Quick Summary: Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon. This local guide highlights six top distilleries near Lexington—Wild Turkey (historic working distillery), James E. Pepper (1779 award-winner), Woodford Reserve (uses traditional Scottish pot stills), Buffalo Trace (operating since 1775), Castle & Key (restored limestone castle), and Four Roses (crafted using 10 bourbon recipes)—alongside the 37-stop Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
At Anderson Communities, we deeply appreciate Kentucky’s history, including the rich tradition of bourbon production. After all, bourbon is not only a very American experience but also an important part of this special state. 95% of all bourbon in the world is produced right here in Kentucky. If you’re interested in exploring the fascinating history of bourbon in the area, here are some suggestions about where to start your adventure.
6 Best Kentucky Distilleries
Kentucky has many wonderful distilleries, so be sure to give yourself time to look at as many as possible. To get you started, here are a few we highly recommend.
Wild Turkey Distillery
Wild Turkey was founded in 1869. This classic distillery in Lawrenceburg offers tours. Visitors can experience a working distillery and see the fermentation area, the timbered warehouses, and the cistern room, where the barrels are filled.
James E. Pepper Distillery
James E. Pepper Distillery is an award-winning Lexington operation established during the American Revolution in 1779. Although it closed briefly in the 1960s during a downturn in the bourbon industry, it reopened in 2017 in its original home distillery.
Woodford Reserve Distillery
Woodford Reserve Distillery was founded in Versailles, KY, and is unique because it uses the original Scottish “pot still” method. You can tour the facility, enjoy a meal in the on-site restaurant, and browse the gift shop on your way out.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace was established in 1775 and is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. It didn’t even falter during Prohibition. They offer tours daily, but you can enjoy their virtual tour if you can’t be there in person.
Castle & Key Distillery
Castle & Key Distillery is the youngest distillery on our list. It was established in 2014, and it is steeped in history nonetheless. The owners took the ruins of the Lexington Old Taylor Distillery, including a limestone castle, and gave them new life as they carried on the art of crafting bourbon.
Four Roses Distillery
Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg has existed since 1888. It boasts five yeast strains and two mashes. These are used to create 10 different bourbons, which are combined by hand to create its flagship bourbon.
Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
In 1999, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association established a route called the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to help visitors explore the rich tradition of bourbon in the area. The trail winds its way through Kentucky, passing lush green country and bustling big cities.
Along the way, there are 37 distilleries to enjoy. As you explore them, you’ll find a wealth of craftsmanship and history. Take your time and check before you get there for tour times and availability information.
Anderson Communities shares your passion for Kentucky.
At Anderson Communities, one of the things that makes our neighborhoods so special is our appreciation for Kentucky and all it has to offer. If you’re looking for a home you’ll love in the Lexington area; we invite you to contact us today for more information about what we offer. We work hard to provide residents with the home of their dreams, and we’d love to show you the beautiful homes we have available.
Image credit: Marian Weyo / Shutterstock
Can bourbon be made anywhere in the world?
No. Congress passed a resolution in 1964 stating that bourbon is an indigenous product of the US, meaning it cannot be called bourbon if made anywhere else in the world. Furthermore, 95% of all bourbon in the world is produced in Kentucky.
What can visitors experience on a tour of Wild Turkey Distillery?
Founded in 1869 in Lawrenceburg, Wild Turkey offers tours where visitors can see a working distillery, including the fermentation area, timbered warehouses, and the cistern room where barrels are filled.
What is the history of the James E. Pepper Distillery?
Established during the American Revolution in 1779, James E. Pepper Distillery is an award-winning Lexington operation. Though it closed briefly in the 1960s during an industry downturn, it reopened in 2017 in its original home distillery.
What makes Woodford Reserve Distillery unique?
Founded in Versailles, KY, Woodford Reserve is unique because it uses the original Scottish “pot still” method. Visitors can tour the facility, dine at the on-site restaurant, and browse the gift shop.
How old is Buffalo Trace Distillery, and do they offer virtual tours?
Established in 1775, Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the U.S. and did not falter during Prohibition. They offer daily in-person tours as well as virtual tours.
How was Castle & Key Distillery created?
Established in 2014, Castle & Key’s owners restored the ruins of the historic Lexington Old Taylor Distillery—including a limestone castle—giving them new life to craft bourbon.
How does Four Roses create its flagship bourbon?
Operating in Lawrenceburg since 1888, Four Roses uses five yeast strains and two mashes to create 10 different bourbons, which are then combined by hand to produce its flagship bourbon.
