A Flagship Born from Boone’s Land
Regeneration’s flagship whiskey is unique in every way, starting with the rye and wheat, which are grown on land once owned by Daniel Boone.
The story of Boone’s Settlement is a fascinating one. Mt. Folly commissioned a Highway Marker to mark the spot, and we spent several years doing the research, which was approved by the Kentucky Historical Society. The dedication of the marker was April 18, 2018, and was attended by Clark County luminaries and representatives of Fort Boonesborough and Elkhorn City, two places tied to Boone.
The marker reads:
Daniel Boone’s Settlement – Daniel Boone selected this site at present-day Schollsville for making an improvement here and growing corn in 1775 and 1776. The Virginia Land Commission approved his claim in 1779 at Fort Boonesborough. William Hays surveyed the land in 1783. Boone sold the settlement and 1000-acre preemption to William Scholl.
The marker continues on the flip side:
Scholl’s Station – Schollsville – Abraham, Joseph and Peter Scholl, sons of William, established this frontier station in the 1780s. Joseph married Levinia Boone, Daniel’s daughter. Peter married Mary Boone, daughter of Daniel’s brother Edward. Schollsville was once a thriving community with a church, school, post office and several stores.
So, while other stories of whiskey brands are made up on Madison Avenue, our story is actually true.
“When the United States was being formed, Kentucky was the frontier, the new land, the western waters. Brave Pioneers, looking for land, trickled in, and then flowed in. One of them was Daniel Boone, and one William Scholl, whose efforts we commemorate today.
Yet, in what was to be Kentucky (it was part of Virginia at the time) there were native Americans, many of whom were dying from diseases to which they had no resistance. And some of the settlers brought with them enslaved Americans, who helped settle the land. It’s a complex story.”
She went on to say that a deep understanding of history informs a nuanced view of the present, and that the only way to achieve this is by learning local history. She then acknowledged the importance of local history, community and knowing your neighbors.
A Kentucky-Only Wheated Rye
At this moment, Freeman had the idea for a whiskey only sold in Kentucky. Zack Pasley, her partner distiller, wanted a mash bill which included wheat as well as rye, for a smooth whiskey. Joined by another local farmer, the trio began distilling.
Next, the wheated rye “white dog,” a name for whiskey just off the still, was barreled and racked in Mt. Folly’s old tobacco barns, left to age. All the rye is at least 2 years old, though some barrels are 3 or 4 years old.
In the world of “craft distilleries,” this is the real thing. While some distilleries bearing this name put up 50,000 barrels of whiskey a year, Regeneration Distillers puts up 12. Guests at Mt. Folly’s homestead cabin rental can see this up close and personal.
Follow Regeneration Distillers on social, drop in to taste test at the distillery, 31 East Broadway, Winchester, or at The Mercantile on Main, 1 South Main, Winchester.