New tasting rooms, future distillery put Cave City on the bourbon map
CAVE CITY, Ky. (WBKO) — Cave City’s downtown is getting a boost from bourbon.
On Dec. 12, the city will celebrate the grand openings of Dueling Grounds Distillery and MB Roland Distillery with a ribbon-cutting, tastings, and exclusive bottle releases, marking a milestone in the area’s growing craft spirits scene.
The celebrations also set the stage for the 2026 launch of Cave City Distilling Company, a full-scale craft distillery bringing tours, tastings and production to the city. The site is being developed near The Peoples Bank and Cave Area Conference Center on Chapatcha Drive.
The city, long known as the gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park, is leveraging its tourism base to expand into craft spirits. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to the park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Cave City aims to complement its natural attractions with world-class bourbon and hospitality.
Mayor Dwayne Hatcher said the new distilleries signal economic growth and community pride.
“Their commitment to innovation, local jobs, and community partnership will help make Cave City a premier destination for bourbon and spirits enthusiasts from around the world,” he said. The openings are expected to create more than 20 new jobs in distilling and hospitality.
For the distillers, the expansion reflects years of preparation and a desire to share Kentucky’s heritage.
Marc Dottore, founder of Dueling Grounds Distillery, which was founded in Franklin and draws inspiration from the historic Linkumpinch Dueling Grounds, said, “Bringing three craft distilleries together to create a bourbon destination is unprecedented in this part of the state. We’re honored to share our craft and our story with Cave City visitors.”
Cave City prepares for the arrival of new craft distilleries and tasting rooms.
Cave City prepares for the arrival of new craft distilleries and tasting rooms.
Cave City prepares for the arrival of new craft distilleries and tasting rooms.
Cave City prepares for the arrival of new craft distilleries and tasting rooms.
Dueling Grounds emphasizes small-batch, locally sourced bourbon, using Kentucky-grown corn, wheat, and barley.
Paul Tomaszewski of MB Roland Distillery, founded in 2009 near Pembroke on a former Amish dairy farm, highlighted the opportunity to bring the distillery’s pre-Prohibition, “grain-to-glass” approach to a new audience.
“We are excited to bring bourbon tourism to such a beautiful area that has a wealth of character and charm,” he said.
MB Roland is known for producing bold, uncut, unfiltered bourbons using hands-on, traditional techniques.
Looking ahead, Luke Jean, founder of Cave City Distilling Company (formerly Balance Distilling Company), said the 2026 launch represents both a business investment and a tribute to tradition. The veteran-owned, family-operated distillery, originally founded in Smiths Grove, produces moonshine, gin, whiskey, and Mammoth Cave Bourbon, a brand tracing its roots back to 1869.
The new facility will offer full-scale production, tours, and tastings.
Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, noted the synergy between Kentucky’s globally recognized bourbon and a major tourism destination.
“Pairing a globally enjoyed spirit with a globally traveled destination showcases the bold innovation shaping the future of our industry,” he said.
The public is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting and celebration on Dec. 12 at noon in downtown Cave City. The event will feature local food vendors, tastings, and appearances by distillery founders and local officials.
