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Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co Town Branch

4.6
·593 reviews·Lexington, United States

Experience the unique fusion of Irish heritage and Kentucky craft at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., home of bourbon barrel-aged beer and Town Bra...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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Fun place!!

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co Town Branch

Best Time

Weekdays, afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the unique fusion of Irish heritage and Kentucky craft at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., home of bourbon barrel-aged beer and Town Branch Bourbon.

4.6
(593 reviews)

"A rare gem—a unique fusion of Irish tradition and American innovation, offering an immersive, dual experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Ahead!

Tours fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot!

🥃 Sample Flights

Try a flight of ales or bourbons to discover your favorites. Great value!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Taste the award-winning ale aged in bourbon barrels, a true fusion of beer and whiskey.

TikTokInstagram
Town Branch Bourbon Tour

Town Branch Bourbon Tour

Explore the distillery and learn about the craft of bourbon making, a rare sight in Lexington.

InstagramReddit
Taproom & Patio

Taproom & Patio

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with signature cocktails, fresh beers on tap, and flights. Dog-friendly outdoor seating available.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. are popular and book up quickly, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment and ensure you get to experience the brewing and distilling process firsthand. Instagram

Embrace the Dual Experience

This is one of the few places offering both brewery and distillery tours under one roof. Plan to spend ample time to fully appreciate the unique process of bourbon barrel-aging beer and crafting fine spirits. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, mornings
Why
Catch the early buzz before crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall season
Why
Seasonal pumpkin ales are a hit
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pumpkin Barrel Ale! #pumpkinflavoredeverything #lexingtonbrewing #justrightforfall #review @lexingtonbrewingco @southernbeverageco
@good_lord_gatsby
4.9K likes • 45.9K views

🎯 Book Tours Ahead!

Tours fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot! Instagram

🥃 Sample Flights

Try a flight of ales or bourbons to discover your favorites. Great value! Reddit

Let me teach y’all about some beer! #bourbonbarrelaged #vanillabourbon #creamale #creamsoda #lexingtonbrewing #beerdrinkers #PepsiApplePieChallenge
@tenaciousfork
756 likes • 10.5K views
Bourbon AND beer! Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is celebrating 25 years in business! Home of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Town Branch Bourbon - a tour starts with an overview of the facility’s history and offers a look into product production. The visitor center and taproom has a gift shop with signature cocktails, fresh beers on tap, and flights. Of course there are samples along the way!...
lexingtonlatest
85 likes • 4.2K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Patio

Bring your furry friend to enjoy the outdoor seating area. Reddit

🍺 Seasonal Brews

Don't miss seasonal releases like the popular Pumpkin Barrel Ale. TikTok+1

September is Bourbon Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a tour (and a taste) at some of Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries. Each one pours up a totally different vibe—from historic warehouses to sleek new spaces, and of course, unforgettable sips.   Pro tip: tours book up fast, so snag that reservation before you go!   In Lexington:
• Barrel House Distilling Co. - @barrel...
visitlex
271 likes • 10.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Ahead!

Tours fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot! Instagram

🥃 Sample Flights

Try a flight of ales or bourbons to discover your favorites. Great value! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Patio

Bring your furry friend to enjoy the outdoor seating area. Reddit

🍺 Seasonal Brews

Don't miss seasonal releases like the popular Pumpkin Barrel Ale. TikTok+1

🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures

Grab unique souvenirs and bottles to remember your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(593 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides, highlighting the fascinating insights into bourbon barrel-aging beer and distilling. The unique Irish-inspired atmosphere and the quality of the craft beers and bourbons are frequently mentioned positives. Some guests noted that while food options might be limited, the overall experience and tasting opportunities are excellent.

"Stopped in for a tasting on a girls trip. The gentleman working were kind helpful and living their best lives. The cocktails tasty and tasting was good too. We bought a few bottles of whiskey. Super cute, Ireland vibes inside"

Tricia Bennett

"I recently did the Brewery and Distillery tour at Lexington Brewing, and it was a terrific experience. Our tour guide Lee was very knowledgeable and entertaining. It was very fascinating to see and learn about the process of making the beers and bourbons that they sell. We got 4 drink tickets to sample the beers or bourbons of our choice. They had a couple of gins as well. They have so many great beers that they brew here. It was a really fun experience."

B A

"I was with a few friends that I met while stationed on my first sea duty assignment aboard the USS Dubuque LPD-8. At the time, the ship was home ported in Sasebo, Japan (about 39 years ago). It was actually our first time getting together since and we decided to tour the facility. We had an amazing experience. Van was our tour guide and he really kept it interesting and fun. We all learned quite a bit about the process and sampled the fine bourbon and ales there. Afterwards, we hit the gift shop to take home a little souvenir and spirits to remember the day. Thanks, Van! It was a great tour."

Joel Pinon

What People Like

Knowledgeable and entertaining guides
Unique bourbon barrel-aged beer
Irish-inspired atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is located in Lexington, Kentucky. It's easily accessible by car, and ride-sharing services are readily available. Parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Instagram

Yes, there is usually parking available at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for specific parking details, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Public transportation options may vary. It's best to check local Lexington transit schedules for routes that service the area around the brewery and distillery. Ride-sharing is a popular alternative. Instagram

Yes, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, offering a unique combined brewery and distillery experience. Reddit

For distillery hopping in Lexington, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are highly recommended for convenience and safety. Some visitors also opt for organized tours. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices can vary. Typically, tours include a tasting and offer a comprehensive look at both brewing and distilling. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and tour options. InstagramReddit

Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, as tours often sell out, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. InstagramReddit

Operating hours can vary by day and season. It's best to consult the official Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. website for the most up-to-date hours for tours, tastings, and the taproom. Instagram

Tours typically include a guided walk-through of the brewing and distilling processes, followed by a tasting session where you can sample their beers and bourbons. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can purchase bottles of their bourbon and beer at the gift shop. This is a great way to take home a taste of Lexington. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect an engaging tour led by knowledgeable guides who explain the unique process of aging beer in bourbon barrels and distilling bourbon. You'll see the equipment and learn about the company's history. InstagramReddit

Yes, beyond the tour tastings, you can often order individual drinks, cocktails, or flights at the taproom. They also offer a flight of ale and a flight of bourbon. Reddit

While efforts are made to accommodate visitors, it's best to contact Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for tours and the facility. Instagram

Yes, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. has a dog-friendly outdoor seating area on their patio, making it a great spot to relax with your pet. Reddit

The atmosphere is often described as having Irish vibes inside, with a relaxed and friendly feel. The taproom and patio offer a comfortable space to enjoy drinks and company. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While primarily a brewery and distillery, they often offer snacks or have food trucks on-site. It's advisable to check their current offerings or website for food availability. Instagram

Generally, outside food is not permitted unless specified by the venue, especially if they have their own food service or food trucks. It's best to confirm their policy. Reddit

The taproom offers a variety of their own craft beers, including the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, and their Town Branch Bourbons. They also serve signature cocktails. InstagramReddit

While the focus is on alcoholic beverages, they may offer some non-alcoholic options like soda or water. Inquire at the taproom for current selections. Instagram

Lexington has a vibrant food scene. You can find numerous restaurants offering various cuisines within a short drive from Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photos are generally allowed during tours, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other guests and ask your tour guide if you're unsure about specific areas. Instagram

The brewing and distilling equipment, the taproom with its unique decor, and the outdoor patio area offer great photo opportunities. The barrels used for aging are also visually interesting. InstagramReddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at most commercial establishments and distilleries due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly allowed. Instagram

The distillery often has atmospheric lighting, which can be great for mood but might require adjusting camera settings for optimal photos. The taproom and outdoor areas generally have good natural or ambient light. Instagram

Popular hashtags include #LexingtonBrewing, #TownBranchBourbon, #KentuckyBourbonBarrelAle, #BourbonTrail, #CraftBeer, and #DistilleryTour. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the focus is on adult beverages, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. can still be an interesting stop for families. The tours offer a visual and educational experience about how beer and bourbon are made, which can be engaging for older children. Instagram The taproom and outdoor patio provide a relaxed environment. Reddit

It's important to note that tastings and alcohol consumption are for adults only. Ensure children are supervised at all times and consider if the tour content is appropriate for their age. Some visitors have mentioned a friendly atmosphere that can accommodate a mixed group. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, focusing on the tour that includes a tasting is a great way to get value. The price of the tour often covers multiple samples, which can be more economical than purchasing individual drinks. Reddit Consider sharing flights with a travel companion to sample more without breaking the bank. Reddit

Look for weekday tours, which might sometimes be less expensive or less crowded. While there's a gift shop with merchandise, sticking to the tasting experience and enjoying the atmosphere can be a fulfilling and affordable way to visit. Instagram

👫 Couples

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. offers a charming experience for couples. Enjoy a guided tour together, learning about the craft of bourbon barrel-aged beer and spirits. The taproom and patio provide a relaxed setting for conversation and enjoying a drink. Reddit

Consider ordering a flight of ales or bourbons to share and discover new favorites. The dog-friendly patio is a bonus if you're traveling with a well-behaved canine companion. It's a great spot for a casual afternoon date or a stop during a romantic getaway. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Bourbon Barrel Aging Beer

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, a unique creation that exemplifies the innovative spirit of craft brewing. This process involves taking their Irish Red Ale and aging it for several weeks in freshly emptied bourbon barrels sourced from their own Town Branch Distillery. This aging imparts complex flavors and aromas from the bourbon, such as vanilla, oak, and caramel, into the beer. TikTokInstagram

The result is a rich, full-bodied ale with a higher alcohol content than a typical beer, offering a sophisticated drinking experience that bridges the gap between craft beer and fine spirits. This technique not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a distinct character that sets it apart from other ales. TikTokReddit

Visitors can learn more about this fascinating process during the brewery tour, gaining insight into how the choice of barrels and aging duration significantly impacts the final product. It's a testament to the brewery's commitment to quality and its deep roots in Kentucky's bourbon heritage. Instagram

Town Branch Distillery: A Lexington Legacy

The Town Branch Distillery is a significant addition to Lexington's distilling landscape, marking the first new distillery in the city in over a century when it opened in 2012. Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, the distillery is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., which itself has roots tracing back to Irish brewing traditions. InstagramReddit

At Town Branch, the focus is on crafting high-quality bourbon and rye whiskey. The distillery utilizes traditional methods, including copper pot stills, and is situated in a location that benefits from Lexington's limestone-rich water, a crucial element in bourbon production. The distillery tour offers an in-depth look at the entire process, from grain to glass. InstagramReddit

This dual operation allows visitors to experience both the art of brewing and the science of distilling under one roof, offering a comprehensive understanding of Kentucky's iconic spirits. The distillery's presence revitalizes a historic brewing heritage in Lexington and contributes to the vibrant Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience. Reddit

The Irish Connection

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. has a strong connection to Ireland, stemming from its founder, Dr. Pearse Lyons, an Irish entrepreneur. This heritage is evident in the company's ethos and the unique fusion of Irish brewing traditions with Kentucky's renowned bourbon culture. InstagramReddit

The company's story began with the revival of a brewing heritage dating back to the 1890s, and the establishment of Town Branch Distillery in Lexington was a deliberate step to bring Irish craftsmanship to American soil. This connection is further highlighted by the Lyons family's involvement with the Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin, Ireland, creating a transatlantic link in the world of spirits. InstagramReddit

This blend of Irish roots and Kentucky spirit creates a distinctive atmosphere and product line, offering visitors a taste of both worlds. The 'Irish vibes' inside the facility are a nod to this rich cultural heritage, making the experience at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. truly unique. Reddit

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