Distillery with Henderson ties honored
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., a small Frankfort distillery owned by Henderson native Walter Zausch, has received two top tourism honors from World Travel Awards.
Whiskey Thief was voted North America’s Leading Distillery Tour 2026 as well as North America’s Leading Whisk(e)y Distillery Tour 2026 at the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala that took place Sunday in Jamaica.
“Exhilarating. It’s amazing. I can’t believe it,” Zausch told an interviewer in a video posted on YouTube from the awards gala.
Asked to explain how a tiny distillery could win two such awards over distilling giants such as Jack Daniels — which won the top whiskey tour award the previous three years — or Maker’s Mark, Zausch said, “I think it’s trying to give every single guest who comes to our place a great experience, a memorable experience, something they’ll remember … And I think it shows.”
Whiskey Thief, which operates out of a barn in a field just outside Frankfort, is perhaps the only American distillery that serves every sample of its bourbon and rye to visitors directly from barrels rather than bottles.
A tour guide uses a long copper tube called a whiskey thief that is inserted into the bung hole of a barrel, letting the tube partially fill with whiskey. They then use a finger to cover a hole at the top of the thief to form a vacuum. By briefly lifting their finger, the guide can pour samples into small cups for each visitor. Visitors wishing to make a purchase can fill their bottle the same way using a whiskey thief.
The World Travel Awards program was launched in 1993.
HCPL offers sessions to support women in menopause
The Henderson County Public Library is offering several sessions to support women going through menopause. Check the information below provided by HCPL about the different sessions.
- Move Through the Change: Restorative Yoga with Quantum Revive
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
11:00am–12:00pm
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Event Suite BC
To register, visit Move Through the Change: Restorative Yoga with Quantum Revive | Henderson County Public Library
Join Quantum Revive Restorative Yoga at HCPL for a gentle, restorative yoga session designed to support women through the many stages of menopause. This class focuses on improving mobility, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being while encouraging participants to slow down, reconnect, and care for both body and mind.
No prior yoga experience is necessary, and yoga mats will be provided.
- Menopause Café: Coffee, Conversation & Community
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
12:00pm–1:30pm
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Event Suite ABC
Attendees are encouraged to continue the conversation by joining the Menopause Café: Coffee, Conversation & Community immediately following the class.
Join us immediately following Move Through the Change: Restorative Yoga with Quantum Revive for HCPL’s very own Menopause Café—an informal, drop-in, discussion-based gathering where guests can talk openly about menopause in a safe, welcoming, and confidential environment.
What to Expect
Just Show Up: Grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a doughnut and join the conversation. Whether you are experiencing menopause, supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, all are welcome.
No Pressure: There are no formal presentations, speakers, or medical experts. You are free to listen, share your experiences, ask questions, or exchange tips and encouragement with others.
Connect with Others: Guests are encouraged to switch tables and mingle throughout the café, creating opportunities to meet new people and engage in a variety of conversations and perspectives. Attendees also will work on a Menopause Journal.
No registration or prior participation is required.
- Muu Muus & Menopause: An Afternoon with Dr. Sarah O’Nan
Saturday, October 24, 2026
1:00pm–4:00pm
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Event Suite ABC
Join us for an afternoon of education, empowerment, and celebration during Menopause Awareness Month.
Local OB/GYN Dr. Sarah O’Nan will lead an open and informative discussion designed to help women better understand menopause and the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that can accompany midlife. Together, we’ll explore the many ways menopause can affect overall well-being while providing women with the knowledge, support, and confidence to navigate this stage of life.
Following the presentation, stay for a festive Garden Party filled with food, fun, activities, and fellowship. Get ready for an afternoon of flair and fabulous muu muus! Let go of the invisibility many women experience during menopause, embrace bold self-expression, and celebrate this season of life with confidence and joy.
We invite you to join in the fun by dressing in your boldest and most colorful attire! Feel free to embrace the spirit of the day with:
- Flowing caftans or muu muus in vibrant colors and eye-catching prints.
- Statement jewelry, including chunky bracelets, oversized necklaces, and dazzling earrings.
- Playful accessories such as oversized sunglasses, scarves, hats, or anything that makes you feel fabulous.
Need inspiration? Think Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company and celebrate comfort, confidence, and carefree style.
Activities Include:
- Bingo
- Rock Painting
- Flower Crown Making
- Raffles and Prizes
Celebrate, connect, and be empowered with a community of women embracing midlife with humor, style, and strength.
To register, visit Muu Muus & Menopause: An Afternoon with Dr. Sarah O’Nan | Henderson County Public Library
