Old Hillside Bourbon Company

Old Hillside Bourbon Company is a craft bourbon and whiskey producer with roots in Durham, North Carolina and distilling operations based in Sparta, Kentucky. The company specializes in a curated portfolio of non-chill-filtered bourbon and rye whiskey products, designed to appeal to both novice drinkers seeking smoothness and seasoned enthusiasts who appreciate complexity and depth of flavor.

The company's product lineup includes Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Straight Rye Whiskey, and several distinctive named expressions. These include 'The Last Rye'd,' a Straight Rye Whiskey; 'The Hornet's Nest,' a Straight Bourbon Whiskey; 'Purple Heart Tribute,' a Straight Rye Whiskey with a patriotic designation suggesting a connection to military tribute; and 'Founder's Select,' a Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This range demonstrates a commitment to variety within the traditional American whiskey category.

A defining characteristic of Old Hillside Bourbon Company is its deliberate choice to forgo chill filtration in its production process. While many commercial distilleries chill-filter their products to achieve a visually lighter-bodied appearance on retail shelves, Old Hillside prioritizes taste over aesthetics. The company retains the natural congeners — byproducts of fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging — that contribute to a smoother finish, greater complexity, and a more differentiated sipping experience. This production philosophy positions the brand squarely within the craft and artisan spirits movement, appealing to consumers and buyers who value authentic flavor profiles over cosmetic uniformity.

The traditional bourbon production process employed involves fermentation of grain mash, distillation, and barrel aging — all hallmarks of authentic Kentucky straight bourbon production. By maintaining these conventional methods while consciously opting out of chill filtration, the company bridges authenticity with a distinct point of differentiation in a competitive market.

With its dual geographic identity — Southern heritage from North Carolina combined with Kentucky's legendary bourbon-producing tradition — Old Hillside Bourbon Company occupies a unique positioning in the craft spirits space. The brand targets both regional identity-driven consumers and the broader national market of whiskey enthusiasts seeking premium, handcrafted alternatives to mass-market offerings.