From Barrel to Glass: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Distilling Process
- Laura Kuhn
- May 28
- 2 min read

At Left Bank Bourbon, crafting exceptional bourbon whisky is more than a process—it's a journey that honors tradition, embraces innovation, and tells a story in every sip. Here's an inside look at how we transform raw ingredients into the rich, complex spirit that defines Left Bank.
🏞️ Distillation & Aging in Kentucky
Our bourbon begins its life along the banks of the Ohio River in Kentucky, where it's distilled and aged for at least two years in new, charred American oak barrels. This region's unique climate, with its seasonal temperature swings, plays a crucial role in developing the bourbon's character, allowing the spirit to interact deeply with the wood, extracting flavors and color.
🪵 Stave Finishing: Enhancing Flavor Complexity
To add depth and nuance, we introduce our own blend of oak staves to the barrels. These additional staves, selected for their unique toasting and charring profiles, impart distinct flavors and aromas, elevating the bourbon's complexity without compromising its authenticity.
🚢 The River Voyage: A Nod to History
Embracing a centuries-old tradition, we transport our barrels downriver from Kentucky to New Orleans. This journey, lasting between 11 to 29 days depending on river conditions, subjects the barrels to constant motion and varying temperatures, further influencing the maturation process and infusing the bourbon with a sense of place and history.
🧪 Small-Batch Blending: Crafting the Perfect Profile
Upon arrival in New Orleans, we carefully select and marry barrels into very small batches, typically comprising 4 to 8 barrels. This meticulous blending process ensures consistency and balance, allowing us to highlight the unique characteristics developed during aging and the river voyage.
🥃 Bottling Without Chill Filtration
To preserve the full spectrum of flavors and aromas, we bottle our bourbon without chill filtration. This approach maintains the spirit's natural oils and esters, resulting in a richer mouthfeel and a more authentic tasting experience.
Experience the Journey
From the heart of Kentucky to the soul of New Orleans, Left Bank Bourbon embodies a commitment to craftsmanship and tradition. Each bottle tells a story of heritage, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Discover the Left Bank difference—where every pour is a journey from barrel to glass.
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