Falls of Rough was founded in the early 1800s and was home to a variety of businesses, including gristmills, sawmills, and a tobacco warehouse. One of the original owners of the area was George Washington. His land was acquired from Richard Henry Lee, known as “Light Horse Harry Lee,” for 600 pounds, and Washington’s horse Magnolia. Fast forward 200 years and today, the lake is popular for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

Why Founding Fox?

It all starts by paying homage to one of our early landowners, our first President, George Washington. President Washington’s nickname was the “Old Fox,” which is one reason for using the fox as an icon. The second reason is our Granddad George fed foxes out the back door of this home. Granddad George is gone, but the foxes continue to return for their evening meals.

Why gin in central Kentucky? Our Founder, Professor Travis Wilson, has lectured around the world on famous architects, castles, and cathedrals. During a series of lectures around London, he encountered many small distilleries focused on various gins: sole gin, old tom, and, of course, London dry. The beauty of the distilleries and the different spirit profiles were intriguing. During the summer of 2021, he visited several craft distilleries in Western Kentucky, and the bug hit about building his own. The farm has a large building, lots of corn, and four beautiful seasons for barrel-resting gin and aging bourbon. All the pieces came together, and we now have Founding Fox Gin.