Keith Hazelbaker

Keith Hazelbaker - Backing Into a Career

In 2015, the old Derby City Spirits distillery in the Phoenix Hill area of downtown Louisville was in serious litigation that culminated in 2,000 gallons of alcohol being poured down the drain by Kentucky ABC officials. To help mitigate their problems, Derby City’s then-owners asked Certified Financial Planner Keith Hazelbaker to assist in putting together a long-term financial solution to ease the distillery’s woes. Hazelbaker’s help came in a way that was a surprise to all the parties involved when, after some soul-searching, he decided to buy the troubled distillery lock, stock and (whiskey) barrel himself.

The area where Derby City was located has a wealth of distilling legacy, which was appealing to Louisville native Hazelbaker, 58, who says of the distillery, “I just think keeping a distillery here is good for the city.” Located in the heart of a major bourbon sphere, the Phoenix Hill area sits atop a system of tunnels that once saw bootlegging smugglers transport their wares around Louisville and out to the world discreetly during Prohibition. Now, a sense of community and history combine with the renewed spirit of the area to see several upstart distilleries curate their craft. So Hazelbaker brought over his son Carson, and by late 2016, Prohibition Craft Spirits Distilling Company (PCS) was born. 

As is typical, while PCS awaited their own bourbon’s maturation, they produced a variety of “clear” beverages including vodka, gin and moonshine. A small batch of blackstrap molasses rum was then released, then bourbon barrel-aged tequila. By the end of 2019 Hazelbaker’s other son, Chase, had also joined the PCS team. After a couple of years of sourcing bourbon, finally, on April 11, 2020, NULU (short for “New Louisville”) single barrel straight bourbon whiskey, PCS’ own product, was released. The award-winning NULU has now been distributed in over 20 states.

Inside the distillery, PCS boasts several distinctive artifacts on display that pay homage to Louisville’s distilling past, including rare photos of Whiskey Row from the 1920’s. There are also personal items from famous whiskey-makers, including the original still that former PCS master distiller Harrison Hyden (who once served time for bootlegging) used during his less lawful days. PCS also boasts a newly completed and charming bar area, where curious patrons can quench their thirst with PCS’ exceptional offerings.

A big proponent of small business, outgoing and clearly passionate about his craft, it is important to Hazelbaker that all grains and almost all other products used in his operation are Kentucky- derived. He also feels that it is important that he stay close to his operation as founder, owner AND producer. For instance, he confirms that heads and tails are removed from the hearts of NULU by sight, taste and touch rather than by the height of the column, leading to a smoother, more unique profile that the current public can’t seem to get enough of. As Hazelbaker talks about his unique entry into the distilling world, he jests that he didn’t find his calling in distilling, rather the calling found him—and we are certainly glad that it did.

Contributed by: Tracy McLemore, Dickson, Tennessee