Bardstown Bourbon Company
Modern distillery known for innovative barrel-finished bourbons, unique collaborations, and immersive tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tour
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Modern distillery known for innovative barrel-finished bourbons, unique collaborations, and immersive tours.
"Highly impressed by their own distillate and unique barrel finishes; a must-visit on the Bourbon Trail."
🎯 Book Unique Tours Early
The rickhouse thieving tour is a fan favorite and sells out fast! Book well in advance. :ticket:
🍔 Don't Miss the Brussel Sprouts
Even if you're not dining, the Brussel sprouts appetizer is legendary and worth trying. :foodie:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Origin Series Tasting
Tasting Room
Experience Bardstown's own distillate with their impressive Origin Series: Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond, Wheated, and Rye.
Rickhouse Thieving Tour
Rickhouse
A unique tour where you sample bourbon directly from barrels. Highly recommended for an immersive experience.
Collaborative Series Flights
Tasting Bar
Sample exclusive collaboration pours from renowned distilleries, often at a great value compared to retail bottles.
Modern Industrial Ambiance
Main Facility
Enjoy the airy, modern-industrial design of the distillery, featuring gleaming copper stills and a welcoming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Consider Dining Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Unique Tours Early
The rickhouse thieving tour is a fan favorite and sells out fast! Book well in advance. :ticket:
🍔 Don't Miss the Brussel Sprouts
Even if you're not dining, the Brussel sprouts appetizer is legendary and worth trying. :foodie:
✈️ Explore Collaboration Pours
Flights of collaborative series bourbons offer a taste of rare bottles at a reasonable price. :wine_glass:
📱 Check Menu Changes
The menu can change, so check ahead if you're set on a specific dish, like the famous burger. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Unique Tours Early
The rickhouse thieving tour is a fan favorite and sells out fast! Book well in advance. :ticket:
🍔 Don't Miss the Brussel Sprouts
Even if you're not dining, the Brussel sprouts appetizer is legendary and worth trying. :foodie:
✈️ Explore Collaboration Pours
Flights of collaborative series bourbons offer a taste of rare bottles at a reasonable price. :wine_glass:
📱 Check Menu Changes
The menu can change, so check ahead if you're set on a specific dish, like the famous burger. :information_desk:
🚶♀️ Wander the Grounds
The modern, spacious grounds are beautiful to explore, even if you're not on a formal tour. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by Bardstown Bourbon Company's innovative approach to bourbon, particularly their barrel-finishing techniques and unique collaborative series. The tours, especially the rickhouse thieving experience, are highly praised for their educational value and engaging guides. While the restaurant offers good food, some find the pricing and ambiance less appealing than the exceptional bourbon offerings.
"Visited this distillery with 4 buddies. Admittedly, we were skeptical. None of us had tried any of Bardstown's offerings. It's a relatively new bourbon on the market, and the very modern and suspiciously large grounds with high number of Rickhouses had us concerned we were about to experience some well-marketed, mass-produced, characterless slop.
We were wrong. Very wrong.
The tour was excellent! It was very informative and a deep dive into the whiskey making process. We even got to try the distillate (white dog/moonshine) before it hit the barrels, and we tried a sip directly from a barrel.
We tasted the entire Origin Series, which upon first sip had all 5 of us impressed. As we moved through line up, every one of them were excellent: Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond, Wheated, and a lovely Rye.
Hats off to Michael, our outstanding guide. Well done, sir!"
daniel fuller
"We had heard SOOO many great things about Bardstown Bourbon, that maybe our expectations were too high coming here to eat. We didn't do the tour, but just came to see the bar, giftshop, and get the amazing burger! So.... the Brussel Sprouts appetizer lived up to the hype, AMAZING. Also had the Bourbon Peach Milkshake... also AMAZING. Now for the main course, my wife had the shrimp fried rice, which was very good... but I had the smash burger... sad. It was way overcooked and dry, and could barely eat it. How disappointing. It seems they change the menu all the time, the famous good burger was removed and replaced with this dry patty thing with not taste. If anyone reads this there, here is a tip: Don't mess with what works! Put back the great burger that people were raving about, and leave the Brussel sprouts alone (which I heard they are changing too). Afterwards we had a flight of bourbons, and found one to take with us! Overall, nice place, but I hope they don't try to be too fancy. The room where you dine, is a bit cold, sterile, and noisy, and I would likely not come back here to dine, especially since you don't know what you might find on the menu! ... (oh, BTW, the pecan bourbon pie for desert, together with the milkshake, made up for the burger! which is why I still give the place 4 of 5 starts!)"
Christian Sieg
"Bardstown Bourbon Company – A Tour Worth Savoring
From the moment you step onto the historic grounds of Bardstown Bourbon Company, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of oak barrels and a palpable sense of craftsmanship. The experience is anchored by Amber, whose passion for bourbon shines through every detail of the tour.
What Stands Out
Expert Guidance – Amber’s knowledge is both deep and approachable. She effortlessly blends the rich history of Kentucky bourbon with the science behind each batch, making even the most technical aspects feel accessible. Her storytelling brings the distillery’s legacy to life, turning a simple walkthrough into an engaging narrative.
Tasting Excellence – The tasting session is the highlight. Each pour showcases the distinct character of Bardstown’s offerings—from the smooth, caramel‑laden notes of the flagship bourbon to the bold, peppery finish of the limited‑edition rye. Amber’s explanations of flavor profiles help you appreciate the subtle nuances, and the tasting glasses are perfectly sized to let the aromas unfold.
Atmosphere & Ambiance – The facility balances modern elegance with rustic charm. The copper stills gleam under soft lighting, and the tasting room’s cozy décor makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the environment invites you to linger and explore.
Personal Touch – Amber goes the extra mile by answering questions, sharing insider tips on pairing bourbon with food, and even suggesting the ideal way to store your favorite bottles at home. Her genuine enthusiasm turns a standard tour into a memorable, personalized experience.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a bourbon tour that combines top‑notch education, exceptional tasting, and heartfelt hospitality, Bardstown Bourbon Company delivers on all fronts. Amber’s expertise and friendly demeanor elevate the visit, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for bourbon and a smile on your face. It’s a must‑do for anyone traveling through Kentucky’s “Bourbon Capital.”"
Gernot “Doc G” M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bardstown Bourbon Company is located in Bardstown, Kentucky. It's accessible by car, and many visitors combine a trip here with other distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, Bardstown Bourbon Company is situated in the heart of Kentucky's Bourbon Country, making it convenient to visit other notable distilleries like Heaven Hill and Jim Beam.
You can use GPS navigation to Bardstown Bourbon Company, 1700 Tyrone Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004. It's a scenic drive through Kentucky's rolling hills.
While public transportation is limited, many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or private tours that can arrange transportation between distilleries.
Consider booking a guided bourbon tour that includes Bardstown Bourbon Company, or rent a car and plan your own route. Designate a driver or use ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the experience. The Core Four tour is a popular option, and specialized tours like the rickhouse thieving experience have different pricing. Check their official website for current rates.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book tours in advance, especially for unique experiences like the rickhouse thieving tour, as they often sell out.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day. It's best to check the official Bardstown Bourbon Company website for the most up-to-date hours for tours, tastings, and the restaurant.
Yes, you can visit the tasting bar near the entrance for flights and individual pours, and explore the gift shop without booking a full tour.
Tours typically include a guided experience through the distillery, educational insights into the bourbon-making process, and tastings of select bourbons, often including their Origin Series or collaborative releases.
🎫 🥃 Bourbon & Tastings
Visitors rave about the Origin Series (Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond, Wheated, Rye) and their various collaborative series releases, often featuring unique barrel finishes like Calvados.
Absolutely! They offer tastings at the bar, including flights of their collaborative series, and tastings are often integrated into their tours.
The Origin Series is Bardstown Bourbon Company's first line of 100% in-house distilled whiskeys, showcasing their own distillate in different mash bills like Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond, Wheated, and Rye.
Yes, Bardstown Bourbon Company is renowned for its barrel-finishing program, with notable releases like the Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish and collaborations with wineries like Silver Oak.
You can purchase Bardstown Bourbon Company products at their distillery gift shop, and many of their releases are available through liquor stores and online retailers. Distillery-exclusive bottles are also available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Bardstown Bourbon Company features a modern, airy restaurant offering elevated comfort fare, cocktails, and an extensive whiskey library.
The Brussel sprouts appetizer is a must-try, and the Bourbon Peach Milkshake is also highly praised. While the smash burger has received mixed reviews recently, other dishes like shrimp fried rice are good.
Some visitors find the restaurant meals to be overpriced for what they are, though the quality of the food is generally good. Flights at the bar are more reasonably priced than larger pours in the restaurant.
While you can order individual pours or bottles at the restaurant, flights are more readily available and better priced at the tasting bar near the entrance.
The restaurant has a modern, industrial design. Some find the dining room to be a bit cold, sterile, and noisy, while others appreciate the ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern architecture, gleaming copper stills, the glass-fronted rickhouse, and the scenic grounds offer great photo opportunities. The tasting room also provides a stylish backdrop.
Generally, yes, you can take photos during the tour, but it's always good to be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
Absolutely! The distillery's modern aesthetic, unique barrel finishes, and delicious-looking food and drinks make it a very Instagrammable location. 
Capture the scale of the distillery, close-ups of the stills and barrels, artistic shots of your bourbon pours, and the stylish interior of the restaurant and bar.
While generally permitted, always be respectful of other guests and staff. Professional photography or videography may require prior permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're touring with children, focus on the visual aspects of the distillery and the restaurant's ambiance. The Brussel sprouts and Bourbon Peach Milkshake are often hits with all ages. Ensure you check their specific policies regarding minors in different areas of the facility before your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
While tours have a cost, they provide excellent value by including tastings. If a full tour isn't feasible, simply visiting the tasting bar and enjoying an appetizer like the highly-rated Brussel sprouts can be a more affordable way to experience the venue. The gift shop also offers smaller, more budget-friendly souvenirs.
💍 Couples & Date Nights
For a more formal evening, consider a dinner reservation at their restaurant. The modern ambiance and extensive whiskey list provide a great backdrop for conversation. You can also explore the grounds hand-in-hand before or after your meal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Barrel Finishing
Their collaborative series is a testament to this approach, featuring partnerships with wineries, breweries, and other distilleries. These collaborations often result in limited-edition releases that push the boundaries of traditional bourbon flavor profiles. For instance, their Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish showcases how aging bourbon in casks that previously held French apple brandy can introduce delightful fruit and spice notes.
+1This innovative strategy not only diversifies their product line but also appeals to a wide range of whiskey enthusiasts looking for something beyond the standard offerings. It's a key reason why Bardstown Bourbon Company has gained such a strong reputation in a relatively short time.
Experiencing Bardstown: Tours & Tastings
For a more hands-on and exclusive experience, the rickhouse thieving tour is highly recommended. This unique tour allows participants to sample bourbon directly from the barrels, offering a rare glimpse into the aging process and the nuances of different barrels. It's a highlight for many visitors and a testament to the distillery's commitment to providing memorable experiences.
Beyond the formal tours, the tasting bar near the entrance is a fantastic spot to sample a variety of their offerings, especially their sought-after collaborative series. Visitors can purchase flights of these special releases, which often represent bottles retailing for significantly more, making it a great value for those looking to explore unique bourbons.
The Bardstown Bourbon Company Restaurant
Certain appetizers, like the Brussel sprouts, have garnered significant acclaim and are considered a must-try, even for those not dining formally. The Bourbon Peach Milkshake is another dessert item that receives high praise. While some signature dishes, like a previously famous smash burger, have been altered or removed, leading to some disappointment, the overall quality of the food is generally good.
It's worth noting that while the restaurant offers larger pours of bourbon, the tasting bar near the entrance provides a more cost-effective way to sample a variety of bourbons through flights. If dining, it's advisable to check the menu in advance as it can change, and consider making reservations, especially for dinner, to ensure a table.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit