Preservation Distillery Arrives in Arkansas: A Bourbon Legends Exclusive

Big news for Arkansas bourbon hunters! Central and Moon Distributors are bringing the legendary Preservation Distillery to our state. From the Stitzel-Weller connections of founder Marci Palatella to the ultra-rare "Immaculata" releases, here is everything you need to know about these small-batch Bardstown gems arriving on local shelves.

Last Updated on March 20, 2026 by Justin Jones

The Arkansas whiskey landscape just got a lot more interesting. On a recent episode of Thirsty Nite Live with The Bourbon Legends, the guys sat down with Anthony, a key representative from Central and Moon Distributors, who dropped some massive news: Preservation Distillery has officially entered the Arkansas market.

For those who follow the three-tier system in our state, Central and Moon Distributors (owned by the Hastings family since 1935) is the powerhouse behind some of our favorite brands. Anthony revealed that the distributor is taking a “generous leap” with this new partnership, bringing Bardstown’s smallest and most mysterious distillery to local shelves.

The Preservation Philosophy: 1-3 Barrel Batches

What makes Preservation Distillery different? While the giants of Kentucky measure their output in hundreds of barrels a day, Preservation operates on a “micro” scale. They are Bardstown’s only 100% copper pot still distillery, and they focus on minuscule 1 to 3 barrel batches.

As Anthony noted in the interview, this isn’t high-volume bourbon; it’s a “boutique” approach that emphasizes a thick, oily mouthfeel and an intensity of flavor that industrial column stills simply can’t replicate.

Meet the Legend: Marci Palatella

The brain behind Preservation is Marci Palatella, a woman whose influence on the bourbon industry is legendary, even if she prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

A True Pioneer: Marci was sourcing and exporting high-age-statement Kentucky bourbon back in the 1980s when the rest of the world was ignoring it.
The Stitzel-Weller Legacy: In the early days, Marci worked closely with Julian Van Winkle. Many of her historic releases under the Very Olde St. Nick label are rumored to have contained some of the final legendary stocks from the Stitzel-Weller distillery.
Hand-Drawn Detail: Marci’s artistic touch is on every bottle. She famously hand-drew the original labels on brown grocery bags, creating the iconic “rustic” look that collectors hunt for today.
Best in Show: Her expertise was recently validated on the world stage when Preservation’s Pure Antique 20-Year Bourbon was named “Best Overall Bourbon” at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Brands: What to Hunt for in Arkansas

Anthony highlighted several labels that are hitting the Arkansas market right now. If you see these in your local shop, don’t hesitate—they won’t last long:

Brand Name	The Story
Very Olde St. Nick (VOSN)	The flagship label. Look for the Immaculata or the Winter Maple, which uses French Oak and real maple syrup barrels for a balanced, natural sweetness.
Wattie Boone & Sons	A tribute to pioneer distilling, this is a classic 7-year-old Kentucky small batch bourbon that serves as a great entry point into the Preservation portfolio.
Rare Perfection	These expressions highlight unique aging environments, like cold Canadian warehouses. The 14 and 15-year bottles are the current standouts.
Old Man Winter	A 109.8 proof blend designed to mimic the “dusty” profile of mid-century bourbons. It’s a marriage of Preservation’s own pot-distilled juice and older sourced casks.

Four bottles of aged bourbon whiskey on a rustic wooden table in a barrel-filled distillery, with copper stills in the background and a tasting glass of bourbon in front.

The Bottom Line for Arkansas Collectors

Anthony was candid about the price: these are “special occasion” pours. Most bottles will land in the $150–$250 range, but as the Bourbon Legends crew discussed, the quality matches the tag.

Because Central and Moon distribute statewide, you can ask your favorite local retailer to check their inventory for Preservation products starting this week. Just remember: with 1-3 barrel batches, once a batch is gone, it’s gone for good.

Check out the full interview on The Bourbon Legends YouTube channel to hear Anthony’s full breakdown of the launch!