Our story
1835
Caleb Terrell And the birth of Old Terrell Bourbon
In 1835, Caleb Terrell began distilling bourbon on his Paducah, Kentucky farm, using the abundant corn from his land to craft what would become a legendary whiskey. Recognizing the rich potential of Kentucky’s grains and limestone-filtered water, he perfected his process, creating a bold bourbon that quickly gained a following. What started as a small farm distillation soon began laying the foundation for what would later become Old Terrell Distillery.
1903
Sid Terrell Opens Old Terrell Distillery and secures DSP #34
In 1903, Sid Terrell, a grandnephew of Caleb Terrell, established what would become one of Kentucky’s oldest bourbon distilleries, Old Terrell, securing DSP-KY-34 as its official distilling license. Located in Paducah, Kentucky, the distillery quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbon. Through resilience and craftsmanship, Sid built Old Terrell into a respected name in the bourbon world, laying the groundwork for a family tradition that would be carried forward by future generations. His vision and dedication to the craft cemented Old Terrell’s place in Kentucky bourbon history.
1916
Old terrell burns in Mailroom Fire
In 1916, tragedy struck Old Terrell Distillery when a devastating fire consumed around 1,300 barrels of whiskey. The blaze caused $150,000 in damage to the once-thriving distillery, marking what seemed to be the end of an era for one of Kentucky’s oldest bourbon producers.
2023
Logan Davis Revives Old Terrell
As the great-nephew of Sid Terrell, Logan Davis is bringing Old Terrell Distillery back to life, reigniting a bourbon legacy. Born and raised in Paducah, his focus is on his family’s bourbon heritage. Just as Caleb Terrell did in 1835, Logan will be using corn, wheat and rye from his own farm to craft bourbon, ensuring a direct connection to the distillery’s historic roots. With a vision that blends tradition and a modern approach, he is reintroducing Old Terrell bourbon to a new generation, honoring its past while shaping its future. Old Terrell is once again set to reclaim its place among the greats of Kentucky bourbon.
2025
the Davis family restores old terrell to its original glory
Construction has officially begun to restore the original Old Terrell Distillery, bringing the historic bourbon house back to life at 417 Jefferson St. This reconstruction marks a new chapter for Old Terrell, blending its 1835 origins with a forward-thinking approach to bourbon production. Through his dedication, Logan is ensuring that Old Terrell once again stands as a testament to Kentucky’s rich distilling history.
