Paris in Bourbon County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Bourbon Whiskey / Jacob Spears
Photographed By Matt Carter, September 11, 2010
1. Bourbon Whiskey Marker
Bourbon Whiskey
Named after Bourbon Co. because of quantity and quality of whiskey produced within its borders. Made from a fermented mash of at least 51% corn, with less wheat, rye, or barley, yeast and limestone water. Distilled at no more than 160 proof and aged in charred oak barrels. In 1964, Congress recognized bourbon as a distinctly American product.
Jacob Spears
Stone Castle, 1 mile south, built 1790 by Thomas Metcalfe for Jacob Spears. A Pennsylvanian who settled in Paris, he was innovative farmer & one of first distillers of bourbon whiskey. Still standing on this farm are a springhouse and a storehouse for his bourbon whiskey. It is the most complete distiller's complex in existence today.
Erected 2009 by Historic Paris-Bourbon County, Inc., Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2295.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1964.
Location. 38° 16.444′ N, 84° 17.971′ W. Marker is in Paris, Kentucky, in Bourbon County
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Silas Baptist Church (approx. 3.8 miles away); Ruddells Mills (approx. 3.9 miles away); Ruddle's Station (approx. 4˝ miles away); Johnston's Inn (approx. 4.6 miles away); Townsend Springs Farm (approx. 4.8 miles away); CSA at Paris, 1862 (approx. 5 miles away); Duncan Tavern (approx. 5 miles away); a different marker also named Duncan Tavern (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paris.
Photographed By Matt Carter, September 11, 2010
2. Jacob Spears Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 4, 2023
3. Bourbon Whiskey / Jacob Spears Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2010, by Matt Carter of Lexington, Kentucky. This page has been viewed 2,316 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 11, 2010, by Matt Carter of Lexington, Kentucky. 3. submitted on March 13, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
