With 11 distillery experiences within 16 miles of downtown Bardstown—from boutique distilleries to the giants of the industry—you can see why this charming Kentucky town is the Bourbon Capital of the World. Forge your own path on the bourbon trail with these essential Bourbon experiences in Bardstown.
NOTABLE DISTILLERY EXPERIENCES:
America’s largest independent family-owned producer of distilled spirits, Heaven Hill’s massive inventory exceeds 1.5 million barrels. For a truly memorable visit, try the “You Do Bourbon” experience, where visitors can fill, cork, and label their own bottle of Angel’s Envy Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Another Heaven Hill fan favorite is the 270-degree projection theater located in what is believed to be the world’s largest bourbon barrel.
New in 2025:
Heaven Hill Distillery filled its first barrel at the new, $200 million Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in the summer of 2025, nearly 30 years after a fire destroyed the original plant.
With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Bardstown Bourbon Company, opened in 2016, offers a Napa Valley-style experience in the heart of bourbon country. Beautifully situated on 100 acres of working farmland, the campus features a state-of-the-art distillery and a vintage whiskey library. In the main building, enjoy a classic bourbon cocktail or book a table at The Bar & Kitchen at BBC. Through its floor-to-ceiling glass wall, you’ll view the working distillery while savoring Kentucky specialties.
Celebrating 250 years in 2025, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has been a major mover in the whiskey world, with a legacy of excellence that few can match. For a VIP experience, join Master Distillers Fred and Freddie Noe at The Kitchen Table Restaurant and be among the first to enjoy the latest releases from the James B. Beam Distilling Co., Beam-inspired fare, unique cocktails, and behind-the-barrel stories from the First Family of Bourbon.
Named in honor of the year Kentucky joined the United State, Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully operating Distillery in Bardstown. Located on 196 scenic acres, the Distillery boasts 29-barrel aging warehouses, an impressive still house and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. Take a free tour and enjoy tastings in a spectacular setting.
In nearby Gethsemane, discover 350 acres of Kentucky bourbon beauty. Log Still Distillery is an all-encompassing campus, including a 2,300-seat amphitheater (The Amp), a train experience, five bed & breakfast options and an expansive lake for fishing. Oh, and there’s also a distillery, of course, which produces several acclaimed varieties of bourbon daily, including the famed Monk’s Road Fifth District Series.
Independent and family-owned since 1936, the historic Willett Distillery specializes in handcrafted, small-batch and single-barrel selections of distilled spirits. Visitors to its historic property can choose from more than a dozen different tour and tasting experiences, including access to specialty products like the elegant Willett® Pot Still Reserve. Round out the experience with The Bar at Willett, the distillery’s elegant onsite bar and restaurant, serving small plates alongside classic cocktails.
Just six miles from downtown Bardstown, the distinctive red and black buildings nestled along Hardin’s Creek signal that you have arrived at Maker’s Mark Distillery. Operating since 1805, Maker’s Mark is the nation’s oldest working bourbon distillery still on its original site. Visitors can tour the distillery buildings (don’t miss the Dale Chihuly-designed glass ceiling), pop in for lunch and a bourbon cocktail at the Star Hill Provisions Restaurant or have a drink at Homeplace. They can even dip their own bottle with the signature red wax.
Indulge in the ultimate elevated experience at Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856, where you’ll find a micro-distillery, upscale bar, and an impeccably curated boutique. Start off with a meticulously crafted flight at the bar, sampling a collection of exquisitely aged whiskies. Then, explore the retail space for exclusive releases.
Preservation Distillery + Farms
The sustainability-minded Preservation Distillery is not only the first and only 100% pot-distilled producer in Nelson County — it’s also Kentucky’s first woman-owned craft distillery. Preservation pot-distills in miniscule one-to-three-barrel batches, creating hand selected, rare barrels of intensely flavored whiskey. Taste and purchase small-batch vintage bottles at their reclaimed barnwood bar and gift shop, or just relax on the patio overlooking a pastoral farm.
BOURBON ATTRACTIONS, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES
Held in Bardstown every September, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival draws more than 50,000 attendees from all over the world for a week of celebrating the storied history and art of distilling America’s native spirit. More than 45 of Kentucky’s finest distilleries – from the heritage brands you know and love already, to the craft distilleries you need to discover – offer sample pours and bottle sales. This year’s Bourbon blowout takes place Sept. 5-7, 2025.
As the Bourbon Capital of the World®, Bardstown hosts National Bourbon Week, the renowned celebration of Kentucky bourbon. This week-long event held every June pays tribute to the craftsmanship, heritage, and culture that make Bardstown the beating heart of the bourbon industry. During National Bourbon Week, visitors and bourbon lovers immerse themselves in exclusive tastings, behind-the-scenes distillery experiences, special releases, and bourbon-inspired events throughout Bardstown. Stay tuned for 2026 dates.
Introduced in 2022, The Bardstown Collection sees several of the destination’s best distilleries coming together to produce a highly limited, one-of-a-kind bourbon series, available only in Bardstown. Already a hotly anticipated tradition among aficionados, the next release of the Bardstown Collection will take place in 2026, continuing the tradition of limited-edition bottles and unrivaled craftsmanship. The 2026 release will also see the inclusion of new distilleries, expanding the already stellar lineup of Bardstown’s finest bourbon makers.
Overflowing with nostalgia and with a pour of modern luxury, Bardstown’s newly opened The Trail Hotel is the world’s first and only bourbon-centric hotel. Housed in a thoughtfully restored historic property, the hotel offers 95 stylish guest rooms, including eight spacious signature suites, blending Southern charm with modern sophistication. On-site amenities include a signature 4-star restaurant, five bars (inclusive of a speakeasy), a state-of-the-art golf simulator, and a one-of-a-kind wellness space.
Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History
Located in a restored 1826 building, this fascinating museum houses a collection of quirky items – from a flask damaged in a saloon raid by the hatchet-wielding temperance leader Carrie Nation, to George Washington’s copper still from his side hustle distilling whiskey. The standout exhibit, however, is the whimsical display, “What’s Your Pleasure, Mr. President?” showing 42 presidents, favorite libation in hand.
Since 1779, The Old Talbott Tavern, home to the world’s oldest bourbon bar, has hosted a bevy of celebrity guests — including Abraham Lincoln, French king Louis Phillippe and infamous outlaw Jesse James. It’s even said to be haunted! But even if you don’t see any ghosts, the spirits will do just fine, with over 200 different bourbons to choose from. You can even stay overnight at the Talbott, each room named after a famous guest, from Daniel Boone to General George S. Patton.
Mint Julep Tour At My Old Kentucky Home
Tour Kentucky’s iconic My Old Kentucky Home mansion and farm and learn all about the iconic Kentucky mint julep. One of the original mixed cocktails, the Kentucky Mint Julep is a symbol of southern hospitality and is the signature drink of the fastest two-minutes in sports — the Kentucky Derby. Join costumed guides as they illustrate the history of this classic beverage and show you exactly how to make a proper Kentucky mint julep.
The Parlor Room Tasting Experiences
Founded and hosted by Bardstown native Whitney Rye in 2024, the women-owned and -operated Parlor Room brings the stories behind every bottle to life, creating memorable moments that celebrate rare and hard-to-find selections. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your tasting journey, our experiences offer something truly special for everyone.