Von Payne Spirits Acquires Historic Louisville Landmark to Create The Von Payne Castle
Louisville, KY – Sept. 9, 2025
Von Payne Spirits, the brand known for its gothic allure and gargoyle-adorned whiskey, has acquired the historic Whiteside’s Bakery Company building at 1400 West Broadway in Louisville’s West End. This 60,000-square-foot Mission-style landmark designed by prominent architect Arthur Loomis, opened in 1908 as Bond Bread and was once hailed as the most sophisticated bakery in America. Adorned with four gargoyles on its East Tower, the long-abandoned “Castle” will now be reborn as The Von Payne Castle: Distillery and Tasting Experience.
Von Payne plans to restore the historic structure, transforming it into a destination unlike any other on the Bourbon Trail. The facility will showcase Von Payne’s signature offerings, including its bourbon and bold black currant infused whiskey, paired with immersive events that highlight the brand’s darker, alternative edge in the spirits world.
“We’re excited to welcome Von Payne Spirits as they create a new life for a Louisville landmark and bring new jobs and investment to our community,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “This is another sign of Louisville’s amazing economic momentum, and it will be the perfect addition to the world-class experiences that make our city so vibrant.”
Beyond a home for whiskey, the Von Payne Castle will bring new energy, jobs, and investment to Louisville’s West End, breathing life into a neighborhood that deserves renewed attention.
“We are excited to bring the Von Payne experience to Louisville and join the many other successful spirits companies on the Bourbon Trail,” said Steven Allen, Founder of Von Payne Spirits, LLC. “We’re not just bringing another bourbon to Kentucky—we’re bringing something different. An experience that, as we like to say, expands the possibilities of the night.”
With its gothic identity, historic setting, and commitment to community revitalization, The Von Payne Castle is set to become a bold new landmark for Louisville, uniting past and future in a way only Von Payne Spirits can.
About Von Payne Spirits
Von Payne Spirits, based in Clearwater, FL, is dedicated to producing premium, innovative spirits that challenge the norms and captivate consumers. Our flagship product, Von Payne Black, is an award-winning blended whiskey infused with natural black currant, known for its smooth, rich taste profile and unique presentation. Inspired by the dark and edgy essence of alternative subcultures, Von Payne Spirits is all about expanding the possibilities of the night and changing how people think about whiskey.