com.
Wenzel Whiskey, 15 Tobacco Alley, Covington. More info: wenzelwhiskey.com.
Becker & Bird Distillery, 4465 Augusta Chatham Road, Augusta. More info: bakerbirdwinerydistillery.com.
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This article appears in Feb 5-18, 2025.