Hidden Gems: Meet Alex Castle of Augusta Distillery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Castle.

Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Being born and raised in Kentucky, I would say bourbon is in my blood, but it was really a love of science and math in high school that set me on my path. At the suggestion of my mom, I decided to study chemical engineering in college. Why? “Because you can make beer or make bourbon”, according to my mom. So I went to the University of Kentucky to do just that. While there, I did a co-op with Alltech in Nicholasville, which happened to have a brewery at the time and was in the process of building out a distillery as well. It was there that I learned very quickly that beer and brewing wasn’t enough – I needed to be in distilled spirits. After graduation, I landed at Wild Turkey as they were commissioning the at-the-time new production facility, where I was a production supervisor. Wild Turkey is also where I learned about product development, barrel maturation and sensory analysis. From there, I took a leap of faith and moved to Memphis, TN, to help build out, develop and launch Old Dominick Distillery and its many products. Hired as Head Distiller, it was at Old Dominick where I honed my distilling skills, studied and developed various spirits, and eventually was promoted to Master Distiller and Senior Vice President. During this time, I also fell in love with advocacy work within the industry, which led me to join the Board for the Tennessee Distillers Guild, as well as join the Craft Advisory Council for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. But after nearly 9 years, the Bluegrass State called my name and I returned home. In 2024, I was name Master Distiller at Augusta Distillery, located in the quaint river town of Augusta, Kentucky. And now 2 years in, I realize that Kentucky Bourbon has always been in my blood.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is nothing smooth about the spirits industry or start-up facilities. At the start of my career, I had to prove that I wasn’t too young to be taken seriously, and that, yes, a woman belonged in this male-dominated industry. Fortunately, I had supporters along the way that did help smooth the path along with me, so I wasn’t doing all of the heavy lifting myself. And it wasn’t just from one side or sector – similar challenges arose from co-workers and peers, from consumers and distillery guests, and just about everywhere else. No matter what title is on my business card, I still fight preconceived notions when people realize I’m a woman, or better yet, when they’re talking to me and don’t know who I am. But the most rewarding part of overcoming these challenges has been to watch the industry, on all sides, evolve and become more welcoming.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Augusta Distillery?
Augusta Distillery believes in 3 things – Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Single Barrel and Cask Strength. Or, as we like to say, Bourbon Uncompromised. We believe in experiencing bourbon in its purest form, and by offering our bourbon at cask strength, we’re allowing our customers to choose their own adventure – be bold and sip it neat, relax with a pour over ice, or jazz it up in a cocktail. Want a lower proof? No judgement here – just add water.
All of our bourbons have won national recognition with Golds, Double Golds, Platinums, and even Best Ofs at spirits competitions across the country. And while you can find most of our products at stores near you, we would love to welcome you to our distillery in our little town of Augusta, Kentucky. Enjoy one of our two experiences – a thieving tour and a production tour – and then sit in our yard while sipping on a house-made cocktail.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Centr fitness app – great for work-outs but also has great meditation videos to help you relax, focus and recenter yourself

Pricing:

• Augusta Small Batch Bourbon – $59.99
• Augusta Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon – $79.99
• Old Route 8 Single Barrel Bourbon – $99.99
• Buckner’s 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon – $149.99
• Buckner’s 13 Year Single Barrel Bourbon – $219.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://augustakydistillery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augusta_distiller/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/augustakydistillery
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-castle-5a883115/