Stitzel-Weller Distillery
Step back in time at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, a legendary name in bourbon, offering tours and tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Stitzel-Weller Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, a legendary name in bourbon, offering tours and tastings.
"Highly recommend the Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience; our guide was knowledgeable and took time for all our questions."
🎯 Book Tours Early
Popular tours like the Bourbon & Chocolate Sensory Experience sell out fast. Book online in advance! :ticket:
🍸 Skip Bar Drinks
Some visitors found bar drinks overpriced and small. Enjoy the tasting on the tour instead. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience
Discover the perfect pairings of bourbon and chocolate in this unique, guided tasting. A truly delightful and educational experience.
Historic Distillery Grounds
Explore the iconic grounds where legends like Pappy Van Winkle once crafted bourbon. Immerse yourself in rich whiskey history.
Garden & Gun Club
Savor expertly crafted cocktails and delicious bites in this inviting lounge, a perfect spot to unwind.
Blade and Bow Bourbon
Learn about and taste Blade and Bow Bourbon, a brand with deep ties to the Stitzel-Weller legacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Beyond the Tour: The Garden & Gun Club
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Early
Popular tours like the Bourbon & Chocolate Sensory Experience sell out fast. Book online in advance! :ticket:
🍸 Skip Bar Drinks
Some visitors found bar drinks overpriced and small. Enjoy the tasting on the tour instead. :moneywithwings:
🧥 Souvenir Jackets
Don't miss the retail shop for signature hacking jackets and other merchandise.
🎶 Summer Concerts
Check for their Summer Concert Series for live music, cocktails, and food trucks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Early
Popular tours like the Bourbon & Chocolate Sensory Experience sell out fast. Book online in advance! :ticket:
🍸 Skip Bar Drinks
Some visitors found bar drinks overpriced and small. Enjoy the tasting on the tour instead. :moneywithwings:
🧥 Souvenir Jackets
Don't miss the retail shop for signature hacking jackets and other merchandise.
🎶 Summer Concerts
Check for their Summer Concert Series for live music, cocktails, and food trucks.
🥃 Learn About History
The distillery has a storied past with legends like Pappy Van Winkle. Soak in the history! +1 :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stitzel-Weller for its rich history and the engaging Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience. The knowledgeable guides and the charming Garden & Gun Club are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some guests have found the bar drinks to be overpriced and underwhelming.
"The OG Louisville distillery. Highly recommend the Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience. Our guide, Hannah, was knowledgeable and took time time for all our questions. Definitely seeking out Blade and Bow bourbon now!"
Adam Hatfield
"Being able to free rome several of the buildings and then have the Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience , was just amazing. We had a lovely tour guide named Carly, she was very knowledgeable and charismatic during our tour. Learning how bourbon and chocolate relate and how they pair was exciting and different. Highly recommend."
Randy Kamenicky
"Super neat place, but skip getting drinks. We paid $16 for an Old Fashioned and this is what they gave us. I questioned them about it saying if you remove the ice cube and orange peel, that it's half a shot of total liquid. They said that's how they make an Old Fashioned. Great establishment with some neat history, but with a very disappointing bar experience. You would expect better from a Bourbon distillery."
Chet Amus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stitzel-Weller Distillery is located at 3512 New Cut Rd, Louisville, KY 40218. It's a key stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. +1
From downtown Louisville, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft), or drive. The drive typically takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, there is parking available at the distillery for visitors.
Public transportation options might be limited and time-consuming. Rideshares or driving are generally more convenient for visiting distilleries in Louisville.
Louisville offers a wide range of hotels downtown and in surrounding areas. Consider booking accommodation that allows for easy transportation to and from the distillery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but the Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience is highly recommended and typically costs around $50-$75 per person. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and availability.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience, as they often sell out.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day. It's essential to check the official Stitzel-Weller Distillery website for the most up-to-date tour times and operating hours.
Tours typically include a guided walk through the historic grounds, insights into bourbon history, and often a tasting. The Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience offers a unique tasting.
Yes, you can purchase bourbon, including Blade and Bow, at the distillery's retail shop.
🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience
Many visitors highly recommend the Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience for its unique tasting and educational value. The general history tours are also well-regarded for their insights into bourbon legends.
The Garden & Gun Club offers a sophisticated atmosphere with craft cocktails and food. It's a great place to relax after a tour, with popular items like the Old Fashioned and smoked trout dip.
While the focus is on bourbon, the historic grounds can be interesting for families. However, tastings are for adults 21+. Check specific tour details for age recommendations.
Yes, Stitzel-Weller hosts events like the Summer Concert Series, featuring music, cocktails, and food trucks. Keep an eye on their schedule for special happenings.
Stitzel-Weller is historically linked to brands like Old Fitzgerald and Pappy Van Winkle. Currently, it produces and ages Blade and Bow Bourbon. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Garden & Gun Club offers a menu with food items, including popular choices like smoked trout dip. Food trucks are also often present during events.
While the distillery is known for bourbon, some visitors have noted that bar drinks like Old Fashioneds can be pricey and small. The Bourbon and Chocolate Sensory Experience is a highly recommended tasting.
Outside food is generally not permitted, especially during tours. It's best to enjoy the offerings at the Garden & Gun Club or from the food trucks during events.
Menu options can change. It's advisable to check the current menu at the Garden & Gun Club or inquire directly about dietary accommodations.
The Garden & Gun Club is described as an intimate and inviting cocktail lounge, offering a relaxed and sophisticated ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture of the distillery buildings, the expansive grounds, and the Garden & Gun Club lounge offer many picturesque opportunities. The iconic 'Five Keys' symbol is also a popular photo spot.
Generally, photography is allowed during tours, but it's always best to be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide. Avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
While most areas are photo-friendly, always be respectful of other guests and the distillery's property. Avoid intrusive photography that might disturb others' experiences.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the architecture and grounds.
Check out Instagram and TikTok using hashtags like #stitzelwellerdistillery and #bourbontrail for inspiration from other visitors and creators.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that tastings are strictly for those 21 and older. If visiting with children, plan for activities that cater to them, perhaps exploring other attractions in Louisville or ensuring they have engaging distractions during any tasting portions of the tour. The Summer Concert Series might offer a more relaxed atmosphere with food trucks and lawn games that could appeal to a wider age range.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of spending at the Garden & Gun Club, as some visitors have found drinks to be on the pricier side. Instead of purchasing cocktails, focus on the included tasting during your tour. If attending an event with food trucks, you might find more affordable dining options there compared to the club's menu.
🥂 Couples & Romance
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, hand-in-hand, and soak in the rich history. The Garden & Gun Club is perfect for a post-tour cocktail or a light bite, offering an intimate space to connect and enjoy each other's company.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Storied History of Stitzel-Weller
Despite its legendary status, the distillery faced challenges and eventually ceased distilling operations in 1992. However, its legacy lives on. The iconic 'Five Keys' symbol, representing hospitality, warmth, and enjoying life's finer things, still adorns the grounds and symbolizes the enduring spirit of Stitzel-Weller. Today, the site operates as a micro-distillery and a key aging facility for Diageo, producing and aging brands like Blade and Bow Bourbon, which draws inspiration from the distillery's rich heritage.
+1Visiting Stitzel-Weller is more than just a tour; it's a journey through a significant chapter of bourbon history. The grounds themselves whisper tales of innovation and craftsmanship, making it a pilgrimage site for bourbon enthusiasts. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience here is deeply rooted in the past, offering a tangible connection to the pioneers of American whiskey.
Experiencing Blade and Bow Bourbon
The production and aging of Blade and Bow at Stitzel-Weller are a testament to the distillery's continued role in the bourbon world. While the original distilling operations ceased, the rickhouses on site are still crucial for aging high-quality bourbon. This allows the Stitzel-Weller name to remain relevant and celebrated within the modern bourbon landscape.
Many visitors express a newfound appreciation for Blade and Bow after their visit, often seeking it out in retail stores. The connection to the historic Stitzel-Weller grounds enhances the tasting experience, making it a memorable part of any bourbon tour.
+1The Garden & Gun Club Experience
Popular menu items include expertly crafted cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, and delectable food options like the smoked trout dip. While some reviews suggest that individual bar drinks might be pricey, the overall experience at the club is often highlighted as a significant part of the visit. It's a place to savor the moment and enjoy the finer aspects of bourbon culture.
Whether you're unwinding after a tour or attending a special event like the Summer Concert Series, the Garden & Gun Club provides a perfect setting. Its intimate and welcoming nature makes it a standout feature of the Stitzel-Weller experience, encouraging guests to linger and appreciate the surroundings.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit