[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 133 (Thursday, July 29, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5173-S5174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THREE BOYS FARM DISTILLERY

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an 
outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Three Boys Farm Distillery in Graefenburg, KY, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  In 2011, Ross and Heather Caldwell moved their family from Colorado 
to Kentucky, and quickly pursued their dream of opening a distillery. 
Before moving to Kentucky, Ross and Heather purchased a 122-acre farm 
providing them a space to open a distillery, and have remaining land to 
graze cattle and grow corn for use in their single barrel bourbon and 
whiskey. Like many small business owners, the journey to open their 
business was no easy task, as Ross and Heather navigated redtape and 
burdensome regulations before getting their business off the ground. 
After many hurdles, Three Boys Farm Distillery opened its doors in 
2013, named in tribute to the Caldwells' triplets: Patrick, Andrew, and 
Ethan. Over the years, family has remained the foundation of this small 
business with Ross serving as master distiller, but growth has led to 
hiring nine additional employees, including another master distiller.
  Today, Three Boys Farm Distillery is renowned for its bourbon and rye 
whiskey. Their products are sold throughout the United States and have 
drawn praise nationwide. The distillery's bourbon and whiskey tastings 
are a hit among Kentuckians and tour groups alike, drawing visitors 
from around the United States and abroad. Uniquely, Three Boys Farm 
Distillery allows guests to sample and bottle their own whiskey and 
bourbon straight from the barrel. Over the years, Three Boys Farm 
Distillery has also become a popular event venue for weddings and 
family reunions. Additionally, the distillery supports other local 
artisans and small businesses by selling their goods at the 
distillery's on-site gift shop.
  Like many small businesses, Three Boys Farm Distillery was faced with 
challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic but overcame them by 
adapting their business model throughout the ever-changing government 
regulations. The distillery expanded their shipping operations to 
provide long-time consumers access to their products and relied on the 
recommendations from their loyal customers to grow their customer base 
when distillery tours and tastings were prohibited. Furthermore, Three 
Boys Farm

[[Page S5174]]

Distillery expanded its bottling operations to assist outside companies 
bottle and label their products for sale. While expanding the 
distillery's operations helped Three Boys Farm Distillery stay afloat 
during the pandemic, longtime friend of the Caldwells, Walter Zausch, a 
University of Kentucky alum, provided additional assistance by 
investing in the business and becoming a majority owner. Rebounding 
from the pandemic, this summer, Three Boys Farm Distillery began 
hosting live concerts featuring local artists and continues to provide 
Kentuckians with a place to relax, build community, and enjoy a glass 
of bourbon with friends.
  Three Boys Farm Distillery is a remarkable example of the resilience 
and adaptability of locally owned small businesses. Small businesses, 
like Three Boys Farm Distillery, form the heart of towns across 
Kentucky and play a critical role in Kentucky's bourbon and whiskey 
industry. Congratulations to Ross, Heather, Walter, and the entire team 
at Three Boys Farm Distillery. I wish them the best of luck, and I look 
forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

                          ____________________