Lexington Bourbon Store Faces New Changes as Properties Go Up for Sale

Lexington, KY – Justins’ House of Bourbon, known for its vintage spirits, is undergoing significant changes as both its Lexington and Louisville locations are set to be auctioned off. The decision to sell the buildings, located at 601 & 605 West Main St. in Lexington and 101 & 103 West Market St. in Louisville, comes just four months after owners Justin Thompson and Justin Sloan settled a high-profile case with the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

The auction is not linked to the store’s previous legal troubles. An agent from Tranzon Asset Advisors, which is managing the sales, confirmed that Justins’ will remain as tenants and continue operations. The properties are being sold as part of a divorce settlement between the owners, Mark and Sherri Carter.

Online bidding for the Lexington building is scheduled to open on November 15 at noon and will close on November 19 at 3 p.m. Meanwhile, sealed bids for the Louisville property and the Old Carter Distillery, which is currently non-operational, must be submitted by 4 p.m. on December 10.

The recent developments follow an extensive legal battle that resulted in Justins’ being penalized with a $25,000 fine and the forfeiture of 120 bottles of bourbon to Kentucky ABC. The store had faced multiple raids resulting in the seizure of hundreds of bottles, including popular brands like Blanton’s and Weller. However, the settlement reached in June allowed Justins’ to obtain a new vintage distilled spirits retailer license without admitting guilt to the alleged violations.

As the situation unfolds, it remains clear that while the properties are changing ownership, Justins’ House of Bourbon is committed to its presence in both Lexington and Louisville.