FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is a small distillery on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail and has been operating for 10 years.

Owner Walter Zausch said it celebrates the single barrel, which gives their bourbon unique flavors. Unlike other distilleries, they don’t have a specific flavor profile and they do a lot of experimentation to get different results.

What You Need To Know

  • The Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. offers something unique with their bourbon and is taking part in a program to host RV travelers

  • Harvest Hosts has over 4,700 host locations across the U.S. and Canada for RV travelers to visit

  • It’s free for businesses to take part and brings in revenue because visitors will patronize the business

  • Because of the March Madness games happening in Louisville, the distillery has been staying busy

Zausch took over the distillery after the pandemic and was told about the company, Harvest Hosts, which connects RV travelers to small businesses, farms and nonprofits.

“They’re always great guests,” said Zausch. “They come in, they’ll do a tasting, fill a bottle, and really experience the place... every time a Harvest Host person is here we always love it. Some of our best friends have been made that way, so yeah, it’s very cool.”

For no charge, Zausch registered Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. to be a host through the company and says it has been good for his business.

According to Wes Clark, the COO of Harvest Hosts, the average host will make about $15,000 by participating in the program.

“For $100 a year, RVers have access to our network which is over 4,700 host locations which include wineries, breweries, farms, churches, museums, attractions and our members are able to stay at those locations without any sort of overnight camping fee,” said Clark. “All we do is ask is that they patronize the local business.”

With some March Madness games taking place in Louisville this weekend, there has been an uptick in business for the distillery.

“With the weather being nice and people coming in for basketball, it’s the perfect time to hit the trail and check out some distilleries while you’re here,” said Zausch.

Clark considers Harvest Hosts to be a win-win for travelers and hosts alike.

“We hear from both sides, both hosts and members, about how amazing those interactions are, how much fun it is to get out and experience something new, as well as to welcome new people to their property and show them what they do and, you know, what their livelihood is all about,” said Clark.

Zausch has a picnic table and fire pit for travelers to use during their stay at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. to make their experience enjoyable.

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