124: Reviving the Dant Family Name in Bourbon History - Log Still Opens Kentucky’s Newest Distillery

It’s Kentucky’s newest distillery; Log Still Distillery is located in Gethsemane (just outside of Bardstown in Southern Nelson County). We toured the 300-acre “Dant Crossing” property with Founder and President, Wally Dant.  Wally, along with his family, Lynne and Charles Dant, are taking on this large project to create a “destination distillery” that is perfect for the whole family. Wally discussed the Dant family history in Nelson County and his efforts to revive the family name in the World of Kentucky Bourbon. He also shared two whiskey offerings that are going to be available at the Log Still tasting room; Monk’s Road Fifth District Series, a 6 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rattle & Snap, a Limited Release 8 year old 103 proof Tennessee Whiskey. 

The Tasting Room is Now Open:

• Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
• Tuesday - Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm 
• Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
• Bar is Open:  Thursday - Saturday 5-10 pm

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Cheers,
Scott, Jake, & Michael
Bourbon Lens

About Log Still Distillery

Our story begins with our forefather Joseph Washington Dant and an old hollowed-out poplar log. With it, he fashioned a still and gave birth to the Dant family’s place in bourbon lore with a legacy all our own. In 1836, he started a story of heritage, and Kentucky bourbon has flowed through our family’s veins ever since. 

Seven generations later, we’re building something new at our old Kentucky home. Spearheaded by J.W. “Wally” Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles, Log Still aims to combine the age-old craftsmanship of distilling with the camaraderie and spirit of a family-owned business.

And because family is at the heart of what we do, we view every bottle as a nod of respect to the past. Log Still is Wally Dant’s tribute to his father, forefathers and their contributions to bourbon history.

About J.W. “Wally” Dant

We call him founder, foreman and fearless leader. You can call him Wally. 

As president/distiller, Wally Dant works hard every day to bring his vision for Log Still Distillery to life. And to Wally, it’s about more than quality spirits and an unforgettable destination. It’s about revival. 

The great-great-great-grandson of bourbon legend Joseph Washington Dant, Wally is keeping his family’s rich legacy alive as he builds upon the same land in southern Nelson County where his forefathers once made spirits. “To be able to put our name on a bottle again is pretty important.”

Log Still is Wally’s way of honoring the Dant family name and giving back to the community he credits for providing his family with values and love. And drawing from years of experience in the health care and liquor industries, this business-savvy entrepreneur is the right man for the job. Wally dreams big, and he won’t stop until he sees those dreams come to fruition. And the future? Log Still is still family-owned and run by the Dants.

If he’s not hard at work reviving the Log Still legacy, you can likely find him making garden-fresh salsa, hot sauce or ketchup, or cooking up a chef-like meal for friends and family.

Product – Available in the Log Still Tasting Room - Opened May 18, 2021

• Monk’s Road Fifth District Series
  • With Monk’s Road Fifth District Series, we tip our hat to the historic tax district of Central Kentucky, deeply seeped in bourbon lore. With this rotating series of hand selected spirits, we honor a rich tradition of nearly lost fifth district distilleries. It’s all part of a long line of rotating Bluegrass-inspired bourbons created with the same ingenuity and fortitude made famous by our forefathers. So just this once, let’s celebrate the taxman.
  • This first Limited Release pays homage to Cold Spring Distillery, a historic distillery in southern Nelson County, Ky., founded by J.B. Dant in the 1800s. The Cold Spring name harkened back to the spring where, even in the summer, the water stayed cool enough that the distillery could continue to operate. This 6-year-old bourbon masterfully blends notes of corn, rye and malted barley for a product that revives the spirit of the original.
• Monk’s Road Dry Gin
  • Our essential gin is a unique offering from our Kentucky hills, with a delicate balance of distinctly complementary botanicals. We’ve married watermelon rind with zests of orange and lemon for a bright and fresh flavor – creating the perfect gin for all seasons and palates. Sip it slow and neat or dress it up in a cocktail. This palate pleaser possesses an air of refinement.

• Monk’s Road Barrel Finished Gin
  • Utilizing our bourbon barrels, we handcrafted this barrel finished gin in homage to the rolling Kentucky hills we call home, allowing fresh botanicals of coriander, cranberry, juniper and nutmeg to develop and mature into the perfect flavor profile. Smooth and complex with a subtle waft of smoke, Monk’s Road Barrel Finished Gin nods to the pride of place, tradition and legacy for which the Dant family is known.
• Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey
  • Several varieties of straight and flavored whiskeys will be available soon for patrons who may want to branch out from traditional, Kentucky Bourbon. 

 About Dant Crossing

Approximately an hour’s drive from both Louisville and Lexington, Dant Crossing is a picturesque, 300-plus acre campus with a slew of amenities and activities for the whole family. It will be a one-of-a-kind destination for unforgettable weddings, memorable corporate events, day trips, and weekend getaways and will be anchored by Log Still Distillery. The amenities at the campus will include a network of wooded walking trails, a fully functional private train depot connected to the Kentucky Railroad Museum, an outdoor amphitheater, farm-to-table restaurant, 12-acre lake for fishing, and four unique lodging options including the recently opened B&B, The Homestead and Poplar Cottage. These features along with those of Log Still Distillery will create an immersive experience that’s rooted in the community and culture in and around Gethsemane, Ky. For more information, visit dantcrossing.com.

The Homestead Bed & Breakfast Features/Amenities:

• Five Bedrooms for rent, each named after a woman in the Dant family
• Breakfast included (made by Hostess Amy Dant)
• Game Room
• Washer/Dryer
• Community Kitchen
• Learn more about each room at dantcrossing.com.

The Poplar Cottage Amenities:

• Sleeps up to eight
• Lakefront location

Links:

• Log Still Distillery - Official Website
• Instagram - Log Still Distillery 
• Facebook - Log Still Distillery
• Twitter - Log Still Distillery 
• Story on the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Log Still Distillery
• Dant Crossing Website
• Instagram - Dant Crossing
• Facebook - Dant Crossing
• Twitter - Dant Crossing