Kentucky’s bourbon legacy runs as deep as the limestone-filtered water that feeds its
distilleries. From century-old family operations to modern craft producers honoring
traditional methods, the Bluegrass State offers an unparalleled opportunity to
experience America’s native spirit.
This guide takes you through 25 historic distilleries that showcase the heart and soul
of Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship.
Buffalo Trace Stands as America’s Oldest Continuously
Operating Distillery Throughout History and Wars
Located in Frankfort, Buffalo Trace has been making bourbon for over 200 years. It
survived Prohibition as one of only four distilleries permitted to produce for medicinal
purposes.
The sprawling 130-acre site features historic buildings, modern production facilities, and a visitor center that welcomes guests for complimentary tours and tastings.
Maker’s Mark Preserves Traditional Methods While Creating
Their Distinctive Red-Wax Sealed Bottles
Set in Loretto, Maker’s Mark’s picturesque campus features the original 1953
distillery buildings and the family’s Victorian home, which has been turned into a
visitor center. The brand maintains its small-batch philosophy, hand-dipping each
bottle in its signature red wax and utilizing traditional production methods, including
hand-rotating barrels.
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Heaven Hill Showcases America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned Distillery Operations Since 1935
After surviving a devastating 1996 fire, Heaven Hill rebuilt its Bardstown location
more robustly than ever. The distillery complex includes the impressive Bourbon
Heritage Center, where visitors can explore interactive exhibits and rare bottles while
learning about the company’s portfolio of award-winning brands.
Jim Beam Operates Multiple Historic Sites Throughout
Kentucky’s Bourbon Country
The Beam family’s bourbon legacy dates back to 1795. Their modern flagship
campus in Clermont offers an immersive experience. The distillery features the
original family home, a fully functioning production facility, and the innovative
American Stillhouse visitors center, where guests can bottle their own bourbon.
Woodford Reserve Occupies Kentucky’s Oldest Distilling Site Dating Back to 1812
The historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles is a National Historic Landmark that showcases traditional copper pot still distillation. Their limestone-rich location and unique triple distillation process create distinctive flavors while preserving centuries-old methods of bourbon making.
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Four Roses Displays Unique Spanish Mission-Style
Architecture in Their Historic Facility
Built in 1910, Four Roses’ distinctive Spanish Mission-style facility in Lawrenceburg
stands out among Kentucky distilleries. The site features original buildings and
equipment, offering visitors insight into historic and modern bourbon production
techniques.
Wild Turkey Perches High Above the Kentucky River with
Spectacular Views
The Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg combines modern efficiency with
traditional methods. It features historic warehouses and a state-of-the-art visitor
center.
Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell represent the longest-tenured father-son distilling team in the industry, with over 100 years of combined experience.
Old Forester Operates the Only Distillery Remained
Operational Before, During, and After Prohibition
Located on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, Old Forester’s distillery showcases
every aspect of bourbon making under one roof. The facility includes a cooperage
where visitors can watch barrel making and a bottling line that has been continuing
the brand’s tradition of in-house bottling since 1870.
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Evan Williams Brings Bourbon History to Life in Downtown
Louisville’s Whiskey Row
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience recreates the spirit of its 1783 distillery while
operating as a modern artisanal distiller. The facility features an immersive historical
tour that demonstrates how bourbon was made in different eras while producing
small batches in its boutique still.
Michter’s Revives a Historic Pennsylvania Brand in Kentucky’s Bourbon Heartland
Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery in Louisville occupies a meticulously restored 1890s
building. It features the historic pot still system from its original Pennsylvania
location.
The facility combines historic equipment with modern technology while offering educational programs about bourbon production.
Castle & Key Breathes New Life Into the Historic Old Taylor
Distillery Complex
The restored Castle & Key facility in Frankfort features the iconic castle structure
built in 1887 by Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor. The sprawling grounds include
botanical gardens, limestone springs, historic warehouse spaces, and modern
production facilities.
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Barton 1792 Maintains Traditional Methods in Their Historic
Bardstown Location
Named for the year Kentucky joined the United States, Barton 1792 showcases
historic and modern production facilities. The distillery features unique warehouse
tours where visitors can see how bourbon ages in different locations within these
landmark buildings.
Angel’s Envy Represents the Urban Bourbon Revival in
Downtown Louisville
In a restored tobacco warehouse, Angel’s Envy brings bourbon production back to
Louisville’s historic waterfront. The facility combines modern technology with
traditional finishing techniques, featuring a sophisticated visitor experience and a
unique port wine barrel aging process.
Kentucky Peerless Carries on a Multi-Generation Family
Legacy Dating Back to the 1880s
After a 98-year hiatus, Peerless resumed production in Louisville under fourth and
fifth-generation leadership. The urban facility utilizes historic techniques, including
sweet mashing and non-chill filtration, while maintaining modern quality standards.
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Willett Preserves Family Traditions While Creating Distinctive Small-Batch Bourbons
The Willett Distillery in Bardstown features historic family buildings and modern
production facilities. Its unique pot still, a copper column still, creates distinctive
flavors, while its visitor experiences showcase five generations of family distilling
heritage.
Old Bardstown Village Recreates an Authentic 1790s Kentucky Frontier Settlement
Located at the Barton 1792 Distillery complex, this living history site demonstrates
early distilling methods. The village features period-correct buildings and
demonstrations of how pioneers made whiskey using traditional techniques and
equipment.
Green River Distilling Revives One of Kentucky’s Original
Bourbon Brands
Located in Owensboro, Green River has restored its historic facility, which dates
back to 1885. The distillery showcases restored historic buildings and modern
production equipment while sharing stories of Kentucky’s western bourbon heritage.
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James E. Pepper Brings Historic Lexington Distillery Back to Life
The restored James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington’s Distillery District features
historic architecture and modern equipment. Their facility includes the original 1879
building and tells the story of one of Kentucky’s oldest bourbon brands.
Limestone Branch Combines Family Heritage with Modern
Craft Methods
Steve and Paul Beam revived their family’s distilling legacy in Lebanon with
Limestone Branch. The facility features historic family artifacts and modern
production methods while creating distinctive small-batch bourbons and moonshine.
Log Still Distills History in Nelson County’s Bourbon Country
The restored Dant family distillery in Gethsemane features historic buildings and
modern facilities. Its sprawling campus includes a visitor center, restaurant, and
lodging and showcases generations of Kentucky distilling heritage.
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Lux Row Builds Modern Facilities While Honoring Traditional Methods
Though newer to Bardstown’s bourbon landscape, Lux Row’s impressive facility
honors traditional production methods. Their state-of-the-art distillery features
educational tours and tastings while producing several historic bourbon brands.
Rabbit Hole Creates Contemporary Urban Bourbon
Experiences
In Louisville’s NuLu district, Rabbit Hole’s modern facility showcases architectural
innovation alongside traditional bourbon making. The distillery features transparent
production areas and contemporary art while maintaining historic bourbon-making
techniques.
Three Boys Farm Distillery Preserves Rural Kentucky’s
Distilling Heritage
This small family operation in Frankfurt demonstrates how historic farm distilleries
operated. The facility includes restored historic buildings and modern equipment
while maintaining traditional methods of grain-to-glass production.
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O.Z. Tyler Revives Historic Medley Distillery Traditions in
Owensboro
This historic facility, which dates back to 1885, is now operating as Green River
Distilling. The restored campus features historic warehouses and modern production
equipment while showcasing western Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.
Heaven’s Door Crafts Bourbon in Historic Bourbon County
Church Buildings
Located in Paris, Kentucky, Heaven’s Door transforms a 161-year-old church
complex into a unique bourbon experience. The facility combines historic
architecture with modern distilling equipment while paying homage to bourbon heritage and music legend Bob Dylan’s artistic vision through their distinctive bottle
designs and visitor experiences.
Bourbon Heritage Lives Through Every Distillery Tour and
Tasting Experience
Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries offer more than tours and tastings – they provide
windows into America’s distilling heritage. Each facility tells unique stories of
perseverance, innovation, and dedication to craft while maintaining centuries-old
traditions.
Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a history buff, these 25 distilleries showcase
Kentucky’s signature spirit’s past, present, and future.
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