Sustainable Whiskey Production: The Journey of Rabbit Hole Distillery
All images courtesy of Rabbit Hole Distillery. In recent years there has been an industry-wide push for more sustainable practices in the spirits and Whiskey industries. Large spirits conglomerates such as Diageo have pledged to achieve net-zero operations by 2030 and have invested heavily in sustainable technologies.
Rabbit Hole Distillery’s Commitment to Sustainable Whiskey Production
Whilst bigger spirits are implementing plans for Sustainability, there are also many small whiskey operations that are driving such efforts in their local communities. One such operation is Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Despite being located amongst the hustle and bustle of city life, founder, CEO, and Whiskey Maker, Kaveh Zamanian has always focused on the health of the rolling hills outside the city limits.
Innovation Rooted in Tradition
Kaveh Zamanian started Rabbit Hole Distillery in 2012 with a passion for American whiskey inspired by old bourbons. His initial love affair was with scotch, but it was meeting his wife, Heather, a Louisville native, that kindled his fascination for American whiskey and bourbon.
“When I started coming down to Kentucky, to Louisville, almost 21 years ago, I actually started getting a taste of some of what I would call ‘dusties’. Some bottles of Old Fitzgerald from the late 1950s, early 1960s, and some other pre-prohibition and post-prohibition whiskies that were made here in Kentucky,” says Kaveh. These old bourbon profiles encouraged Zamanian to learn more about Kentucky’s distilling history.
EPA Energy Star Certification Milestone
Alongside his mission to create unique bourbon expressions, Zamanian has been committed to sustainability. Rabbit Hole’s environmental initiatives culminated in the distillery receiving the prestigious EPA Energy Star Certification in November 2023, showcasing its energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Practices at Rabbit Hole Distillery
Kaveh highlighted several sustainable practices that led to the certification:
- Reduction in water and electricity usage
- Installation of high-efficiency LED lighting
- Reduction in steam usage and increased setback in the cooker
- Partnership with the University of Louisville’s bioproduct distillery for waste reuse
- Regenerative farming and no-till practices
Sustainable Whiskey Production: The Path Forward
Now that Rabbit Hole has achieved the EPA Energy Star Certification, Zamanian aims to further reduce their carbon impact and achieve net-zero by 2030. He stresses the importance of industry-wide sustainable practices, such as using recyclable packaging and nurturing oak tree regeneration.
A Collective Effort to Create Sustainable Whiskey
Rabbit Hole’s recognition as an Energy Star producer is a collective effort involving their dedicated team and partners. This collaborative approach ensures the production of beloved, environmentally-friendly whiskey.
Exciting Innovations on the Horizon
Rabbit Hole Distillery continues to innovate with upcoming releases, such as the Mizunara cask finished bourbon and an 8-year-old expression of their Boxergrail rye. Their dedication to sustainability and unique whiskey expressions makes them a leader in sustainable whiskey production.
| Practice | Impact |
| Reduction in water usage | Less strain on local water resources |
| LED lighting installation | Energy savings and lower emissions |
| Regenerative farming | Healthier soil and better crop yields |
| Reclaimed energy and water | Increased efficiency and sustainability |
Rabbit Hole Distillery exemplifies how traditional distilling techniques can coexist with modern sustainability practices. Their journey in sustainable whiskey production sets a benchmark for the industry and inspires others to follow suit.
