There’s no better way to understand bourbon than to walk the ground where it’s made. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers that opportunity, a chance to immerse yourself in the history, craft, and culture that define America’s native spirit.
But not every stop on the trail offers the same experience. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, we’ve built something different. A destination where tradition and innovation meet, and where visitors don’t just watch bourbon being made, they experience it up close, glass in hand.
Kentucky: The Epicenter of Bourbon
Kentucky is bourbon’s beating heart. While bourbon can legally be made anywhere in the U.S., about 95% of all bourbon is produced in the Bluegrass State. The region’s limestone-rich water, seasonal climate, and deep distilling heritage make it uniquely suited to the craft. In 2024, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail welcomed a record 2.7 million visitors, drawing whiskey fans from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. It’s not just a destination, it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who wants to get closer to the spirit of American whiskey.
Why Bardstown Deserves a Spot at the Top of Your List
Bardstown is more than a place; it’s the Bourbon Capital of the World®. Home to both heritage distilleries and bold newcomers, this small town punches well above its weight in bourbon culture. From its scenic streets and welcoming locals to world-class dining and immersive whiskey experiences, Bardstown offers a front-row seat to the story of American bourbon.
Every September, the town comes alive during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a weeklong celebration that brings together master distillers, collectors, and fans from around the world to honor the past, present, and future of the category. Whether you’re here for a tasting, a tour, or the entire festival experience, Bardstown belongs at the top of your Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary.
A New Kind of Bourbon Experience
From the moment you arrive at Bardstown Bourbon Company, you’ll notice the difference. Our glass rickhouses put transparency on display. Our production tour walks you through every step of the process, from grain to glass, and our blending experience allows you to create your own custom whiskey with guidance from our expert team. It’s hands-on, personalized, and a rare chance to step into the role of distiller.
We also believe great bourbon deserves great hospitality. Our full-service restaurant, The Kitchen & Bar, serves seasonal fare, craft cocktails, and curated whiskey flights in a space that’s as welcoming as it is modern.
Tours at Bardstown Bourbon Company: Something for Every Curiosity
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong bourbon fan, we offer a range of tours and experiences that go well beyond the basics:
- Core Four Tour: Sample our four estate-distilled whiskeys and explore our production process before tasting straight from a barrel in the rickhouse.
- Rickhouse Barrel Thieving: Go deeper into flavor with a guided tasting pulled directly from the cask, followed by a celebratory pour from our signature lineup.
- Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Class: Learn to build two classic bourbon cocktails in an engaging, hands-on mixology experience.
- The Art of Blending (VIP): Blend your own custom whiskey, guided by our experts, and bottle it to take home.
- Vintage Library Tasting (VIP): Explore rare and vintage whiskeys from our curated collection in a seated, storytelling-rich format.
- Behind the Scenes, Tour with the Master, and Bourbon & Bites offer elevated, intimate experiences that dive into craft, culinary pairings, and deeper education.
No matter how you tour, you’ll leave with more than a bottle; you’ll leave with a better understanding of what makes bourbon so special.
Planning Your Perfect Day at Bardstown Bourbon Company
To make the most of your visit, a little planning goes a long way. We recommend booking your tour in advance; experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Don’t forget to reserve a table at The Kitchen & Bar to enjoy a full culinary experience alongside your whiskey. Plan for an extra 30 to 45 minutes to browse our thoughtfully curated gift shop, sip a frozen slushie, and relax on our outdoor patio with a view of the rickhouses.
Please note, we’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, perfect for a more relaxed, intimate experience.
Come See Bourbon Crafted Differently
You could visit any distillery. But if you want an experience that blends openness, innovation, hospitality, and serious bourbon craftsmanship, Bardstown Bourbon Company stands apart.
From glass-walled rickhouses to curated tastings, chef-driven dining, cocktail classes, and the opportunity to craft your own blend, we invite you to experience Kentucky bourbon on your terms.
It’s not just a tour. It’s where the future of bourbon is being written, one barrel at a time.
Book your visit today ›
Your Next Stop on the Trail
Good bourbon can come from anywhere, but Kentucky’s hills and limestone-rich springs make it legendary. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, we show you why. We blend bold innovation with deep tradition, all poured into every glass.
Walk our rickhouses, taste straight from the barrel, and see how time, craft, and curiosity shape every bottle. Stay for a meal, share a pour with new friends, and leave with a story worth telling.
Come see it firsthand. Plan your visit, grab a seat at our restaurant, and discover what real Kentucky bourbon should taste like. Book your tour today.