One thing can certainly be said about Log Still Distillery founder Wally Dant – he’s got vision. And it never stops.
Wally is a direct descendant of the “Dant Dynasty” Bourbon Royal Family reigning from the mid 19th century up to Prohibition. In 2019, Wally purchased the original 350 acres in New Haven, KY, just outside of Bardstown, where it all began for his family’s deep rooted distilling legacy in Bourbon Country.
By 2021, the doors to Log Still Distillery opened after undergoing a massive property transformation and restoration. Now the property dawns a gorgeous 2,000+ capacity amphitheater, beautiful 20,000+ square foot event space, a 12 acre fishing pond and a bed and breakfast with an array of charmingly country sheik décor. In short, Wally did not take the path of least resistance.
Log Still Opening Restaurant in Downtown Louisville
Which brings us to now and the excitement surrounding a recent announcement that Log Still is bringing a new restaurant and tasting room experience to Louisville’s “Whiskey Row” area. Given Wally’s resume for stunning creation, we can’t to see what’s in store. Running the culinary show will be Executive Chef David Danielson, a 30 year culinary veteran whose stripes include being Executive Chef at Churchill Downs, meaning The Kentucky Derby.
Here are the details released from Log Still this week:
Log Still Distillery is opening “Monk’s Road Boiler House”, a fine dining restaurant and tasting room, in Downtown Louisville’s Whiskey Row. The restaurant will feature a luxury chophouse-style menu curated by globally renowned Chef David Danielson, alongside highlighting the distillery’s line of Monk’s Road Bourbons & Gins and Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskeys. The restaurant will be located at the corner of 2nd and Main St in Whiskey Row Lofts across from the YUM! Center (former Bearno’s location) and is slated to open spring 2024.
“Monk’s Road Boiler House brings a new dining experience to Whiskey Row. The restaurant takes inspiration from the famed chophouses and supper clubs of a bye-gone era with a menu featuring hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, pastas and crafted classic cocktails served in an elegant setting,” said Chief of Hospitality and Executive Chef David Danielson.
Guests can expect a two-level venue with the upper tier serving fine dining cuisine and the lower tier serving as a speakeasy style bar for tastings and curated bourbon experiences. During concert season at The Amp, the distillery’s outdoor amphitheater featuring world class entertainment (national country, rock and bluegrass artists), a shuttle will also be available to transport guests from the restaurant to the concert venue for a comprehensive experience.
“This restaurant and tasting room will embody the history of our distillery, reflected in its hospitality, craftsmanship, and atmosphere,” says President and Distiller Wally Dant. “Named after our flagship line of bourbons and gins, the moniker ‘Monk’s Road Boiler House’ is an ode to our historic distillery boiler house ruins brought to life through the architecture to give guests the feeling of being present during a Master Distiller’s process.”
About Executive Chef Dave Danielson
Log Still Distillery’s Chief Hospitality Officer and Executive Chef David Danielson brings more than 30 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industries, most recently serving as the Executive Chef for Churchill Downs Racetrack and Levy Restaurants. Danielson was the owner and chef at Louisville’s Old Stone Inn & Tavern. He has also consulted on several large-scale special events, including the PGA Championship, Super Bowls, U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, GRAMMY Awards, and the Olympics.
Danielson co-wrote the Southern recipe and hospitality guide, “The Bourbon Country Cookbook.” He has appeared on outlets such as “Top Chef” Season 16 as celebrity chef judge, “ABC World News”, “Fox & Friends”, “Travel Channel”, WGN, and “Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs.”
Log Still Spirits Portfolio:
- Monk’s Road Fifth District Series II: The Fifth District line of Monk’s Road Bourbons is a limited-release series of rotating bourbons that pays tribute to the historic distilleries of the fifth tax district. The second release in the Fifth District Series pays homage to F.M. Head Distillery, which was a distillery operated on our hallowed grounds and included in our DSP-KY-47 lineage, which is where Log Still’s DSP number emanates. This expression honors F.M. Head Distillery as an exceptional 8-year-old high rye bourbon finished with a secondary toasted barreling. With a smokiness beautifully complementing notes of cherry and spice, this pour echoes with legends of distiller pioneers and celebrates today’s quality spirit. BarleyCorn Awards Fall 2023 Gold Winner 50% alc/vol – 100 PROOF
- Monk’s Road Wheated Bourbon: This 4-year-old Wheated Bourbon is light and smooth. Using wheat as the predominant secondary grain, Monk’s Road Wheated is a sweet and smooth product that’s approachable and balanced. Notes of vanilla and cinnamon spice marry with the dried cherry to create an approachable, warm sipper. This bourbon will take you back to the comforts of your home, where you can enjoy it as the casual back porch sipper or in your favorite cocktail. Fred Minnick Blind Bourbon ASCOT Awards People’s Choice Winner 2023 47% alc/vol – 94 PROOF.
- Monk’s Road Dry Gin: Our essential gin is a unique offering from the rolling hills of Kentucky, with a delicate balance of complementary botanicals, creating the perfect gin for all seasons and palates. Sweet and tangy lemon peel with complex earthiness and spice. A hint of juniper brings it all around in a harmoniously bright blend. 43% alc/vol – 86 PROOF.
- Monk’s Road Barrel-Finished Gin: Smooth and complex with a subtle waft of smoke, Monk’s Road Barrel Finished Gin is aged in a wheated bourbon barrel and nods to the pride of place, tradition, and diligence for which the founders and cousins, Wally, Charles and Lynne Dant, are known. Rich in oaky aroma, with vanilla and warm mulling spices that leave the juniper pleasantly in the background. Overall, a satiny texture polished by distinct barrel aging. BarleyCorn Awards Fall 2023 Gold Winner 46.5% alc/vol – 93 PROOF.
- Rattle & Snap 4-Year Tennessee Select Straight Whiskey: A tribute to Founder and Distiller, Wally Dant’s Tennessee roots, Rattle and Snap Tennessee Whiskey is a toast to taking risks and making your own luck. This classic sour mash aged to perfection over four years, allows notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and spice to come to fruition for a long-lasting, sweet finish. 47% alc/vol – 94 PROOF.
About Log Still Distillery
Log Still Distillery is bringing bourbon back to Gethsemane. Guided by Wally Dant and cousins Lynne and Charles Dant, Log Still is built on old distillery land and reimagined to create a unique bourbon and family destination. Each bottle is filled with respect, ever mindful that faith, family, community, and bourbon pave the way for future generations. Featured products include the Monk’s Road line of Kentucky bourbons and gins and Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey line. Log Still anchors a pastoral campus that includes an outdoor amphitheater with world-class entertainment, a 20,000-square-foot wedding and events venue, multiple B&Bs, a private train depot, and a walking path surrounding a 12-acre fishing lake, making it a one-of-a-kind destination to make lasting memories with family and friends.
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