Eastern Light is illuminating a new era of Kentucky bourbon.
We are illuminating a new era of Kentucky bourbon. Eastern Light is a locally owned and operated distillery being developed in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky. From our home in Morehead (Rowan County), we will help bring a new era of innovation to the state’s signature bourbon industry.
Our passion and experience in the world of whiskey production inspired us to address growing challenges in the spirits industry by marrying bourbon and entrepreneurism – two things that have helped our state flourish, and that are critical to its future.
More than another distillery producing a single branded spirit, Eastern Light will provide our fellow craft makers something not currently available in the bourbon industry, a tailored brand experience and their own unique distillery homeplace.
A new day is dawning for Kentucky bourbon. Look East.
Eastern Light is illuminating a new era of Kentucky bourbon.
We are illuminating a new era of Kentucky bourbon. Eastern Light is a locally owned and operated distillery being developed in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky. From our home in Morehead (Rowan County), we will help bring a new era of innovation to the state’s signature bourbon industry.
Our passion and experience in the world of whiskey production inspired us to address growing challenges in the spirits industry by marrying bourbon and entrepreneurism – two things that have helped our state flourish, and that are critical to its future.
More than another distillery producing a single branded spirit, Eastern Light will provide our fellow craft makers something not currently available in the bourbon industry, a tailored brand experience and their own unique distillery homeplace.
A new day is dawning for Kentucky bourbon. Look East.
Our Story
Our passion for whiskey has prompted us to challenge ourselves and the industry in trying new approaches, creating something different, and always making it better. We are not only charting new territory, but also encouraging others to see the process transparently, and to take part.
Eastern Light was born to support craft distilling like never before, making Kentucky’s bourbon heritage accessible to more makers. We are inviting our fellow distillers, makers and collaborators to craft their innovative spirit and expand the legacy of what’s possible in the world of whiskey and bourbon.
The name Eastern Light suggests newness, innovation, directionality, and hope – all of which are reflected in our mission. We will offer our fellow craft makers something new in the bourbon industry, a tailored brand experience and their own distillery homeplace. We want to help you tell your story.
Our Story
Our passion for whiskey has prompted us to challenge ourselves and the industry in trying new approaches, creating something different, and always making it better. We are not only charting new territory, but also encouraging others to see the process transparently, and to take part.
Eastern Light was born to support craft distilling like never before, making Kentucky’s bourbon heritage accessible to more makers. We are inviting our fellow distillers, makers and collaborators to craft their innovative spirit and expand the legacy of what’s possible in the world of whiskey and bourbon.
The name Eastern Light suggests newness, innovation, directionality, and hope – all of which are reflected in our mission. We will offer our fellow craft makers something new in the bourbon industry, a tailored brand experience and their own distillery homeplace. We want to help you tell your story.
Founding Partners
Eastern Light Distilling is the fulfillment of a dream shared by its creators, 2023 Master Distiller of the Year, Caleb Kilburn, and seasoned industry executive, Cordell Lawrence. Their unique concept will provide innovative solutions to help address growing challenges in the spirits industry, particularly for craft distillers entering the market and those looking to grow their established brands.
Caleb Kilburn
Master Distiller
Caleb is a native of Eastern Kentucky (Bath County) who has honed his skills for whiskey production working on some of the industry’s finest brands. His experience and expertise led to his meteoric rise which has been celebrated through many prominent awards, including 2023 Master Distiller of the Year, while at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company. He is now looking east to bring innovation to the age-old tradition that is fine Kentucky bourbon. Kilburn is a graduate of Morehead State University in Rowan County.
Cordell Lawrence
Chief Executive Officer
Cordell has Kentucky roots that run deep, as his family has called the Commonwealth home since the 1700’s. He has worked on iconic brands such as Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Jack Daniels and most recently served as a senior executive with the prominent Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company in Louisville. He also serves as chairman of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Cordell’s skillset as a master in business, strategy, marketing, route-to-market, and distribution management made Lawrence the perfect complement to Kilburn’s production minded skillset. Lawrence is a graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington.