
Willett Distillery Bardstown Kentucky
Historic family-owned distillery offering exceptional bourbon, unique tours, and acclaimed dining in Bardstown, KY.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

Willett Distillery Bardstown Kentucky
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic family-owned distillery offering exceptional bourbon, unique tours, and acclaimed dining in Bardstown, KY.
"An unforgettable experience for any bourbon lover, steeped in history and family legacy."

🎯 Book Estate Tour Early
The Estate Tour is a must-do and sells out fast! Book well in advance.
🍽️ Lunch Reservations Essential
The Bar at Willett is popular; reserve your table for lunch to avoid disappointment.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Willett Family Estate Tour
An exclusive, behind-the-scenes bourbon experience with barrel filling and cask thieving.

The Bar at Willett
Enjoy exceptional food, including their famous egg salad sandwich, and craft cocktails.

Rickhouse Exploration
Walk through historic barrel houses and witness the aging process firsthand.

Progressive Tasting Experience
Savor bourbon tasters throughout the tour, not just at the end.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Estate Tour in Advance
Embrace the Progressive Tasting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Estate Tour Early
The Estate Tour is a must-do and sells out fast! Book well in advance.
🍽️ Lunch Reservations Essential
The Bar at Willett is popular; reserve your table for lunch to avoid disappointment.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the distillery grounds and rickhouses.
🥃 Progressive Tasting is Key
Enjoy sips throughout the tour for a better appreciation of the bourbon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Estate Tour Early
The Estate Tour is a must-do and sells out fast! Book well in advance.
🍽️ Lunch Reservations Essential
The Bar at Willett is popular; reserve your table for lunch to avoid disappointment.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the distillery grounds and rickhouses.
🥃 Progressive Tasting is Key
Enjoy sips throughout the tour for a better appreciation of the bourbon.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available on-site, but can fill up during peak times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Willett Distillery for its exceptional bourbon, beautiful historic grounds, and unique, family-owned feel. The progressive tasting experience and the highly recommended Estate Tour, with its hands-on elements, are frequently highlighted as standout features. While the dining at The Bar at Willett receives rave reviews, some find the tours and tastings to be on the pricier side.
"Visiting Willett Distillery is an unforgettable experience for any bourbon lover. Tour was so fun - the grounds are beautiful and steeped in history. You can feel the family legacy in every detail—from the charming barrel houses to the artfully designed tasting room. The pours themselves are exceptional—smooth, complex, and full of character. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just curious, Willett offers a genuine, welcoming glimpse into Kentucky bourbon at its finest. Book a reservation at the restaurant in advance!"
Elizabeth Brady
"Did the distillery tours of all my favorite bourbons and Willett was the best, hands down. From the minute our tour guide, Mike, introduced himself, I knew I was in for a treat. He was knowledgeable, personable, and had a great sense of humor. The time flew by on the tour as he told about the family legacy and answered questions I didn’t even know to ask! I hate I missed the egg salad sandwich and Saturday cheeseburgers but it gives me another reason to go back.
If you are looking to go on the bourbon trail, your visit isn’t complete without Willett. Ask for Mike! He is the best. He made the other name brand distilleries look like - ahhhh, what do the kids say - a 6-7!!!! Willett was a 10/10 - Definitely recommend!!!"
Januari Lewis
"What an exceptional place in a place where it is so hard to stand out. They are so successful in not only the exceptional product they produce, but the tour was unique, with a small family-owned feel. Our tour guide Matt was incredibly friendly, with a deep knowledge and personal understanding of the process. We especially loved the tasting being throughout the tour, which led to a better appreciation of the product, rather than the 5 or 6 half ounce pours over fifteen minutes at the end of the tour. The property and buildings on the tour were beautiful and well maintained, and the area was so picturesque! Thank you Willett Distillery, you've found a customer for life!"
Courtney Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Willett Distillery is located at 1856 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail stop here. Parking is available on-site, though it can get busy during peak hours.
Yes, Willett Distillery is a prominent stop on the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail, offering a unique experience for bourbon enthusiasts.
Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or designated drivers to navigate between distilleries like Willett. Some tours also offer transportation options.
Bardstown offers several hotels and inns, making it convenient to stay overnight and explore multiple distilleries. Willett Distillery is located on Loretto Road.
While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging. Consider booking a guided Bourbon Trail tour that includes transportation to and from Willett Distillery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the experience. The highly recommended Willett Family Estate Tour offers an in-depth experience and is often cited as worth the cost. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and availability.
Absolutely! The Willett Family Estate Tour, in particular, is very popular and requires advance booking. Many visitors recommend booking weeks or even months ahead, especially for weekend visits.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official Willett Distillery website for the most up-to-date information on tour times, tasting room hours, and restaurant operating hours before your visit.
Tours at Willett often include a progressive tasting experience throughout the visit, a walk through rickhouses, and insights into their family legacy. The Estate Tour offers even more exclusive access.
Yes, you can purchase bourbon at the Willett Distillery's tasting room and gift shop. Availability of specific bottles, especially allocated ones, can vary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Estate Tour is a highlight, offering exclusive access to copper stills, column stills, rickhouses, and even the chance to fill your own barrel. It includes a progressive tasting and is described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime experience.'
Willett is known for its diverse range of bourbons and ryes, including expressions like Willett Pot Still Reserve, Rowan's Creek, and various single barrel selections. They are praised for producing exceptional spirits at good prices.
Yes, Willett has a tasting room where you can sample their various bourbons and ryes. Many tours incorporate tastings directly into the experience.
Instead of a single tasting at the end, Willett offers sips of bourbon at various points during the tour, allowing for a better appreciation of how the environment and process influence the spirit.
The picturesque grounds, historic buildings, and rickhouses offer many beautiful photo opportunities. Some artists even paint bourbon barrel heads featuring the distillery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Bar at Willett offers a fantastic dining experience, with visitors highly recommending the egg salad sandwich and allocated burgers. They also serve craft cocktails.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations for The Bar at Willett, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or after a tour.
Lunch is typically not included with standard tours but is available for purchase at The Bar at Willett. Many visitors combine their tour with a meal.
The egg salad sandwich and allocated burgers are frequently mentioned as must-try items. They also offer other creative dishes and appetizers.
Yes, Willett has a tasting room and The Bar at Willett offers a full bar with expertly crafted cocktails, including those featuring their own bourbon and rye.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic buildings, picturesque grounds with the creek, and the imposing rickhouses offer stunning backdrops. The tasting room and bar area also provide great interior shots.
Generally, yes, you can take photos during the tour, but always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide. Some areas might have restrictions.
Some artists create art on bourbon barrel heads featuring Willett Distillery, offering a unique subject for photography if you encounter such pieces.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the grounds and details inside. A prime lens can be useful for low-light interiors.
Drone usage is typically restricted at distilleries and historical sites due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Check their policies beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Willett Family Legacy
This commitment to family tradition is reflected in their approach to bourbon making. They emphasize traditional methods and a deep understanding of the craft, passed down through generations. This dedication is evident in the exceptional quality of their spirits, which are praised for their complexity and character. The distillery's story is one of resilience and passion, making it a compelling visit for anyone interested in the heritage of Kentucky bourbon.
Exploring the Bourbon Production Process
The progressive tasting is a standout feature, where you sample bourbon at different stages or from different barrels as you move through the distillery. This method provides a deeper appreciation for how factors like mash bill, distillation, and aging impact the flavor. Visitors frequently highlight this as a more engaging and educational tasting experience compared to traditional end-of-tour tastings.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the Willett Family Estate Tour offers the extraordinary opportunity to fill your own barrel and taste directly from casks. This hands-on involvement provides an unforgettable connection to the bourbon-making craft and the Willett family's dedication to their product.
Culinary Delights at The Bar at Willett
Among the most talked-about dishes is the egg salad sandwich, a surprisingly gourmet take that has become legendary among patrons. Other popular choices include their allocated burgers and other inventive appetizers and entrees. The culinary team, recognized by James Beard, ensures a high-quality dining experience that elevates your visit.
Reservations are highly recommended for The Bar at Willett, as it's a popular spot for both distillery visitors and locals. Combining a tour with lunch provides a comprehensive and deeply satisfying experience, allowing you to savor both the spirits and the cuisine that Willett Distillery has to offer.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit