Touring the Heart of Bourbon Country: Lexington’s Hidden Gems

June 17, 2024

This summer, visitors to Lexington, Kentucky, have the opportunity to discover some of the state’s finest bourbon, with as many as eight stellar bourbon makers operating right in the city. Despite some larger distilleries having tours fully booked for the season, these lesser-known locales allow patrons to experience the distinctiveness and flavor of Kentucky bourbon without having to travel far.

Embarking on a Bourbon Adventure

Local distilleries, like Bluegrass Distillers Downtown, offer a slightly different take on the traditional distillery tour. Branded as a “hidden gem,” this small-scale operation, situated just behind West Sixth Brewing, offers an intimate and comprehensive view into the whiskey-making process. The distillery is proud of its quaint size, with all distillation done within an area of approximately 2,000 square feet.

Expanding Kentucky Bourbon

Kentucky bourbon makers are not just showcasing their current offerings; they’re growing and developing new ones. Bluegrass Distillers is finishing construction on a larger distillery at their Elkwood Farm site, set to open in late July. Barrel House Distilling Co., another Lexington-based bourbon maker, is also expanding with a $1.8 million dollar distillery project under development in Cynthiana, slated to complete in 2024.

Diverse Bourbon Experiences

Each of these distilleries offers a unique experience for visitors. Patrons can try cocktails at Barrel House Distilling Co.’s Elkhorn Tavern, hand-bottle a personalized blend at Dark Arts Whiskey House, or partake in a mixology class at Fresh Bourbon Distillery. For conference attendees or racegoers at Keeneland craving a taste of local culture, these Lexington distilleries offer a wealth of bourbon experiences just a few miles from the city’s downtown.

A New Arrival: Bespoken Spirits

Astoundingly, the fascinating bourbon scene in Lexington recently welcomed another player. Bespoken Spirits, an innovative bourbon maker from California, just moved its headquarters to Lexington and opened a new distillery at Greyline Station. The company, which boasts a cutting-edge approach to aging bourbon termed “Tailored-Wood Finishing,” infuses bespoke flavors into its whiskeys, making it a must-visit entry into the Kentucky bourbon log.

Experience Local Tradition and Innovation

These local distilleries offer visitors a broad spectrum of whiskey-making approaches. From the traditional and historic approach of James E. Pepper Distillery downtown to the contemporary and inventive techniques at Bespoken Spirits and Dark Arts Whiskey House, Lexington offers diverse bourbon experiences across the city.

Looking to the Future

The expansion and development of these bourbon makers not only provide diverse and exciting experiences for visitors but also represent significant investments in the city’s future. Master distillers and owners, like those at RD1 Spirits, are not only inspired by the region’s illustrious past but are crafting what’s next for the future of bourbon in Kentucky. The growth of these distilleries, their unique offerings, and the continued development of the bourbon scene reflect Lexington’s emerging status as a bourbon destination not to be missed.