Our Heritage
Five generations of master distillers, one unwavering commitment to excellence.
1892
A Dream Born in Kentucky
In 1892, Elijah Cooper arrived in Kentucky with nothing but a family recipe and an unwavering belief that great whiskey comes from patience and pure ingredients.
He built his first copper pot still by hand, sourcing water from a natural limestone spring that still feeds our distillery today. That first batch, aged for seven years, would lay the foundation for everything we do.
Our Journey
The Founding
Elijah Cooper establishes the distillery with a single copper pot still and begins crafting his first batch of bourbon.
Surviving Prohibition
The distillery pivots to producing medicinal whiskey, one of only six distilleries licensed to do so in Kentucky.
Post-War Expansion
William Cooper, Elijah's grandson, expands the rickhouse capacity and introduces our signature rye whiskey.
International Recognition
Reserve Bourbon wins gold at the International Spirits Competition, putting Copper Barrel on the world stage.
Fifth Generation
Emma Cooper becomes the first female Master Distiller in our history, introducing innovative aging techniques.
Continuing the Legacy
We honor our heritage while embracing sustainable practices, welcoming over 50,000 visitors annually.
Master Distillers
Meet the artisans behind every bottle.
Emma Cooper
Master DistillerFifth-generation distiller bringing innovation while honoring tradition.
James Wright
Head of Barrel Selection30 years of expertise in selecting and aging our finest expressions.
Maria Santos
Quality DirectorEnsuring every bottle meets our exacting standards since 2010.
What We Stand For
Passion
Every decision is guided by our love for the craft and respect for tradition.
Quality
We never compromise. Every bottle must meet our century-old standards.
Sustainability
Protecting the land and water that make our whiskey possible.
Community
Supporting our Kentucky neighbors and the broader whiskey community.
Be Part of Our Story
Visit our distillery and experience 130+ years of whiskey-making tradition firsthand.
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