When most people think about Kentucky, the first thing that comes to mind is whiskey. The state has rightfully earned the title of bourbon country for producing excellent spirits. There are more whiskey barrels in the state than the number of people, as it has 7 million barrels and only 4.5 million people.

People from all around the globe travel to Kentucky to experience its bourbon trail, and Lexington City is an integral part of that trail. It has over 14 family-owned distilleries, most of which have been operating for years. This post highlights the top distilleries in Lexington, Kentucky, and other things you can do in the city.

1. Woodford Reserve 

Arguably the most famous distillery in Lexington, Woodford is also among the oldest. It started distillation in 1812 and currently ranks as a National History Landmark. After over 200 years of operation, Woodford has fine-tuned its spirit-making process and focuses on making it sustainable.

For instance, they recycle over 98 percent of the waste material, have dedicated 10 acres to conserving native species, and compost 97 percent of all their food scraps. When you book a distillery tour, the guide will walk you through their ancient buildings, elaborate on their history, and you will sample their renowned spirits.

Some of Woodford Reserve’s products are;

• Malt whiskey
• Double oaked bourbon
• Straight bourbon whiskey
• Wheat whiskey
• Rye whiskey

Location: 1228 Manchester St, Unit 100, Lexington, KY 40504

Phone: + 1 859-309-3230

2. James E. Pepper Distillery 

James E. Pepper began producing spirits in 1779 at the height of the American Revolution. However, it had to shut down in the early 1960s after a severe recession hit the bourbon.

In 2017, the famous brand reopened its doors after relocating to its original headquarters in the distillery district. You can visit James E. Pepper for a tour and a chance to taste some of their excellently made whiskey, which includes:

• 1776 Rye
• 1776 Bourbon
• Rye bottled in bond
• Bourbon bottled in bond

Location: 1228 Manchester St, Unit 100, Lexington, KY 40504

Phone: +1 859-309-3230

3. Buffalo Trace Distillery 

Situated in Frankfort, Buffalo Trace is among the most famous distilleries in Lexington. The reason is that it’s one of the oldest spirit producers in the country. Buffalo Trace survived the prohibition period, a tumultuous time that saw many similar companies shut down.

The distillery attributes its immense success to always keeping the mash for its spirits top secret. However, on its website, you will find a simulator that you can use to create a unique mash and then test out various combinations.

Even though Buffalo Trace is the company’s flagship brand, it also has other top-selling products, like

• Sazerac Rye
• W.L. Weller
• Old Charter
• White Dog
• Bourbon Cream
• Wheatley Vodka
• Freddies Old Fashioned Soda
• Kosher Whiskey
• George T. Stagg
• Eagle Rare Bourbon
• Single Oak Project

The distillery is open Monday to Sunday for tours, or you can also check out their gift shop, which is open daily.

Location: 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone: +1 866-729-3722

4. Castle & Key Distillery 

Colonel Haynes Taylor Jr built a unique distillery in 1887 with buildings featuring a classic springhouse, castle, and sunken garden. Sadly, in 1920, the distillery had to close due to tough economic times caused by the prohibition.

As years passed, the property had different owners until 2014, when Will Arvin, the founder of Castle and Key, bought and renovated it. 

Even though the distillery isn’t as old as the others in Lexington, it has worked hard to earn a spot in the limelight, releasing spirits like 

• Harvest Seasonal Gin
• Roots of Ruin Gin
• Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
• Sacred Spring Vodka
• Restoration Rye Whiskey
• The Woolgatherer
• Small Batch Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

The owners have also created an expansive outdoor area overlooking a river where you can sit and relax while enjoying their cocktails.

Location: 445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone: +1 502-395-9070

5. Town Branch Distillery 

Town Branch is a Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company subsidiary, so if you would like to sample something different, you can tour their brewery section.

Even though Town Branch is smaller than the other distilleries on this post, it has a respectable collection of products ranging from liquors to complex teas and other beverages. They include

• Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Single Malt Whiskey
• Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey
• Single Barrel Reserve Rye Whiskey
• Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
• Mil Mediterranean Gin
• Pearse 12YR Founder’s Irish whiskey

Also, Town Branch is situated in downtown Lexington, which makes it easily accessible.

Location: 401 Cross St, Lexington, KY 40508-2806

Phone: +1 859-255-2337

6. Four Roses Distillery

Considered by many spirit lovers to be a veteran in the distillation world, Four Roses has been producing whiskey since the early 1880s.

Four Roses stands out from the rest as it is the only company with two different mashes and five yeast strains that combine to make ten unique bourbon recipes. The artisans then mix these ingredients by hand to make their signature bourbon.

When you visit the distillery for a tour, the guide will explain the company’s complex production process. They also have a visitor center that has a bar where you can sample some of their spirits, like

• Single Barrel Bourbon
• Small Batch Select Bourbon
• Small Batch Bourbon

Location: 1224 Bond Mill Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

Phone: +1 502-839-3436

7. Barrel House Distilling

Pete Wright and Jeff Wiseman envisioned making spirits that had a unique but classy feel, and thus, they founded Barrel House Distilling. Since releasing its first drink in 2008, Pure Blue Vodka, the company has slowly increased its catalog and fine-tuned its beverage-making process using only traditional methods.

The distillery is open for tours from Tuesday to Sunday, but you must buy tickets in advance. They also have a gift shop where you will find their merchandise at discounted rates.

Some of the company’s top-selling products are

• Rockcastle Bourbon
• Barrel House Select
• Pure Blue Vodka
• Devil John Moonshine
• Devil John Dark’ Shine
• Oak Rum
• Barrel House Rum

Location: 1200 Manchester Street, Lexington, KY 40504

Phone: +1 859-259-0159

8. Bluegrass Distillers 

Bluegrass deeply believes that to make premium bourbon, you must combine innovation, passion, and craftsmanship. The distillery started operation in 2012 by mashing their grains by hand. This attention to detail enabled them to build a following in the country.

Currently, the company has immensely improved its production, grows corn on-site, and is constantly pushing to reach higher levels of whiskey production.

Bluegrass has an impressive product catalog that includes:

• Toasted Oak Bourbon
• Colonel Francisco Rye Whiskey
• Lee’s Branch
• Small Batch Bourbon

You can book a tour of the distillery and a chance to taste their products. It is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm and Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Location: 501 W. 6th St, Lexington, KY 40508

Phone: +1 859-217-2377

Other things to do in Lexington, Kentucky 

After visiting and tasting excellent beverages from these distilleries, there are plenty of other places you can stop by in Lexington. We look at some of them below.

Tour and watch races at Keeneland.

If you enjoy horse racing, Keeneland is a place you must visit. It has two racing seasons in spring and fall, and it’s known globally as the top auction area for thoroughbreds. Keeneland is open throughout the year and is only a few minute’s drive from Lexington’s downtown area, making it easily accessible.

Apart from watching the races, you can tour the facility (which is massive.) One of the key highlights at the facility is observing the horses while they’re doing morning training sessions. You can also go through the library area to learn about the ancient traditions of the horse-rearing industry.

Location: 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY.

Enjoy the outdoors at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. 

Raven Run is an expansive 734-acre sanctuary with a nature center, hiking trails, and impressive bird blinds. The shelter has numerous bird species and occasionally hosts events throughout the year. While at the sanctuary, you can participate in yoga sessions, running events, and nature exploration escapades.

Location: 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington, Kentucky

Visit the Henry Clay Estate.

Set in a leafy, charming neighborhood a few minutes away from the downtown area, the Henry Clay Estate will give you an intriguing look into the city’s past. Constructed in 1811 by African American workers, whom the owners later forced to work on the plantation fields, the property contains a deep history.

Once you arrive at the estate, guides wearing costumes will walk you through all the compound sections. You will see old furnishings used by the clay family and plenty of adjoining houses used by the workers. There is also a gift shop on the premises, and if you want to hang around a little longer, head to the cafe where you can have light meals.

Location: 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington, Kentucky

Enjoy blooms at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky.

The Arboretum State Botanical Garden is a magnificent green space that covers over 100 acres. While at the arboretum, you will explore varied landscapes such as numerous tree species, botanical gardens, and a spacious kids’ garden, where children will learn about food and participate in a few gardening exercises.

The management dedicated some gardens to particular plants and species. Hence, you will find some named Herb Garden, Witch Hazel Del, and Pollinator Garden. The administration also set aside a rose garden for the victims of the infamous Flight 5191.

Location: Alumni Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 

See the yearlings and foals at Mill Ridge Farm.

Take an eight-minute drive on the southern part of Keenland, and you will arrive at the doorstep of one of the state’s top thoroughbred breeders: Mill Ridge Farm. The farm is open daily for visitors, and it’s known all over the country for having produced at least 52 champion racers. One of its horses has even won the Kentucky Derby.

Your tour will begin with a comprehensive presentation from a guide, explaining the details of their most successful horses. You will also learn about the Chandler family, which founded the farm in 1962. After the presentation, you will follow the guide in your car to enjoy a scenic drive around the farm’s impressive 900 acres of land.

The top highlight of the day is getting close to the farm’s yearlings and fouls. The guide will allow you to feed them carrots and take pictures. It’s a heartwarming experience; even if you aren’t a horse fan, you must try it out.

Location: 2800 Bowman Mill Road, Lexington, Kentucky

Get a glimpse of plantation life at Waveland State Historic Site.

Built for the nephew of Daniel Boone in 1887, the Waveland State Historic Site is also called Joseph Bryan Estate. Nowadays, it provides an in-depth view of the 19th century plantation life. Sitting on ten acres of land, the primary attraction on the property is the Greek Revival Mansion, which is over 145 years old.

There is also a smokehouse, servants’ quarters, and ice house. Guides can offer you a tour of the restored gardens. In addition, Waveland occasionally hosts events like Tea Tuesdays and baseball games in the summer.

Location: 225 Waveland Museum Lane, Lexington, Kentucky 

FAQs About Kentucky Distillery Tours

How many distilleries are in Lexington, Kentucky?

Lexington currently has 14 registered distilleries. However, that number will increase as more people enter the spirit-making industry.

Can you bring children to distillery tours in Lexington?

That will depend on an individual distillery’s rules and regulations. Some allow children, while others don’t. To be sure, you can check a distillery’s website. However, it’s worth noting that liquor tasting is only for adults.

How do I make the most of a distillery tour?

Start by preparing a set of questions you would like to ask the guides; doing so ensures you remember. Be observant throughout the tour and sample different types of spirits while at the bar area.

What is Lexington known for?

Lexington is also known as the world’s “ Horse Capital” because it has many horse farms producing high-quality thoroughbreds. Also, the state hosts plenty of annual horse races.

Explore Lexington Distilleries and More with Distillery Nearby

Now, you have a comprehensive list of top distilleries to visit while in Lexington and other attractions to make the most of your trip. At Distillery Nearby, we aim to provide such information to spirit lovers so you know exactly where to visit every state. Check out our website for more tips on making cocktails, upcoming whiskey events, and to learn about your favorite drink.