Woman-owned distillery brings unique spin to Kentucky spirit scene
Cynthia Bohn has been making wine in Midway, Kentucky for more than 25 years, but recently expanded the business to add brandy and agave spirits. Cynthia Bohn, owner of Equus Run Vineyards in Midway, Kentucky, has expanded her business to include brandy and agave spirits. She has been making wine for over 25 years and recently expanded the business into a unique distillery. Bohn now produces brandy, agave, and variations of agave at Saddlestone Distillery. The distillery is located in a part of Kentucky steeped in bourbon and thoroughbred culture. Despite a recent report by the Small Business Administration that women own only 8% of craft distilleries, Bohn believes that the industry needs more women to succeed. She also works with the University of Kentucky's business school to teach young entrepreneurs and encourage them to seek mentors.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Grace McKenna in
Cynthia Bohn has been making wine in Midway, Kentucky for more than 25 years, but recently expanded the business to add brandy and agave spirits.
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MIDWAY, Kentucky — From Kentucky's first female master distiller, to the helm of Woodford Reserve, women are deeply involved in the highest levels of the distilling industry. But they're also making their mark in some of the state's most innovative craft distilleries.
That includes Cynthia Bohn, owner of Equus Run Vineyards in Midway, Kentucky, a part of the state steeped in bourbon and thoroughbred culture.
"Our community just really embraced us, they wrapped their arms around us and welcomed us to horse country,” Bohn said.
"Everyone was making rye and bourbon, and we decided to make agave,” she said.
In addition to wine at Equus Run, Bohn now makes brandy and a couple variations of agave, which is similar to tequila, at Saddlestone Distillery.
The spirits, which became ready to drink in June, are also aged in oak barrels to achieve the distillery’s own unique flavor.
Within just 45 minutes of Saddlestone, Bohn says there are about 30 other craft distilleries.
Many who’ve become friends, supporting each other, and helping Bohn learn the ropes of distilling.
Bohn said the cohort of wine makers is dominated by women. Distilling is a bit different, with the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy reporting women own just 8% of craft distilleries.
Bohn wants to see more to take the reins.
"It's our nose, it's our palette, we're just given that God-given opportunity to smell things and to taste things,” she said.
That’s part of the reason Bohn also works with the University of Kentucky’s business school, teaching young entrepreneurs and encouraging them to seek mentors.
"That's what I tell the young entrepreneurs, you can't do this alone. And hope is not a business model,” she said.
“The opportunity is wide open. The industry needs more people, needs more workforce,” she said.