Bourbon’s Greatest Journey

The city of Lexington was built on the banks of the town branch of Elkhorn Creek. Its waters provided power for early industry, as well as limestone filtered water for distilling. Being the first new distillery built in Lexington since Prohibition, Town Branch Distillery is proud to revive the city’s distilling tradition. Located just steps from downtown Lexington, Town Branch Distillery features two imported copper pot stills and showcases a true small-batch experience from grain to bottle.

Wilderness Trail Distillery co-owners Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist have a pioneering spirit, much like the early Kentucky settlers who followed the Wilderness Trail into Kentucky. The Danville distillery produces 215 barrels a day using the time-honored sweet mash process. It prides itself on using locally sourced grains, low barrel proof entry and bottling its products unfiltered for robust flavors. Established in 2012, the distillery produces two types of Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a single barrel with a wheated mash bill and a small batch with a high rye mash bill, and a Settlers Select Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

Barrel House Distilling Co. was created to keep old traditions alive. They utilize two classic pot stills to distill premium Kentucky Bourbon and other spirits, striving to continue the methods of the old Kentucky distillers. Built inside the barreling house of a historic distillery abandoned for decades, they paved the way for the Distillery District of Lexington. Visit them for a tour and tasting to experience the rich history Lexington has to offer and stick around for a hand crafted cocktail and some delicious food in their Elkhorn Tavern.

Bespoken Spirits, located in Lexington, KY, has developed a revolutionary approach to spirit finishing by combining sustainability with precise customization. Through cutting-edge technology, Bespoken has become an expert in whiskey finishing, minimizing environmental impact by using less wood, energy and water. This distinctive process enables Bespoken to create tailored flavor profiles, meeting a wide range of taste preferences. At their Lexington distillery, visitors can tour lab-inspired production areas, see science and craftsmanship converge, and enjoy tasting experiences that embody Bespoken’s dedication to reimagining the spirit of tradition.

At Fresh, they make Bourbon for the way you drink. Bringing a fresh take on a classic, they want your next — or first —Bourbon experience to be exactly the way you like it. At their downtown Lexington Tasting room, they guide each guest down their own journey with America's Native spirit. As they always say, Fresh Bourbon is meant to be enjoyed. Drink it neat or let it shine in a cocktail. Whether you’re a first-taster or a tastemaker, they believe Bourbon is for everyone.

Hartfield & Co. sits in the heart of the Bluegrass in the birthplace of Bourbon Whiskey – Bourbon County. They are the first distillery to legally produce Bourbon from Bourbon County in 94 years, since Prohibition closed 26 distilleries in the county in 1920. Sourcing local grains and producing in small batches Hartfield & Co.’s pre-Prohibition style results in a unique line of Bourbons that truly captures the spirit of Bourbon Whiskey the way that it was made in Old Bourbon County for generations.