Distillery Itineraries
Bourbon in the Bluegrass
There are some experiences you just can’t miss when you visit the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. A visit to a bourbon distillery is one of them.
Luckily there are 14 different distilleries nearby, each with its own story, look and feel. Visit each of them and you’ll have 14 unique experiences, taste numerous delicious Bourbon recipes, and probably find several bottles you’ll want to take back home to share with friends.
Now the question is, where will you start first? Use the suggested itinerary to visit all 14 Bluegrass Region distilleries over 3 days (better start early) or pick and choose individual distilleries you’d like to visit.
DAY 1
Danville
WILDERNESS TRAIL DISTILLERY
4095 Lebanon Road
859-402-8707
www.wildernesstraildistillery.com
This premium craft distillery, launched in 2012, produces bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and rum, using some processes that are unique to the industry. Tours highlight the science behind the spirits.
Tours begin on the hour Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The distillery is closed from noon-1 p.m. for lunch. Call ahead for groups larger than 10.
Lawrenceburg
FOUR ROSES DISTILLERY
1224 Bonds Mill Road
502-839-3436
fourrosesbourbon.com
The buildings at Four Roses are as unique as the bourbon distilled inside. Enjoy the craftsmanship of both the Spanish-style architecture and of the award-winning bourbon you can sample at the end of the tour.
Come by Monday-Saturday for tours that start on the hour from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday tours are from noon-3 p.m.
WILD TURKEY DISTILLERY
1417 Versailles Road
wildturkeybourbon.com
Master distillers Jimmy Russell and Eddie Russell have more than 100 years of combined experience crafting Wild Turkey bourbon. Visit and you’ll experience a bourbon making tradition that dates back to before Prohibition. You might also run into Jimmy, who is known to hang out just inside the door to the visitor’s center.
Tours leave on the hour, Monday-Saturday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday tours, from March-December, leave on the hour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
VERSAILLES
WOODFORD RESERVE
7855 McCracken Pike
859-879-1812
woodfordreserve.com
Located amongst picturesque thoroughbred farms, Woodford Reserve is located on the hallowed grounds where Elijah Pepper began crafting whiskey in 1812. Come for the tour and tasting then stay for lunch in the visitor’s center at Glenn’s Creek Cafe.
Tours are offered hourly Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sundays, March-December, from 1-3 p.m.
DAY 2
FRANKFORT
BUFFALO TRACE
113 Great Buffalo Trace
800-654-8471
buffalotracedistillery.com
Buffalo Trace, with a history dating back to 1771, was named a National Historic Landmark in 2013. A general tour, The Trace Tour, is held daily on the hour, but 5 other specialty tours are also offered. More details about those can be found on their website.
The Trace Tour leaves on the hour Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sunday from noon- 3 p.m.
THREE BOYS FARM DISTILLERY
283 Crab Orchard Road
504-512-2564
threeboysfarmdistillery.com
Bring your cigars and enjoy your time at this unique, family-run craft distillery. You’ll get to see their production facility and the fields where corn used in the distillery is grown, which is right there on the farm.
For information about tour hours and tastings, check their Facebook page at @threeboysdistillery
GLENNS CREEK DISTILLING
3501 McCracken Pike
859-552-3296
glennscreekdistillery.com
Glenns Creek Distilling is still a relatively new brand, but the owner opted for a very old feel by setting up shop in the former Old Crow Distillery, which had been vacant for 30 years. Do the tour, have a tasting, and see the restoration efforts that have gone into bringing the buildings back to their former glory.
Tours and tastings are available Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. No reservations needed for groups of 6 or less.
CASTLE & KEY DISTILLERY
4445 McCracken Pike
502-395-9070
castleandkey.com
As you pull up outside the castle-style distillery, you’ll know you’ve arrived at someplace special. This reclaimed distillery property has been renovated in recent years and includes unique architecture and beautiful grounds.
Check the Castle & Key website for more information about tour and tasting days and hours.
DAY 3
LEXINGTON
TOWN BRANCH
401 Cross Street
859-255-2337
kentuckyale.com
You get two tours in one at Town Branch. Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. is both a distillery and a brewery, allowing you to sample bourbon and beer during a tour. Learn more about the bourbons, whiskey, gin, and dozen varieties of beer they produce.
Tours start on the hour, Monday-Tuesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon- 4 p.m. No 6 p.m. tour December-February. During January and February the first tour is noon, Monday-Friday.
BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS
501 W. 6th Street
859-253-4490
bluegrassdistillers.com
Locally-grown ingredients go into the bourbon and whiskey crafted inside this downtown Lexington distillery. A knowledgeable staff makes a visit here a worthwhile experience.
Tours and tastings are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Appointments aren’t required but are encouraged.
BARREL HOUSE DISTILLING COMPANY
1200 Manchester Street
barrelhousedistillery.com
These craft distillers make fine spirits using an old school approach. All of their handcrafted bourbons, moonshines, rums, and vodka are available onsite in their gift shop. Take the tour, try the samples, and take home your favorite.
Tours and tastings are held Wednesday-Sunday starting on the hour 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
GEORGETOWN
BOURBON 30
130 S. Water Street
502-219-2551
itsbourbon30.com
For a truly unique experience, head to Royal Spring Park, the place where Reverend Elijah Craig is said to have made the first batch of Kentucky bourbon. Directly across the street from the spring, see the disputed Birthplace of Bourbon in action at Bourbon 30 Spirits Distillery. In addition to an artisan craft discussion, blend your own bottle or sample a one-of-a-kind spirit straight out of the barrel.
Bourbon 30 is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
PARIS
HARTFIELD & CO.
320 Pleasant Street
859-474-0629
hartfieldandcompany.com
This small batch distillery is the first licensed distillery to operate in Bourbon County since prohibition. Come for a 15-20 minute tour any time. On Saturdays there is a more in depth tour at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with online reservations required. And if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to work as a distiller, they’ve got that covered too with their Day as a Distiller tour, which is also reservation only.
Stop by Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
