A Season of Spirit: Founder Kaveh Zamanian onHoliday Magic at Rabbit Hole Distillery

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson

The holiday spirit is alive and well at Rabbit Hole in Nulu. Founder Kaveh Zamanian walks us through what makes this season special at the distillery, from the debut of limited-edition Amrûlé to the Overlook Bar decked out in festive flair, plus cocktails, tastings, and experiences designed to bring people together. In this Q&A, he shares some delicious recipes, what guests can expect, why these moments matter, and how Rabbit Hole captures the spirit of the season in a way only Louisville can.

VT: The holidays are such a fun time at Rabbit Hole — what can guests look forward to this season? Any special events, releases, or surprises in store? 

KZ: Absolutely. The holidays are one of my favorite times of year at Rabbit Hole and throughout Nulu. The neighborhood has an incredible energy, with lights, local shops, and great restaurants that all feel like a celebration of Louisville’s creative spirit.

At the distillery, we lean into that same sense of community and craft. Guests can expect special seasonal touches including new seasonal releases, complimentary bottle engravings, holiday-inspired cocktails, and a full transformation of the Overlook Bar into a festive holiday retreat with a curated seasonal cocktail menu. It’s a great time to visit, whether you’re discovering Rabbit Hole for the first time, or bringing friends and family to share something you love.

VT: When does your holiday programming officially kick off, and how long will it run?

KZ: The Overlook Holiday Bar will kick off on Black Friday, offering the perfect spot for those spending the day shopping in Nulu. We’ll be welcoming guests to experience Rabbit Hole Distillery Tuesday through Saturday, with extended Overlook Holiday hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 6:00 p.m. 

VT: Will Rabbit Hole be hosting any special tours, tastings, or pop-up experiences to get folks in the holiday spirit? 

KZ: You won’t want to miss our Holiday Cocktail Menu at the Overlook Bar! Featuring cocktails crafted with all of our signature whiskies, gin, and vodka, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to our festive drinks, we’ll be offering unique tour and tasting experiences, available for booking on our website. 

VT: Are there any new cocktail recipes, food pairings, or hosting ideas you’ll be sharing this season that highlight your whiskeys in a holiday setting? 

KZ: This holiday season, we’re thrilled to introduce “Amrûlé,” the newest addition to our Distillery Series. To celebrate its release, we’ll be featuring a Maple Old Fashioned on our Overlook Holiday Cocktail Menu—an indulgent seasonal twist showcasing this exceptional new expression.

VT: What’s your favorite way to spend a day in Nulu when you’re not at the distillery? 

KZ: When I’m not at the distillery, my perfect day in Nulu is all about soaking in the neighborhood’s creative energy. I’ll start with coffee at one of the local spots, then take a slow walk stopping into different shops. I love talking with the owners and makers, they’re the lifeblood of this place, and those conversations always ground me. I also love spending time at Hotel Genevieve. Sometimes it’s a drink on the rooftop, sometimes it’s just sitting in the lobby and taking in the vibe. It’s become one of my favorite places to unwind and connect. For me, a day in Nulu is less about an agenda and more about being part of the neighborhood’s rhythm. 

VT: Has being located in the Nulu neighborhood influenced Rabbit Hole’s identity? 

KZ: Nulu and Rabbit Hole have grown up together in many ways. When I chose this neighborhood, it already had a spark, artists and entrepreneurs doing things differently. That spirit spoke to me. But the reality is, Rabbit Hole didn’t just fit into Nulu, it helped start its renaissance. I wanted to build something bold and architectural, something that would make a statement and reflect the courage it takes to forge a new path in bourbon. The distillery became a catalyst. It drew attention and investment, and it helped elevate the entire area, inspiring others to imagine bigger possibilities for the neighborhood. Nulu was a natural fit with my creative DNA, and in turn, Rabbit Hole helped redefine the neighborhood. That shared energy, rooted in innovation, originality, and reinvention is still shaping both of us today. 

VT: And finally, for someone new to Rabbit Hole, what’s the one bottle you’d recommend as the perfect holiday gift — and how would you suggest enjoying it? 

KZ: One of our most sought-after whiskies, Dareringer Founder’s, might just make an appearance in our distillery gift shop this holiday season, perfect for treating yourself or the whiskey lover on your list.

COCKTAIL RECIPE 

Maple Brulé Old Fashioned 

• 2 oz Amrulé

• .25 Maple Syrup

• Bitters (2-3 dashes)

• Stir & Strain 

Garnish: Cinnamon Stick 

Glass: Rocks 

Product Info: 

Experience the alchemy of Amrûlé, a meticulously crafted limited-edition Distillery Series expression that elevates our signature Sour Mash Rye to new, evocative heights. The secret lies in allowing the spirit to rest in custom Maple Brûlé barrels, each one a testament to the precision and artistry of the masters at Tonnellerie Moreau in Quebec. The maple seasoning and high-intensity char forge a smoky, dark caramel veil inside the barrel. This profound layer of flavor embraces the Rye, imparting it with an unforgettable indulgent profile. Aromas of caramel, dark toffee, brown sugar, and bright florals lead to a palate of dark cherries, stone fruit, cardamom, and oak before giving way to a long lingering finish marked by notes of baking spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. The perfect pairing for this season of whiskey weather, Amrûlé is a true sensory indulgence. 

Tasting Notes 

Distillery Series Tasting Notes “Amrulé” Boxergrail finished in Maple Brulé barrels [+4-year Rye whiskey base finished for 9 months] Bottling Proof: 104.4 

Aroma: bright, floral aromas followed by notes of caramel and dark toffee finishing with hints of roasted pecans and brown sugar 

Palate: luscious profiles of dark cherries and stone fruit followed by hints of cardamom and oak finishing with strong herbaceous profiles and pleasantly viscous mouthfeel 

Finish: deep, complex notes of baking spices with touches of cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper on a substantially long and lingering finish