In what appears to be the first enforcement since changes were made to allow the sale of collectible vintage bourbon, Kentucky’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is investigating a retailer selling coveted rare spirits.

Officials with the state ABC raided two Justins’ House of Bourbon locations Tuesday, one in Lexington and the other in Louisville.

The state said the ABC acted on complaints alleging violations regarding acquisition, transport, possession and sale of products regulated under Kentucky’s novel vintage spirits law. The investigation is ongoing and the business said it was cooperating with officials.

In most states, an individual can’t legally sell alcohol to another individual, which is why eBay and other online retailers don’t allow it. Kentucky’s vintage spirits law, which allows sales to licensed retailers, is a rare exception.

But what is the letter of the law when it comes to selling vintage, antique spirits, known as “dusties,” in the Bluegrass State?

Kentucky’s vintage bourbon law

Under House Bill 100, passed by the state legislature in 2017 and cranked into action the following year, licensed retailers can purchase spirits from unlicensed individuals – like collectors – and sell those products to the public in adherence with state regulations.

The bill was sponsored by eight Republicans and two Democrats and signed by then-Gov. Matt Bevin.

Accordingly under the law, a “vintage distilled spirit seller” is unlicensed by the state for the sale...

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