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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
America's Best Small Food and Drinks Town Is the Bourbon Capital of the World—and It Has a Seriously Impressive Restaurant and Wine Scene, Too
Book a room at The Trail Hotel, which features a rejuvenation lounge with IV treatments, an oxygen bar, a sauna, and more to help you bounce back from travel (and perhaps a little too much fun on the Bourbon Trail). Start your day with Hadorn Bakery's signature 'Yum Yums,' twisted, chocolate-topped yeast donuts that frequently sell out well before closing time. Stock up on sippable souvenirs at Evergreen Liquors in the heart of downtown Bardstown. Take a detour to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum to explore some of its 40 miles of hiking trails and peek at more than 3,500 species of plants. Pair a bourbon flight with a taco dog or smash burger at Scout & Scholar Brewery. If you're new to the whiskey world and are just dipping your toe into distillery tours, Bardstown, Kentucky, might be one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it towns you pass on your way to Lexington or Louisville. But in May 2025, Bardstown made a big splash when the area's first luxury boutique hotel debuted. I was one of the first guests to stay at The Trail Hotel, and my trip proved that Bardstown (population: around 14,000) is well worth a stop. Known as the 'Bourbon Capitol of the World' since the 1950s, Bardstown has been named 'The Most Beautiful Small Town in America' by several organizations. It's quickly becoming one of the most delicious small towns, too, thanks to restaurants with world-class chefs, creative mixologists, and top-tier sommeliers. Situated near the center of Kentucky, Bardstown is easy to get to from many corners of the country. And once you're here, distillery tours and tastings, unique shops, bakeries, restaurants, bars, museums, and more await. 'The fact that Bardstown is not a big metro area is part of its charm,' says Kentucky native Norma Smith, a bourbon butler at The Trail Hotel. 'Folks can come here, learn about bourbon's history, explore local businesses, and not have to feel the hustle-bustle of a large city. Bardstown is a small town with plenty of awesome things to do—and taste!' The Bourbon Capital of the World comes by its title honestly. There are 11 distilleries within a 16-mile radius of downtown Bardstown, and even if you're not big into brown spirits, there's plenty to tempt your taste buds here. During spring, summer, and fall, Bardstown hosts a robust farmers market and farm-to-table dinners. Throughout the year, buzzy events like Bardstown Burger Week and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival draw crowds. Any time you swing by, you can fuel up at a variety of seasonally-focused restaurants with bountiful bourbon selections (naturally), Kentucky-made beers, and seriously impressive wine lists (Oak & Ember, for instance, has a level-three sommelier on staff). The Trail hotel's Single Barrel Suite. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/Visit Bardstown Something old meets something new at Bardstown's freshest and most fashionable hotel. Co-owners Brook Smith, Will Hardy, and Nathan 'Ejo' Edmonds have fond memories of visiting this building in its former life as a Holiday Inn. When the then-closed hotel went up for auction in 2021, they cast the winning bid—and got to work on a complete renovation and redesign. Today, The Trail Hotel's 87 rooms and eight bourbon-themed suites form a U-shape around the pool, pool bar, and what is now the biggest hot tub in Kentucky. Inside the lobby area, guests can swing (at the high-definition golf simulator), sip (in the intimate speakeasy), and eat (at Oak & Ember, a restaurant specializing in healthy-ish Southern fare). Guests by the pool at the Bardstown Motor Lodge. Victor Sizemore/Visit Bardstown If you prefer to be within walking distance of downtown, 11-year Bardstown resident Newman Miller, chef and owner of Mr. Tubs and partner at Scout & Scholar Brewery, recommends Bardstown Motor Lodge. This mid-century-inspired, pet-friendly hotel is what I imagine the Schitt's Creek motel might look like with an HGTV glow-up. The rooms are small but mighty, with smart TVs, a mini fridge, blackout curtains, and premium bath amenities, and the shared space is equipped with fire pits, a pool, and a retro rec room. Traveling with a crowd? Try The Full Proof Penthouse. Owners Will and Alicia Hardy (yes, the same Will as The Trail Hotel) were featured on an episode of the Discovery+ show In With the Old, which chronicled their renovation of the Old Deatsville Inn in nearby Coxs Creek. The Hardys put their design superpowers to work to transform this downtown Bardstown three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment into a five-star vacation rental located in the downtown core. Laundry appliances, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and private rooftop space make this a fantastic choice for families and groups of friends. A Bardstown Bourbon Company tasting. No visit to Bardstown is complete without at least one distillery tour, according to Smith. 'Each distillery has something distinct to offer,' adds Vince Metcalfe, the single barrel coordinator at Bardstown Bourbon Company, who was born and raised in Bardstown and has called it home for nearly 30 years. 'You can do tours, tastings, or just hang out at their bar and have a cocktail. It's very cool to see the unique history behind each brand.' Options abound in and around Bardstown, with notable names like Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, and Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience (home of Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, and more), as well as at under-the-radar hits and up-and-comers such as Chicken Cock Whiskey and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Smith particularly adores the 90-minute Bottled-in-Bond Warehouse Tour and Tasting at Heaven Hill and the one-hour Rickhouse Barrel Thieving at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Brown spirit buffs will delight in the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. With free admission and tours, this museum is home to more than 1,500 highly allocated bottles of whisky and bourbon that the curators have been collecting for 40+ years. If you're new to the world of whiskey, this is a helpful place to start, as it offers an overview of the people, places, and techniques that make this spirit special. When you're ready for a break from the Bourbon Trail, navigate to 3rd Street. 'It's such a beautiful and quaint area with tons of local shops, bars, restaurants, and art studios,' Smith says. If you're in the mood for a savory snack, stop by Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium for a charcuterie board or 'Jake's Baked Balls' (sausage and Cheddar balls with a maple-bourbon glaze). If sweet is more your style, get the scoop at Big Wally's Ice Cream & More. While you're in the area, Smith suggests popping into Cactus Annie's to see the iconic Dolly Parton mural. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. You can hop on a handful of hiking trails mere steps from downtown. But if you're up for taking a 15-mile detour outside of Bardstown, you'll find one of Metcalfe's 'favorite places to enjoy the natural beauty of the state of Kentucky,' Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. Pack a picnic for a 'great way to spend time when not drinking bourbon,' Miller tells us. While you're stationed in this lush landscape, trek through some of the preserve's 40 miles of hiking trails. If kids are in tow, turn them loose at the 17-acre natural playground. They'll also enjoy the massive Forest Giants scattered throughout Bernheim, which are crafted from repurposed and natural materials. Evergreen Liquors, and upscale liquor shop with a tasting bar inside. Steven Gray/Visit Bardstown To refresh your wardrobe with effortlessly chic apparel, Kaden Lake Boutique is a must, Smith says. 'The owner, Alicia Hardy, has curated such a great women's boutique. She's definitely got style.' When I walked by, I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful clothes in the window. If your ideal souvenir is a drinkable one, you can't do much better than Evergreen Liquors. Keep an eye out for rare releases like Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked and Angel's Envy Barrel Select Sherry Cask. Smith likes to sample unique pours at the tasting bar 'while I decide how much of my income is reasonable to budget on more bottles of bourbon!' Stock up on uniquely Kentucky goodies like Monk's Road Coffee Caramel Chocolates, Kentucky Hot Mix trail mix, Bramble Ridge sorghum syrup, and Elixir Kombucha at 3rd Street's Taste of Bardstown Market. If you're staying at a vacation rental or are in need of picnic provisions, check out their Airbnb grocery packages for quick-fix breakfast, snack, and dinner spreads. Freshly baked treats from Hadorn's Bakery. Early birds don't get the worm here, but they do get the warm baked goods that have a cult following. No wonder the door of Hadorn's Bakery is plastered with a sign that reads 'Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out.' Arrive ASAP for the best chances of scoring 'one of their famous Yum Yums,' Miller advises. The $2.15 treat is a showy donut drizzled with swirls of milk and white chocolate. Take it to go or enjoy your Yum Yum in a rocking chair on the bakery's charming front porch. Mammy's Kitchen serves southern comfort food in Bardstown. If your day's agenda involves exploring the Bourbon Trail or hiking trails, 'Mammy's Kitchen & Bar should be your first stop to fuel up with a big country breakfast,' Smith says. They serve up Southern fare in a casual, country store environment, and I could eat bowls of their fried apples. Bring your appetite and some pals to share the Sunday special: 'Deep-fried Ginormous Cinnabon Roll' in a skillet. Or pull up a stool any day of the week for what Metcalfe calls 'the best Kentucky Hot Brown in the world.' For the uninitiated, this is an open-faced sandwich featuring sliced oven-roasted turkey, bacon, sliced tomatoes, and mornay sauce. Mammy's riff also piles on ham and eggs. For what Metcalfe declares 'the best beer in bourbon country, brewed right there on-site,' alongside locally sourced comfort food like bacon jalapeño cheeseburger hand pies, fried chicken tenders with tots, and chocolate chip bread pudding, Scout & Scholar Brewing Co. is a local favorite. Come for the food and drinks, and stay for the atmosphere. 'Their patio is one of my favorite places to hang out on a beautiful day,' Metcalfe adds. Some of Bardstown's best restaurants are tucked away inside distilleries, including The Bar at Willett inside Willett Distillery. 'The menu changes weekly to daily, so order whatever catches your eye. In my opinion, this is one of the best—if not the best—restaurants in Kentucky, and I've never been disappointed,' Miller says. If you happen to be there on a lucky day when the 'iconic' egg salad sandwich is on the menu, Smith says this is a must. A spread from Oak & Ember, a restaurant at The Trail Hotel. Jessie Kriech-Higdon/Visit Bardstown Cookbook author and Emmy-nominated chef Marvin Woods has also acted as personal chef for Oprah, Mary J. Blige, Barack Obama, and more. Now in his position as the executive chef at The Trail Hotel's signature 110-seat restaurant Oak & Ember and its lobby bar Embers, he can cook for you, too. Smith says that 'the salmon entrée has become a staple in my diet. The tuna sashimi is super flavorful, too.' I'm still dreaming about the Kentucky burgoo stew and beet salad I enjoyed during my May stay. Fall foliage in the Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. The locals we spoke to boast that Bardstown is beautiful to visit any time of year, but according to Metcalfe, 'fall is when the community really comes to life.' Visit in September to take part in National Bourbon Heritage Month festivities, such as Bardstown's Kentucky Bourbon Festival (one of Smith's favorite weekends of the year). Or vacation in October for peak leaf-peeping and the Bardstown Arts and Crafts Fair. Spring is the runner-up season, Miller adds, since the weather is beautiful and 'there aren't as many people visiting as there are in the fall.' Translation: Lodging prices tend to be more affordable, and distillery and restaurant reservations are easier to come by. The Bardstown, Kentucky welcome center. Bardstown is approximately 45 minutes from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and about 55 minutes from Lexington's Blue Grass Airport (LEX). Although quaint downtown Bardstown is extremely walkable, you'll likely want a rental car to get to this small town—and to navigate to nearby attractions, such as hiking trails and restaurants. If you don't have a designated driver, plan ahead for car service. The Trail Hotel and certain distilleries can help arrange this. While Uber lists Bardstown as a partner city, available drivers are sparse, so plan ahead for alternative transportation.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Bourbons, According To The Beverage Testing Institute
Hundreds of bourbons were evaluated at the BevTest 2025 bourbon judging. getty America's finest bourbons took center stage at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) awards, where one standout scored a remarkable 96 points and earned a coveted Platinum medal. Thirteen other exceptional bourbons, dominated by Heaven Hill brands, followed close behind with Gold medal honors, showcasing the depth, craftsmanship, and diversity of American whiskey. Below are BevTest's top-ranked bourbons, along with official tasting notes and background on each bottling. This 12 YO bourbon is produced at the Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY, from its standard mash bill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye. It scored 96 points and was awarded a Platinum medal. It was a Japan-exclusive bottling for many years, but this age-stated bourbon is now more widely available in the US. The bourbon features aromas of caramel, tobacco leaf, maple syrup, and seasoned oak. It's rich and full-bodied on the palate, showcasing notes of caramel, charred wood, cinnamon, and baked apple. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of leather, vanilla, wood spices, and seasoned oak. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of caramel apple, banana custard, and corn candy along with flavors of bittersweet candied pumpkin seeds, butterscotch, and charred marshmallow. Bittersweet, warm, lightly smoky, and caramelized flavors are perfect for a bold take on an Old Fashioned or on the rocks to let it mellow and open.' Produced at Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig uses the distillery's standard mash bill. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon is non-chill-filtered and bottled at cask strength. It's released in three batches annually. Batch C924 is aged roughly 12 years and bottled at full cask strength. On the nose, the bourbon features brown sugar, clove, tobacco leaf, and burnt caramel. It's robust and complex on the palate, showcasing flavors of charred oak, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and black cherry preserves. The finish is long with a notable alcohol burn, featuring lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, and rye spices. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of maple-cinnamon-praline, butterscotch, and Grand Marnier along with flavors of pastry crust, walnut tart, and tobacco—a roaring dragon of a straight bourbon whiskey.' Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $21 Another Heaven Hill standout, this bourbon uses the distillery's standard mash bill. Often found at retail for under $20, it offers exceptional value for a bourbon consistently ranked among the best. It's named for the year Evan Williams began distilling and blended from a small number of barrels aged 6–8 years. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon features aromas of toffee, nutmeg, baked apple, and sweet oak. It's smooth and sweet on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel, peanut brittle, honey, and a touch of candied orange zest. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of oak spice and vanilla cream. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of walnut, caramel roll, and wood dried stone fruit, along with flavors of almond, nectarine, and maple. A superb everyday sipper that won't break the bank to pair with cigars or to make cocktails.' Bourbon and cheese make an excellent pairing getty Evan Williams Master Blend Bourbon, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $249 This bourbon is a limited blend of multiple Evan Williams expressions, often including older barrels and occasionally wheated or higher-rye variations. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal The bourbon features vanilla, dried stone fruit, and seasoned oak on the nose. The palate showcases flavors of caramelized sugar, charred wood, dried apricot, and cinnamon. The finish is long and smooth with lingering spice notes. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of beef fat, maple biscuit dough, pumpkin, and cherry, along with flavors of pecan tart, dates, and mint. Warm and balanced, it showcases everything you want in a fine 90-proof Bourbon, making it a slam dunk in a mint julep.' Evan Williams 2016 Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, 43.3% ABV, 750 ml. $29 Vintage-specific bourbons are unusual, though they are eliciting growing consumer interest. This bottling is aged between 7 and 8 years. Each bottle indicates vintage year, barreling date, and bottling date. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon features aromas of vanilla, honey, and toasted nuts. It's light and smooth on the palate, showcasing subtle notes of orange peel, spice cake, and cocoa powder. The finish is medium length and slightly drying with lingering notes of seasoned oak and dark cherry syrup. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as exhibiting 'aromas of caramel apple, orange-pecan creme brûlée, and nutmeg along with flavors of cinnamon, buckwheat, and linden honey. Rich and balanced classic bourbon that is a joy to drink on the rocks or in a classic cocktail.' Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $49 Bottled-in-bond and aged at least 7 years, this expression replaced the previous 6-year-old version. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon features aromas of aged leather, baking spices, nougat, and citrus peel. It's rich and robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of honey, rye spices, toasted marshmallow, and seasoned oak. The finish is long with a candied sweetness and lingering notes of caramel and vanilla fudge. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of peanuts, butterscotch, and dried caramel along with flavors of cinnamon oatmeal, maple, and pecans. Smooth and complex, with nutty and toffee flavors and an intriguing note of buttered sweet corn.' Also scoring Gold medals with a score of 93 points were Overbrook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Heaven Hill 'Grain To Glass' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Happenstance Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel, Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Evan Williams Black Label Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey also won Gold medals and scored 92 points. Jim Beam Black Aged 7 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, another Gold medalist, scored 90 points. From heritage brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig to rising stars like Overbrook and Happenstance, this year's top-scoring bourbons at BevTest reflect a vibrant and evolving American whiskey landscape. With styles ranging from bottled-in-bond to barrel proof and flavor profiles spanning caramel and charred oak to butterscotch and tobacco, these winners offer something for every bourbon enthusiast—whether you're building a serious collection or simply seeking a perfect evening pour. More From Forbes Forbes The Best Buys In Single Barrel Bourbon—According To The Top Spirit Competitions By Joseph V Micallef Forbes America's Top Bourbon—According To The Beverage Testing Institute By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
America's Top Bourbon—According To The Beverage Testing Institute
A bottle of Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Photo, courtesy Heaven Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. A125 was America's top-ranked bourbon at the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) bourbon judging. The whiskey scored 97/100 points and was awarded a Platinum Medal. Below is a background on the bourbon, as well as a detailed tasting note along with the official BevTest evaluation. Larceny Barrel Proof is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. America's largest family-run spirit producer, the Larceny expressions continue a legacy rooted in the iconic 'Old Fitzgerald' mash bill lineage. This expression is released three times annually—January, May, and September. Batch A125 is the January 2025 edition, with 'A' denoting the first release of the year, '1' for January, and '25' for the year. The whiskey is based on the standard Larceny and Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond series mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The 20% wheat in the mash bill classifies the whiskey as a 'wheated bourbon,' although there is no legal definition of a wheated bourbon from the TTB. The whiskey does not carry an age statement but is believed to be aged between 6 and 8 years. It's bottled at cask strength, usually around 62.5% ABV or 125 proof. It's non-chill filtered and uncut, bottled straight from the cask, allowing bourbon enthusiasts to experience true barrel character. The whiskey is a deep amber with a reddish glow, a rich hue typical of bourbons aged in warmer rickhouse locations. On the nose, the whiskey features aromas of maple-glazed French toast, butterscotch/toffee, overripe orchard and tropical fruit, and seasoned oak. As the bourbon opens up, additional aromas of yeasty, tangy unbaked sourdough bread, cornmeal cake, and baking spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove emerge. It's rich and smooth on the palate with a viscous mouth-coating quality and a pronounced mouth weight. It's remarkably well-balanced and silky for such a high-proof whiskey. Flavor-wise, the bourbon opens with caramel and brown sugar, transitioning to ginger cookies, dried cherries, roasted nuts, and candied pecans, followed by fig preserves/jam, nougat, hints of cold smoke, and a pronounced barrel char. As the whiskey evolves, notes of baked peach dusted with cinnamon, with a hint of allspice and cardamom, along with savory notes of cornbread and sourdough bread, emerge on the mid-palate. There is also a slight but persistent tanginess. The finish is long and spicy and slightly candied, featuring lingering notes of cinnamon candy, pink bubblegum, caramel, baking spices—especially clove—and seasoned oak. A few drops of water open the bourbon beautifully, bringing forward pronounced notes of sweetness from the wood sugars and caramel, and giving the whiskey an even silkier and rounder tasting experience. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring aromas of 'Rainier cherry, wood-grilled peach, and caramelized fig, along with flavors of baklava gelato, espresso pecan tart, and buttered broiled peaches. Bold, unique blend of coffee, sherry, and chocolate—a tsunami of flavor—a perfect Bourbon to sip and repeat neat.' Larceny Barrel Proof Batch A125 is a remarkable expression of Heaven Hill's wheated heritage, capturing bold, concentrated layers of sweetness, spice, and oak in its purest, barrel-strength form. Its complex nose, rich mid-palate, and spicy, enduring finish make it an engaging sip, especially when a small amount of water is added to reveal nuance. At a list price of $64, and often found on sale below $50, it's an exceptional value for what is one of America's top bourbons. Whether you're drawn to wheated bourbons or seeking a powerful yet balanced high-proof experience, Batch A125 stands out as both classic and compelling. More From Forbes Forbes America's Top-Rated Wheated Bourbons And Whiskeys: Smooth, Bold And Affordable By Joseph V Micallef Forbes America's Top Bourbon, According To The International Wine & Spirit Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experts Josh and Victoria Hoff of WhiskMe Transportation Share Trip Planning Advice in HelloNation
BARDSTOWN, Ky., Aug. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- How many distilleries should you visit each day on Kentucky's Bourbon Trail? According to Victoria and Josh Hoff of WhiskMe Transportation, travelers can get the most out of their bourbon country experience by pacing their trip carefully and planning each stop with intention. In their article published by HelloNation, the Bardstown-based transportation experts offer practical guidance for creating an enjoyable and efficient itinerary. The Hoffs recommend visiting two to three distilleries per day to strike the right balance between tastings, travel time, and rest. They emphasize that distances between distilleries can vary significantly, sometimes taking more than an hour to drive from one to another. This makes route planning a crucial step in ensuring a relaxed experience that avoids rushed transitions. Tour reservations are another key factor. Because many distilleries require advance bookings—especially during peak seasons—having a confirmed schedule helps travelers avoid missing out on their top choices. In addition to offering logistical insights, the article highlights the importance of starting early, allowing time for a midday break, and avoiding itinerary overload. As bourbon tastings can accumulate throughout the day, the Hoffs advise using a local transportation service or designated driver to stay safe and stress-free. With thoughtful pacing, the journey becomes less about box-checking and more about savoring the stories, flavors, and scenic beauty that define Kentucky's bourbon tradition. The article, How to Pace Your Trip on Kentucky's Bourbon Trail, by Victoria and Josh Hoff of WhiskMe Transportation, offers clear and actionable tips on distillery tour planning and creating a well-paced bourbon tasting schedule. About HelloNationHelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabeinfo@ photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fox News
18-07-2025
- Fox News
Missing mom's convicted killer claims boyfriend tainted his trial
One of the three men convicted in the mysterious death of a Kentucky mother of five is asking a judge for a new trial. Joseph Lawson was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence in the death of 35-year-old Crystal Rogers in Bardstown, according to Fox 56. Lawson was tried alongside Rogers' boyfriend, Brooks Houck. Lawson's lawyers argued in a new motion made public Wednesday that their client should not have been tried alongside Houck, citing recorded statements made by Houck to investigators that were presented during the trial, WDRB reported. "The overwhelming amount of evidence presented at trial was not otherwise admissible in [Lawson's] trial and clearly had a spillover effect," the appeal reportedly said, adding that Lawson was denied "his right to have a fair determination of his culpability free from the taint of having been tried jointly with Brooks Houck." The attorneys reportedly claimed that, given the fact Houck did not testify during the trial, Lawson had no way to defend himself against the statements presented to the jury. Earlier this month, a jury found the two men guilty of murdering Rogers, who was last seen during Fourth of July weekend in 2015 with Houck. Police later found Rogers' maroon Chevy Impala abandoned with a flat tire along Bluegrass Parkway, with her purse, wallet and keys inside. Her body was never found. The jury in Houck and Lawson's trial recommended maximum sentences for both men, consisting of life in prison plus five years for Houck and 25 years for Lawson, WDRB reported. The two men would reportedly be required to serve 85% of their sentences before being eligible for parole. Steve Lawson, Joseph Lawson's father, was tried separately and convicted of the same charges as his son, according to the outlet. He was reportedly sentenced to life in prison and is currently appealing his conviction. A final sentencing hearing for Lawson and Houck is set for Aug. 21. Attorneys for Lawson and did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
