Eastern Light Distilling takes root
New day dawns for bourbon and eastern Kentucky
JUST DOWN THE ROAD from where Caleb Kilburn grew up in Bath County, he is bringing to life his dream for the state’s signature bourbon industry to thrive in eastern Kentucky.
Ten years after graduating with a degree in chemistry from Morehead State University, the 32-year-old distilling prodigy is joining forces with Cordell Lawrence, a senior industry executive with centuries-old family roots in nearby Carter County, to build Eastern Light Distilling in the Appalachian foothills of Rowan County.
“I hope this means the next kid with a dream of getting into the bourbon industry—and maybe also becoming a master distiller one day—won’t have to leave home to find their start,” Kilburn says.
A groundbreaking last month started the clock on the 230-acre distillery campus near Morehead. By early 2026, the bourbon industry veterans aim to produce fine spirits for their craft customers while welcoming visitors to the nearly $150 million, 50,000-square-foot distillery that plans to employ more than 50 full-time staff.
Once fully operational, the distillery will produce more than 97,000 barrels of bourbon and rye each year, aging in nine different rickhouses on the property.
“Our unique concept will provide innovative solutions to help address growing challenges in the spirits industry,” Lawrence explains. “Particularly for craft distillers entering the market and those looking to grow their established brands.”
Eastern Light plans a customizable approach to contract distilling that pairs traditional bourbon making with cutting edge techniques and brand strategies.
“Unlike other distilleries that prohibit brands from sharing their story or even saying where their bourbon was made, Eastern Light will partner with craft makers from start to finish, offering a comprehensive suite of services to enhance established brands and bring new brands to life,” Kilburn says.
While most of the commonwealth’s distilleries operate in central Kentucky, Eastern Light’s co-founders regard the culture and ingenuity of Eastern Kentucky as key assets.
“This is a region marked by natural beauty, abundant resources and awesome people,” Kilburn says. “We are proud members of our electric cooperative, Fleming-Mason Energy, and we embrace our role as community partners.”
“We are so excited to see the vision of Eastern Light Distilling become a reality here,” says Fleming-Mason Energy CEO Brandon Hunt.
As the company coaches up-and-coming craft brands on development and distribution, the Morehead facility will also offer a home base showcasing brands to distillery tourists.
“When the sun comes up each day on the state’s distilleries,” Kilburn says, “it will shine on our Kentucky home first.”
