WhistlePig opens “The Vault,” a new whiskey experience in downtown Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — WhistlePig Whiskey, known for leading the “Rye Revolution” and pushing the boundaries of American whiskey, is bringing a bold new experience to Bourbon Country. The company has transformed the historic 1911 Louisville Security Bank into The WhistlePig Vault, an immersive destination built to shake up the traditional bourbon trail visit.
Located at 403 East Market Street, between Whiskey Row and NuLu, The Vault invites guests into a striking blend of history, hospitality and hands-on whiskey exploration. Inside, visitors will find original bank architecture, hidden design details, customizable bottle experiences, and rare whiskey tastings—some held inside the restored bank vault itself.
WhistlePig’s arrival in Louisville is deeply symbolic. Although the brand is headquartered in rural Vermont, its roots trace back to Kentucky through founding distiller Dave Pickerell.
“Returning to Kentucky with The Vault is a full-circle moment for us,” said WhistlePig CEO Charles Gibb. “We’ve always made our own rules, and now we get to share that spirit directly with Bourbon Country.”
The opening follows the buzz from the January 2025 release of WhistlePig 10 Snout-to-Tail Bourbon, a Kentucky-made companion to the brand’s flagship Small Batch Rye. The Vault expands on that momentum with a first-of-its-kind whiskey playground that blends education, entertainment and customization.
Key experiences inside The WhistlePig Vault include:
- The Bank Lobby Bar
Enjoy signature cocktails like The Flying Pig, made with WhistlePig 10 Snout-to-Tail Bourbon and delivered through a pneumatic ATM tube—a playful nod to the brand’s rebellious personality. - Mezzanine Blending Room
Guests can join private or shared tastings designed for everyone from curious beginners to seasoned collectors. One highlight: crafting a personal blend of WhistlePig Old World Rye, aged 12 years. - The Whiskey Exchange
Visitors can dip, seal and stamp their own WhistlePig 10 PiggyBank Rye Limited Edition bottles—customizing the “hind” of the iconic pig-shaped decanter. - The Restored 1911 Vault
Once filled with safety deposit boxes, the original vault now showcases WhistlePig’s rarest bottles, including the full Boss Hog collection.
WhistlePig grand opening event. Photos: Wade Harris
