A legal battle has halted construction on the high-profile tasting room, with local contruction firms seeking over $1 million in unpaid fees.
The ambitious build-out of the Binder’s Stash tasting room in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, has shifted from a construction site to a legal battlefield. According to a new complaint, the project has been hit with over $1.2 million in mechanic's liens and a breach-of-contract lawsuit from the general contractor and various subcontractors, who allege they haven't been paid for months of labor and materials.
Binder's Stash Bourbon Tasting Room
The Binder's Stash Bourbon Tasting Room was to be a 10,000-square-foot, full-service bar and gift shop with private tasting rooms and plans for a micro-distillery. Located at 121 S. Clay St. in Louisville’s trendy Eastern Market District—also known as NuLu—the project was initially budgeted for $2 million and was scheduled to open last fall. However, funding soon became an issue, and work paused at the site in November 2025.
The Lawsuit Against Binder's Stash
On March 12, Buffalo Construction Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky, filed a lawsuit against the property owner, Stoddard Spirits Landco LLC. While Bill Binder serves as the brand’s public face and namesake, records from the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office identify Stoddard Spirits LLC as the owner and sole member of Binder’s Stash LLC. Furthermore, Richard “Drew” Stoddard is listed as the owner of Stoddard Spirits and serves as the CEO of Binder’s Stash.
Photgraph courtesy of Binder’s Stash Whiskey
According to Kentucky's Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper, the lawsuit names Binder’s Stash and its owners regarding $1.2 million in unpaid debt. Buffalo Construction stopped work on the project last fall, when it was unable to pay subcontractors. Court records show one firm has filed a counterclaim alleging it is owed nearly $21,000 for materials. In addition to the principal debt, the construction company is seeking interest and legal fees, while other claimants are seeking a sale of the property to cover monies owed.
Binder’s Stash Whiskey Brand History
Binder’s Stash Whiskey was founded by Bill Binder and quickly established a reputation as a boutique curator of high-end, limited-release Kentucky bourbon. The brand is known for its focus on single-barrel expressions and transparency in sourcing. In June 2025, they announced a landmark strategic partnership with Willett Distillery, which provided Binder’s Stash with exclusive access to Willett’s rare aged barrels and experimental mashbills.
