LEXINGTON, Ky. — One of Kentucky’s most treasured historic landmarks is marking a major milestone with a bourbon worthy of the occasion.
Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, has unveiled a limited-edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, the organization that has preserved the Lexington landmark for a century.
Rather than simply releasing another commemorative bottle, the foundation has created a collector’s bourbon that celebrates both Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage and the enduring legacy of one of the Commonwealth’s most influential statesmen.
Founded in 1926, the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation was established to protect Ashland’s 17-acre estate from development and preserve the home of Henry Clay, the famed Kentucky politician known as the “Great Compromiser.” The foundation acquired the property in 1949, opened it to the public the following year, and has continued to preserve the National Historic Landmark while sharing Clay’s story with generations of visitors.
To create the anniversary bourbon, the foundation partnered with Lexington-based Bespoken Spirits, producing a Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% wheat and 9% malted barley.
The whiskey was finished with medium-toast sugar maple wood, creating a flavor profile highlighted by notes of vanilla shortbread, cherry tart, maple biscuits, warm baking spices and caramel candy.
Bottled at 108 proof, the release is presented in individually numbered keepsake bottles designed for both collectors and bourbon enthusiasts looking to own a piece of Kentucky history.
“For 100 years, the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation has worked to ensure that Ashland remains a place where history comes alive for future generations,” said Jim Clark, executive director of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation. “This special release is more than a commemorative bourbon—it’s a tribute to the people who have preserved this remarkable estate for a century and an invitation for others to become part of its next chapter.”
Priced at $200 per bottle, the limited release is available through Ashland and supports the foundation’s ongoing preservation, education and restoration efforts. Ashland Bourbon – The Henry Clay Estate.
For bourbon collectors, the release represents more than another limited edition. It combines Kentucky craftsmanship with one of the state’s most significant historic sites, offering an opportunity to celebrate both the Commonwealth’s bourbon tradition and the preservation of a landmark that has stood at the center of Kentucky history for generations.
The commemorative bourbon is available while supplies last through Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate.
