LEXINGTON, Ky. - May 14, 2025 - Dimensional Innovations (DI), an experience design, technology and fabrication firm, has completed a series of custom installations at RD1 Spirits' new, two-story distillery in Lexington, RD1 Distillery at The Commons. The larger 10,215-square-foot space, part of a new development, delivers an immersive visitor experience, including a glass-enclosed R&D lab focused on wood finishing, a VIP speakeasy tasting room and interactive elements throughout.
DI's creative inputs, centered around an 8-foot bottle of bourbon and 14-foot wooden tree structure, as well as a series of other decorative wood and steelwork pieces, help tell the story of bourbon's creation in Lexington and the city's rich past. The installations are being unveiled as part of the distillery's grand opening event today.
RD1 Spirits, which not only makes and sells bourbon but also hosts tastings and other events, set out to upgrade from its former tasting room and gift shop location. The new facility in Lexington's entertainment district is three times the size of its former home. With the expansion, RD1 wanted their space to capture the complete bourbon experience and reimagine how visitors engage with it. With that opportunity, DI developed several unique design pieces that serve as the centerpiece of the Bourbon Trail, including wooden elements woven throughout the space designed to reflect bourbon's connection with oak. The DI team also installed museum-quality acrylic cases to immerse visitors in stories about bourbon cocktails, production and the aging process.
"When we were working on our new distillery, it was not just about expansion, we wanted to create an entirely new bourbon experience," said Mike Tetterton, CEO of RD1 Spirits. "Partnering with Dimensional Innovations was a critical part of our process. Our new facility had to both uniquely tell RD1's story and visually depict Kentucky's bourbon heritage. Di's installations helped to make our facility a one-of-a-kind experience for our visitors. We're excited for everyone to enjoy this space."
DI's designs pay reverence to the rich history of the state, including Kentucky's equestrian tradition. DI's colorful design work included kiosks decorated with leather bottle displays and illuminated fences, and historical graphics printed on acrylic panels that help build a cohesive storytelling experience. To highlight RD1's expanding global presence, DI also created a map made out of steel and neon lighting. The map helps reinforce RD1 as both a local asset and an internationally respected brand.
"During our creative collaboration process with RD1, we aimed to design a layout that could capture the rich history and distinct flavor that defines bourbon," said Spencer Farley, director of cultural practice at Dimensional Innovations. "What we landed on was a comprehensive storytelling experience that provides intrigue and excitement for locals, bourbon aficionados and even first-time visitors to the area looking to discover something completely new."
RD1 Spirits traces its roots back to 1865, at the establishment of the Ashland Distillery, the first in the nation to obtain a federally registered distillery license. RD1 channeled Ashland's history during its launch in 2021 with the mission of honoring the trailblazers that came before. The company sought to build a portfolio of products that captures the same spirit that led the founders of Ashland to create Lexington's legendary whiskey heritage.
