There are a total of 11 bourbon distilleries in and around Bardstown, Kentucky. These distilleries are known for producing some of the finest bourbon in the world, and a visit to each one offers a unique experience and a chance to taste the rich history of Kentucky bourbon.
1. Barton 1792 Distillery: This historic distillery offers tours that take you through the entire bourbon-making process, from the mash bill to the aging in charred oak barrels. You can also explore the distillery’s extensive warehouses, which hold thousands of barrels of aging bourbon.
2. Heaven Hill Distillery: Established in 1935, Heaven Hill is the largest independent, family-owned bourbon distillery in the United States. Their tours provide insight into the art of distilling and the aging process, and you can sample a variety of their award-winning bourbons.
3. Willett Distillery: With a rich history dating back to the 1930s, Willett Distillery is known for its small-batch and single-barrel bourbons. The distillery offers tours that take you through their unique production process, including the copper pot stills and rickhouses where the bourbon ages.
4. Lux Row Distillers: Lux Row is a relatively new addition to the Bardstown bourbon scene, but it has quickly made a name for itself. The distillery offers tours that showcase their state-of-the-art facilities, including their column still, and you can sample their range of bourbons, including Rebel Yell and Blood Oath.
5. Bardstown Bourbon Company: This modern distillery combines traditional bourbon-making methods with innovative techniques. Their tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at their distillation process, including their custom-built Vendome copper stills, and you can taste their high-quality spirits.
6. Preservation Distillery: Located in the heart of downtown Bardstown, Preservation Distillery focuses on preserving the heritage and traditions of Kentucky bourbon. Their tours offer a glimpse into the history of bourbon-making in Bardstown, and you can sample their small-batch bourbons.
7. Maker’s Mark: Just a short drive from Bardstown, Maker’s Mark is a must-visit for bourbon enthusiasts. The distillery is known for its iconic red wax-dipped bottles and offers tours that showcase their handmade production process, including their signature rotating barrel aging technique.
8. Jim Beam: Another nearby distillery, Jim Beam is one of the most recognizable names in bourbon. Their tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at their massive production facilities, where you can see the entire process from grain to bottle. You can also sample a wide range of their bourbons, including their flagship Jim Beam White Label.
9. Four Roses: Located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Four Roses is known for its unique blend of 10 distinct bourbon recipes. Their tours take you through their Spanish mission-style distillery and allow you to taste their smooth and flavorful bourbons.
10. Wilderness Trail Distillery: Situated in Danville, Kentucky, Wilderness Trail is a craft distillery that prides itself on using locally sourced grains and traditional techniques. Their tours provide an in-depth look at their fermentation, distillation, and aging processes, and you can sample their small-batch bourbons.
11. Limestone Branch Distillery: Located in Lebanon, Kentucky, Limestone Branch is a small-batch distillery that focuses on handcrafted bourbons and innovative spirits. Their tours offer a glimpse into their unique production methods, and you can taste their award-winning Yellowstone Bourbon.
Visiting these distilleries in and around Bardstown is a truly immersive experience for bourbon enthusiasts. Each distillery has its own story, production methods, and flavor profiles, making for a diverse and exciting journey through the Bourbon Capital of the World®. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or a novice looking to learn more, a visit to Bardstown is a must-do for any bourbon lover.