The story begins 180 years ago in 1847 when William Harrison McBrayer opened his first distillery, Cedar Brook DSP #44, nestled among the rocks, trees, and a bubbling spring in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It was an idyllic backdrop for what would become a world-renowned spirit that put Kentucky Bourbon on the international map. With the resurrection of our family’s famous WH McBrayer Cedar Brook bourbon label, we couldn’t be more excited to retell its story and use some of its proceeds to help refurbish the Cedar Brook Via Duct Bridge as Phase 2 in the Rails to Trails project for the City of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
WH McBrayer “The Judge” and the Railroad
Ever since I learned a decade ago that WH McBrayer not only produced an award-winning bourbon recognized with gold medals both at home and abroad, my curiosity and desire to know more about this familial ancestor have led me on an unexpected journey. While initially drawn in by the fact that the McBrayer name was synonymous with some of the finest Pre-Prohibition Kentucky Bourbon, it was the personal history of one WH McBrayer—his entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering love for family, faith, and community, and boundless sense of service and giving—that really moved me. WH, affectionately referred to as “The Judge,” was County Judge of Anderson County from 1851 to 1856 and served as a Kentucky State Senator from 1857 to 1861. He was also the leading advocate and administrator for bringing the railroad through Anderson County.
It is said that “he worked for the railroad with boundless zeal as a strong prejudice existed against it, and many individuals opposed its construction. He canvassed the county from end to end, speaking in every district, donating the right of way through much land, and buying stock when confidence was at its lowest ebb. He was a director up to the time of his death, and the directorate were honorary pallbearers at his funeral. The Southern Road would run special draped trains from Louisville, Lexington, and Harrodsburg on this occasion.” Anderson News Supplement, June 1906. The McBrayer station was named for him.
The McBrayer sign near the tracks still stands, and you can see it on your way into the Four Roses Distillery.
Cedar Brook Distillery, DSP #44, early 1900’s.
The McBrayer Property and Rails to Trails Project
The railroad ran for approximately 100 years. As time has passed, the bridge and tracks have become unusable and in need of repair. Like a bourbon biding its time, this immense structure has been patiently resting—waiting for the right moment to be tapped for greatness. In June of 2024, city and county officials celebrated the opening of the first phase of the Cedarbrook Rails to Trails project. Having secured $240,000 in grant money from the Lawrenceburg/Anderson County Tourism Authority, a portion of the trail has been restored and now provides locals and visitors alike the opportunity to traverse this path and enjoy the incredibly beautiful natural surroundings. The trail is approximately 1 mile long and goes through the middle of the future McBrayer Distillery property before stopping at the Cedar Brook Bridge. To complete the second phase of the project, the City of Lawrenceburg needs to raise $500,000 to repair the 110 ft. tall, 800 ft. long expanse of the Cedarbrook Viaduct and connect the trail.
Today, we have the opportunity to carry on WH McBrayer’s legacy of service and stewardship in his beloved City of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. By helping raise critical funds to repair and restore the section of tracks once laid through the lands that brought prosperity and industry to the city, we are paving the way for the future! Our family is committed to supporting this project, tourism in the area, and the community as a whole. Our 2024 release of CedarBrook Wheated Bourbon goes on sale this September during Bourbon Heritage Month. For every bottle purchased online, we are donating a portion to this project. Be sure to sign up for the Legacy Club to receive ordering information for this upcoming release! Additionally, we have started a Go Fund Me page. We would love to present the City of Lawrenceburg with a large portion of the funds needed for this amazing project. We invite you to join us in this pursuit as we endeavor to raise $500,000 for the restoration of the Cedar Brook Viaduct Bridge, Phase 2 of the Rails to Trails project! Make your donation to our GoFundMe page here.
