10 Best Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries to Visit (From a Local)
Bourbon isn’t just a drink in Kentucky — it’s part of our identity. I grew up surrounded by barrel warehouses, the smell of mash in the air, and distilleries just a short drive away. Now, after years of visiting them as an adult (and getting married at one!), I’ve learned which ones really stand out. If you’re planning a visit, this guide to the best Kentucky bourbon distilleries will help you choose the right stops.
From iconic spots like Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark to modern favorites like Bardstown Bourbon Company, every distillery on this list is worth your time. Some offer historic charm, while others push bourbon-making into the future — and many do both.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned whiskey fan, this guide highlights distilleries with the best tours, tastings, and overall experience. I’ve personally visited each one and included local tips to help you plan a smoother trip.
Get ready for beautiful drives, warm hospitality, and some of the finest bourbon in the world. These are the must-visit Kentucky distilleries you’ll be glad you didn’t skip.
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Best Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries to Visit (From a Local)
1. Buffalo Trace (Frankfort)
Why Visit: It’s historic, iconic, and still free — what more could you want? Buffalo Trace is one of the most famous distilleries in Kentucky, and its guided “Trace Tour” is a fan favorite for a reason. You’ll explore historic grounds, learn about their traditional production methods, and sample some of their most loved bottles (for free).
Don’t Miss: If you can snag a tour with Freddie Johnson, a third-generation employee and local legend, you’re in for a treat. He brings the distillery’s story to life in a way no one else can.
Pro Tip: Tours book up fast. Check for availability at least 2–3 months in advance, especially in fall or spring.
- Want a deeper look at this iconic distillery? Check out my complete guide to Buffalo Trace tours — with tips on booking, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.
2. Woodford Reserve
Why Visit: Known as one of the most beautiful distilleries in Kentucky, Woodford Reserve offers an upscale, photogenic experience on a stunning historic property. Its limestone buildings and rolling countryside make it one of the most scenic stops on the Bourbon Trail.
Tour Highlights: The full tour takes you through every step of the bourbon-making process, from fermentation to bottling, and finishes with a tasting in their atmospheric barrel warehouse. It’s a splurge at $35, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Good to Know: If you’re looking for a mix of tradition, elegance, and top-tier bourbon, this is your stop.
3. Maker’s Mark
Why Visit: Maker’s Mark is one of the most iconic bourbon brands, and their tour is as classic as their red wax seal. Nestled in a picturesque countryside setting, the distillery grounds are beautiful and feel a little like stepping back in time.
Tour Highlights: The $26 standard tour walks you through the full production process and ends with the chance to dip your own bottle in wax (if you choose to buy one). The historic campus and glass art displays from Dale Chihuly add extra flair.
Good to Know: This is one of the most popular distilleries in the state, so expect crowds. But it’s still worth it — especially if it’s your first Bourbon Trail experience.
4. Bardstown Bourbon Company
Why Visit: This is where innovation meets tradition. Bardstown Bourbon Company is known for crafting spirits not just for themselves but for a variety of other brands, giving them a unique behind-the-scenes vibe.
Tour Highlights: The Rickhouse Thieving Experience lets you sample straight from the barrel — one of the most fun, hands-on options on the trail. Their on-site restaurant, The Kitchen & Bar, is one of the best places to eat in Bardstown.
Good to Know: If you’re into modern bourbon-making with a cool, sleek vibe, this is your spot.
5. Old Forester
Why Visit: Old Forester offers a full start-to-finish bourbon experience right in downtown Louisville on historic Whiskey Row. It’s an ideal stop if you’re staying in the city and want a rich tour without leaving the urban core.
Tour Highlights: The standard $32 tour includes a barrel-charring demo and a tasting of flagship products — all inside their active production space. It’s compact but immersive.
Don’t Miss: After the tour, grab a bourbon Modjeska — a chocolate-dipped marshmallow treat unique to this stop.
6. Jim Beam
Why Visit: Jim Beam is one of the biggest names in bourbon, and their visitor experience reflects it. It’s a large, well-run operation with interactive elements and a broad range of whiskies to explore.
Tour Highlights: On their standard tour, you’ll experience the massive facility, learn about the Beam family legacy, and have the chance to dip your own bottle of Knob Creek. Tastings use a token system, so you can pick what you want to try — including premium bottles.
Good to Know: It’s a bit more commercial, but if you’re into variety and name recognition, this is a must-visit.
7. Willett
Why Visit: Small but mighty, Willett is a family-run distillery that delivers one of the most charming stops on the trail. It feels intimate, authentic, and laid-back — everything you’d want in a boutique bourbon experience.
Tour Highlights: The 20-minute tasting lets you choose from a rotating lineup of Willett’s best, like Rowan’s Creek or Willett Pot Still Reserve. It’s quick, affordable, and relaxed — ideal if you’re short on time.
Don’t Miss: The on-site restaurant, The Bar at Willett, is one of the best-kept secrets on the Bourbon Trail. Grab a cocktail and stay for the food — it’s genuinely excellent.
8. Wild Turkey
Why Visit: Perched above the Kentucky River, Wild Turkey offers some of the most scenic views of any distillery in the state. It’s also one of the few spots where you’ll feel the brand’s storytelling in every step — thanks to its famous ambassador.
Tour Highlights: The tour is partially narrated by Matthew McConaughey (yes, really), and takes you through Wild Turkey’s production with insights from legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. End with a tasting that includes classics like Rare Breed and 101.
Good to Know: A must for fans of big bourbon flavor, big heritage, and… big views.
9. Heaven Hill
Why Visit: Heaven Hill’s updated Bourbon Experience center makes this feel more like a museum-meets-distillery. It’s a great mix of self-guided and interactive options, especially for first-timers.
Tour Highlights: You can walk through the free heritage exhibit, sip cocktails at Five Brothers Bar, or book one of two tours — the standard “Magic of the Mash”or the You Do Bourbon experience, where you bottle your own selection.
Pro Tip: This is one of the best value stops on the trail, especially if you want to learn and sip without breaking the bank.
10. Stitzel-Weller Distillery
Why Visit: While it’s not producing bourbon on-site like some of the others, Stitzel-Weller is one of the most historic distilleries on the Bourbon Trail — and an essential stop for bourbon fans who care about legacy and storytelling. This is the former home of legendary brands like Old Fitzgerald and Pappy Van Winkle, and today it operates as the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience.
Tour Highlights: The main tour walks you through the facility’s rich past and ends with a guided tasting. What sets this tour apart is the focus on the history of bourbon in Kentucky.
Good to Know: It’s an easy addition if you’re staying in Louisville or visiting nearby distilleries like Old Forester. Even if you’ve already done a few tours, Stitzel-Weller’s deep history and unique ambiance make it a worthwhile stop.
Honorable Mentions: More Great Bourbon Distilleries to Visit
If you have more time (or just want to dig deeper into the bourbon scene), there are several other Kentucky distilleries worth visiting. These honorable mentions didn’t make the top 10, but each has something special to offer.
Want to see all the distillery tours in one place? Check out my interactive Bourbon Trail map — with my handpicked tour recommendations for every stop, from big names to hidden gems.
Rabbit Hole Distillery
A sleek, modern operation in the heart of downtown. Their tour leans heavy on design and innovation, and the tasting bar offers great views of the city skyline.
Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
One of the most underrated bourbon trail stops. You can thief straight from the barrel during your tasting — in a barn overlooking the Kentucky countryside. It’s low-key, fun, and very local.
Castle & Key
Set in a restored 19th-century castle, this distillery is one of the most beautiful in the state. The grounds are stunning, and the distillery blends architecture, bourbon, and history like no other.
Lux Row Distillers
Tucked into rolling hills outside Bardstown, Lux Row offers a peaceful, relaxed tour and tasting experience. It’s home to several well-known labels, but without the big-tour crowds.
Angel’s Envy
Located right on Whiskey Row, Angel’s Envy delivers a polished, story-driven tour that ends with a pour of their signature port-finished bourbon. Great for urban travelers looking for something sleek and approachable.
How to Plan Your Bourbon Distillery Trip in Kentucky
Planning a trip to visit the best bourbon distilleries in Kentucky takes more than just picking a few names off a list — especially now that most tours require advance reservations.
Book Tours in Advance
Don’t expect to walk in. Most distilleries — especially Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark — require timed tickets booked online weeks (sometimes months) ahead. If you’re visiting during fall or spring, book early.
Allow Time Between Distilleries
Tours last 60–90 minutes, and some distilleries are up to an hour apart. Plan on 2.5 to 3 hours between tours to account for driving, parking, gift shop browsing, or sipping cocktails at on-site bars.
Driving or Guided Tours?
DIY trips with a rental car offer more flexibility, but make sure to have a designated driver if you’re tasting more than one pour. Alternatively, some companies offer Bourbon Trail bus tours — great for groups, but they’re pricey and often include only standard tours.
Don’t Forget Food Stops
Many distilleries have excellent on-site restaurants or cocktail lounges (Bardstown Bourbon Company and Willett are top picks). Pad your itinerary to enjoy them — not just race to the next tour.
Where to Stay for Your Bourbon Trail Trip
Most distilleries are clustered around Louisville, Bardstown, and Frankfort, so it’s smart to base your stay in one of these towns and explore outward from there.
- Louisville is great if you want walkable access to urban distilleries like Old Forester and Angel’s Envy, plus amazing restaurants and nightlife along Whiskey Row.
- Bardstown is ideal if you want small-town charm and easy access to iconic distilleries like Willett, Heaven Hill, and Bardstown Bourbon Company.
- Frankfort is centrally located for reaching Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve, though accommodations are more limited.
Looking for more personalized picks?
Check out my complete guide to where to stay on the Bourbon Trail — with local hotel recommendations and unique places you won’t find on chain lists.
Bourbon Distillery Tours: What to Expect and How Much They Cost
Most bourbon distilleries in Kentucky offer two options: guided tours or tasting-only sessions. Standard tours take you through the production process, ending with a tasting of three to four pours. These tours usually cost $18 to $32 and last about an hour.
If you’re short on time, tasting-only options are a great alternative. They run about $10 to $20 and last 20–30 minutes. These experiences give you a feel for the brand without committing to a full tour.
Many of the best Kentucky distilleries also offer premium or specialty tours. These can include barrel thieving, cocktail classes, or the chance to bottle your own bourbon. These experiences typically cost $30 to $50+, depending on what’s included.
Tours fill up quickly, especially in spring and fall. Booking in advance is now essential, even for tastings. Some distilleries release tickets 30 to 60 days out, so it’s smart to plan ahead.
To save time, you can also mix and match. Book a full tour at one stop, then do a tasting-only session at the next. It’s an easy way to enjoy more without feeling rushed.
Bourbon Trail FAQs
Most of the best distilleries are in and around Louisville, Bardstown, and Frankfort. These towns make a great base for your trip and offer easy access to the majority of Bourbon Trail stops.
Whiskey Thief, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., and Rabbit Hole are all excellent choices with unique distillery tours to visit.
Late fall is ideal — the weather is cooler, and the leaves are changing. Spring is also beautiful. Try to avoid summer if possible; many distilleries aren’t air-conditioned and Kentucky heat can be intense.
A weekend works if you only want to visit a few spots. To fully experience the trail, plan for 3 to 5 days. Most people can visit 2–3 distilleries per day comfortably, depending on distance and tour times.
More Bourbon Trail Tips + Inspiration
- Don’t miss my ultimate guide to visiting the Bourbon Trail
- Need some ideas of where to stay? Check out this list!
- Be sure if you’re looking for a weekend getaway be check out my 3-day itinerary
