Proof of Inspiration: How Louisville Fuels the Next Chapter of the Bourbon Collection

By: Corey, Founder of Core Creations LLC

The mission statement for the Bourbon Collection: Where our spirits meet wood.

To fuel what’s coming next and push my newest designs to the next level, I recently immersed myself in the mash, copper, and charred oak that tell the story of every bottle. Witnessing the aging process reminded me that the best things take time; just as a barrel expands and contracts with the seasons to breathe life into the spirit, my own design process has its own natural ebb and flow. I’ve learned to step back and let the materials guide me, allowing the unique character of the wood to dictate the final form rather than forcing the build. Joining me on this exploration were Matt and Chris—my "partners in whiskey"—who helped me embrace the storied heritage and culture that is Bourbon.

Day 1: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole (10/31/25)

Our journey began on Halloween at Rabbit Hole Distillery in the heart of NuLu. It’s a masterpiece of glass and steel—a modern contrast to the historic bones of the city. Standing at the top of their "stairway to heaven" looking down at the massive copper still gave me a fresh perspective on scale and precision—elements I am already weaving into the newest pieces for the collection.

Taking it all in—day one of the journey.

...and the scale of the inspiration was massive. The copper work at Rabbit Hole.

 Walking through the facility, I was struck by the contrast between the vibrant street art on the outside and the clinical, geometric precision of the copper stills on the inside. It’s a reminder that functional art—whether a distillery or a lamp—needs a balance of bold personality and technical discipline.

Industrial lines and modern glass—the "bones" of the Rabbit Hole Distillery.

After we emerged from the "Rabbit Hole," a short trip led us to a local staple for some regional fuel: Troll Pub Under the Bridge. It was the perfect place to sit back with Matt and Chris and truly experience Kentucky on a plate. I had my very first Kentucky Hot Brown, and that combination of rich tradition and local flavor was the perfect capstone to our first day of inspiration.

The copper work at Rabbit Hole is a masterclass in functional art. The scale was massive.

You can't miss the Rabbit Hole! It perfectly captures the creative energy of the NuLu dristrict.

Welcomed by the resident "host" at Rabbit Hole. This distillery is designed with an eye for art.

Taking a minute to soak it all in. Standing by the Rabbit Hole entrance, feeling inspired.

Where the magic happens. The barrel dump station at Rabbit Hole is a hive of industrial activity.

A modern "spirit fountain" at Rabbit Hole Distillery with liquid rippling over a glass and metal.

Day 2: Heritage and Fire (11/1/25)

"The second day was a marathon of history and sensory research, made even better by how walkable Louisville truly is. Exploring Whiskey Row on foot allowed us to slow down and notice the cast-iron facades and vibrant public art—from tucked-away murals to the impressive 11-foot steel barrel sculpture at 4th and Main."

Perspective is everything. I love how this shot captures Louisville's past.

Caught Matt in his element, documenting the textures and architectural lines of downtown Louisville.

The question of the day in Louisville: Neat or Rocks? This vibrant mural captures the spirit of the

A vintage Ford Model T is parked at the Frazier History Museum, the start of the Kentucky Bourbon Tr

These textures—the heavy beams, the weathered brick, the bright blue sky—are a visual inspiration.

Soaking it all in. Caught Matt on a post-tour stroll through the NuLu district.

Michter’s Distillery

 Located in the historic Fort Nelson building, the Michter's Distillery tour was uniquely intimate. The entire production experience was centralized in one room, highlighting the original cypress wood vats and the legendary Pennsylvania pot still system. Seeing that heritage equipment gave me a deeper appreciation for the "glow" of a perfect amber pour.

A masterclass in industrial heritage. These stills at Fort Nelson represent centuries of tradition brought back to life in the heart of Louisville.

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Respect the maker. Even the stills have a craftsman's signature.

Now that is a piece of joinery. Getting up close with the massive oak vats at Michter’s.

These stills represent centuries of tradition brought back to life.

Michter's spirts aging to perfection.

Getting a sense of scale. Precision engineering meets historic bourbon heritage.

Old Forester Distilling Co.

The afternoon, took us to historic Whiskey Row. Seeing the scale of production at Old Forester was a game-changer. Standing at the base of a copper column still that stretches multiple stories high changes your perspective on "scale."

"Fire Starter"

The highlight was witnessing the heat of the cooperage. Watching a barrel being charred by open flames is a visceral reminder of the transformation wood undergoes. Just as the fire "opens up" the oak to flavor the bourbon, my process in the workshop is about revealing the character hidden within the grain.

She's a "RickHouse"

The best builds can’t be rushed. Witnessing the aging process in the rickhouse—where thousands of barrels sit in quiet maturation—reminded me that the materials I choose for Core Creations guide the final form. You have to let the wood tell you when it’s ready.

The fire that starts it all. Witnessing the visceral process of charring new oak barrels.

Potential in the raw. These oak staves at Old Forester are the starting point for every barrel.

Historic Whiskey Row. Old Forester’s legacy since 1870 was a huge inspiration for this trip.

Whiskey Row.. Old Forester Distilling Co. frontage looks like it is right out 1870.

Quiet maturation. In the rickhouse, time is the most important tool in the kit.

Barrels ready for work at Old Forester Distilling Co in-house cooperage.

Back to basics. The mash tuns at Old Forester are a testament to the time-honored traditions.

The raw, unfinished white oak patiently waiting to become staves.

Looking up at the heartbeat of Old Forester.

Steel and wood: The raw industrial skeleton of the American bourbon barrel.

Aging to perfection! Old Forester Distilling Co.

Dinner & Connection

After a day spent immersed in the history and scale of bourbon production, we headed to La Bodeguita De Mima for dinner. The night held a fantastic surprise: a last-minute connection with a former co-worker, Sean aka "Sprinkles," who relocated to the area back in 2021.

La Bodeguita De Mima: Where the atmosphere is as bold as the flavors.

Catching up with Sean (aka 'Sprinkles').

This impromptu reunion, paired with some amazing Cuban flavors, reinforced the power of connection that I bring to every piece of functional art I create. Whether it’s catching up with an old friend or crafting a piece of functional art that becomes the center of a home, it’s all about the stories we share.

Day 3: The Finishing Touch (11/2/25)

The height of craftsmanship. Angel's Envy proves that heritage and high-tech can live in perfect harmony.

Angels Envy

We wrapped up the trip at Angel’s Envy, where the philosophy is built on secondary maturation. As a maker, I was captivated by these layers of craftsmanship. While their signature port finish is world-class, the Triple Oak quickly became my personal favorite. The process of taking bourbon that has already matured and moving it into a second, and third charred oak barrel for a final rest creates a richness and complexity that really speaks to me.

The transformation begins. Watching the raw grains become something much more complex.

Every still has a name and a story. This is "Lee"—one of the quiet workers behind Angels Envy.

Angels Envy Wings!

Through the looking glass. Close up of Angels Envy copper still.

Angels Envy dist

The industrial interior of Angel's Envy, showing stainless steel mash tuns on a wooden floor against

The Tasting Experience: Lessons in Craft

Beyond the copper stills and the towering rickhouses, the tastings were where the real education happened. Each flight was a masterclass in how subtle changes in the production process create vastly different outcomes—much like how the choice of grain or finish transforms a piece of furniture.

Putting the research to work. The flavor profiles here are as bold and modern as the building itself.

Rabbit Hole: Modern Innovation

Tasting at Rabbit Hole was an exercise in bold, modern profiles. Their use of unique mash bills and toasted barrels showed me that you don't have to follow a centuries-old script to create something high-quality. It’s about having a vision and the technical skill to execute it.

• The Maker’s Take: It reinforced my belief that "functional art" can be unconventional as long as the foundation is solid.

Tasting through a flight at Michter’s Distillery to appreciate the culture and storied heritage that defines Bourbon. .

Michter’s: The Power of Precision

Michter’s Distillery is all about the "Cost-Be-Damned" approach. From heat-cycling their warehouses to entry proofs that maximize flavor, the tasting here proved that when you obsess over the details, the quality speaks for itself.

• The Maker’s Take: A reminder that taking the extra time for a perfect finish is always worth the effort.

The perfect full circle: Reclaimed staves serving the spirit they once held.

Old Forester: A Legacy of Wood

As the only distillery with their own cooperage, Old Forester’s tasting felt like a direct conversation with the oak. Tasting through their lineup allowed me to trace the specific influence of the barrel char on the spirit’s amber hue and smoky notes.

• The Maker’s Take: Seeing (and tasting) the visceral impact of fire on wood gave me a new appreciation for the charred staves I use in my shop.

Got Chocolate? Pairing Bourbon with chocolate provided a completely different experience.

Angel’s Envy: The Art of the Finish

Angel's Envy is famous for secondary aging in fortified wine casks. This tasting was an incredible lesson in "finishing"—how adding one final layer of complexity can elevate a classic into something heavenly.

• The Maker’s Take: It’s inspired me to look at how I "finish" my own pieces—maybe a specific oil or a metal accent can be that "secondary aging" that makes a lamp truly pop.

From Barrel to Bench: The Final Lesson

Ultimately, these tastings taught me that a great spirit—much like a great piece of functional art—is the result of a thousand small, intentional choices. But more than that, it’s about connection. Whether it’s the heat of the char at Old Forester or the innovative finish at Angel’s Envy, the goal is always to create something that resonates and brings people together. I’ve brought that same mindset back to the workshop, applying the textures, tones, and finishing techniques I discovered on the trail to my latest project. This trip wasn't just about seeing how bourbon is made; it was about refining my own craft and celebrating shared experiences with like-minded friends that turn a simple journey into a lasting legacy.

After a full day. Relaxing at the The Old Seelbach Bar for a nightcap.... or two.

A little "field research" at the bar. This Bardstown Origin Series Bottled-in-Bond was a standout.

Details matter. The etched wheat on this Bardstown bottle show that the packaging can be art.

Exploring unique finishes. This RD One bottle, finished with Brazilian Amburana wood.

Matt and Chris enjoying a walk. Sign says it best: "This View is Worth Preserving!"

 Bridging the Gap: From Inspiration to Creation

Welcome to Bourbon City.

 

This trip was more than just a tour of historic distilleries; it was a deep dive into the heart of a craft that shares so much with my own. Seeing the dedication of the coopers, the precision of the distillers, and the patience of the aging process has given me a renewed perspective on what it means to create something lasting.

I’ve spent the last few days in the workshop, translating the textures of charred oak and the industrial lines of Whiskey Row into a brand-new piece for the Bourbon Collection. It’s a project that truly reflects the spirit of this journey, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Help Me Name My Newest Piece!

There’s just one thing missing: the perfect name. I’m leaning toward three different options, but I want your help to make the final call.

Head over to my Instagram and Facebook, Friday, March 19th, to see the big reveal and cast your vote! I'll be posting a poll with the three finalists, and the winning name will officially join the Core Creations lineup.

Thank you for following along on this journey. Now, let's go make something great.

Visuals & Photography This post features a collection of images captured by both myself and Matt Waypa. Matt’s professional eye helped document the grand scale of the distilleries and architectural lines, while my own shots capture the gritty details and textures that directly inspire my work at the bench.