LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — The story of Anderson County’s bourbon heritage is coming to the big screen this summer with the premiere of Spirits of Lawrenceburg: A Bourbon Legacy Forged Through Time, a new documentary by Kentucky filmmaker Bo Cumberland.
Set to premiere on July 25, 2026, on the grounds of the historic T.B. Ripy Mansion and the Dowling House in Lawrenceburg, the film traces more than two centuries of bourbon history through the families, distilleries, and communities that helped shape Anderson County and its whiskey heritage.
Unlike many bourbon documentaries that focus primarily on brands and production, Spirits of Lawrenceburg centers on the people behind the industry. From the early pioneers who helped establish distilling in the region to the bourbon families and businesses that followed, the film explores the events, successes, setbacks, and innovations that helped define Lawrenceburg’s place in Kentucky bourbon history.
The documentary features interviews with historians, descendants of bourbon families, distillery representatives, and local community members whose stories help bring the region’s history to life. The project was developed in collaboration with local historian Jerry Daniels and was supported by numerous organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout Anderson County.
The premiere event will be more than a film screening. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the historic Ripy Mansion and Mary Dowling House, attend presentations from bourbon historians and industry professionals, enjoy guided tastings, and meet many of the people featured in the film before the documentary is shown on the mansion grounds after sunset.
Through interviews, historical research, rare photographs, and modern-day footage, the documentary examines more than two centuries of bourbon history in Lawrenceburg and Anderson County. The film highlights the stories of the Hawkins, Bond, McBrayer, Ripy, Dowling, and Saffell families, along with the distilleries, businesses, and communities that helped shape the region’s whiskey heritage.
Event Information
What: Spirits of Lawrenceburg: A Bourbon Legacy Forged Through Time Premiere Event
When: July 25, 2026
Where: T.B. Ripy Mansion, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Time: Activities begin at 4:00 p.m.; film screening begins after sunset
Tickets and Information
Tickets for the premiere event are available at:
Purchase Tickets Here (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/303YNDQ5QC01M/checkout/LHWSYI5J26TKDDE74MMHYL7F?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
For event updates and additional information, visit the official Facebook event page:
Spirits of Lawrenceburg Premiere Event on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/s/spirits-of-lawrenceburg-film-p/2776198759399609/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the event.
