Bardstown Bourbon Company (Bardstown, KY)

Here's what to expect on a tour of Bardstown Bourbon Company, one of central Kentucky's modern large distilleries!

By: Alisha Trenalone

What makes the Kentucky Bourbon Trail so exciting as a destination?

For starters, it's never going to be just one experience. A few years ago, you could visit nine distilleries. Then the number increased to 18 — and a few years later it became several dozen! A number of them, including the nearby Lux Row, are centered around Bardstown, Kentucky.

Each distillery has its own unique personality.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company checks out as a modern, shiny new experience with huge ambitions for the future. I visited one afternoon on my way to Mammoth Cave National Park a little further south.

Interested in touring the distillery? Here's what you can expect at the Bardstown Bourbon Company.

How Much Does a Tour Cost at the Bardstown Bourbon Company?

As of early 2026, the basic one-hour tour and tasting costs $24.

If you want to go beyond the basics, you can book behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, or workshops.

Do I Need to Reserve a Tour in Advance?

All the tours on the Bourbon Trail are best booked in advance, because they definitely have their busy times.

It's easy to reserve a spot online.

That said, the day I went (on a weekday after Labor Day), I was the only person on the tour! It occasionally happens on a Wednesday or a Thursday, I was told.

So if you'd like a small, personal experience, bear that in mind!

What Will I Get to See on the Tour?

My tour started in a classroom on the second floor with tastings and a brief history of the distillery.

There was also a video explaining the bourbon-making process to newbies.

Want to dig in to more bourbon facts? Try the book Bourbon Curious by Fred Minnick.

On my tour, I was given samples of a distillate (yes, unaged bourbon straight from the still – it's mostly all about the burn!) as well as a somewhat more mature bourbon, and then a smooth blended bourbon.

Because Bardstown Bourbon Company was still quite young when I visited, they blended their bourbon with older varieties sourced from outside.

But, as I learned, their plans included dozens of mash bills and a program of customization for clients and brands that want to work with them.

The tour moved on to show the actual process, as I walked past cookers, fermenters, stills, and barrels.

The fermentation vats were especially fun the day I visited. The mash was bubbling away like crazy!

Lastly, I visited the rickhouses, one of which is designed with photo ops in mind.

Here I learned a little about the science of aging bourbon. Then it was time to sample some bourbon straight from the barrel after the guide "thieved" it.

Back at the visitors center, I picked up my souvenir bourbon glass and browsed the gift shop.

What If I Want to Try Other Bourbons?

You can order pours or flights of bourbon in the lobby.

They also offer an old-fashioned, which you can even get to go.

Even more cocktails, as well as wine, beer and cider are available at the bar next to the restaurant.

What Else Should I Check Out at the Bardstown Bourbon Company?

The restaurant to the left of the lobby is a super inviting, very open space perfect for relaxing over lunch or dinner.

I didn't get to have a meal here on this visit, but the menu looked amazing, with lots of locally sourced ingredients. I did, however, return a few months later for lunch, and it was amazing. More on that here.

There's a lot of outdoor seating, perfect for hanging out with friends or family.

It's really a beautiful setting, with a lot of attention given to design. Everything feels really spacious and modern.

I ended the day a little further south at Elizabethtown, a great home base for exploring this area. (Dessert at Dewster's was something special!)

If you're thinking about visiting in September, you might also get to check out the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown. Distilleries in the area host special activities, besides the events held in the downtown area. And for a quick, casual bite to eat, Bardstown Burger back in town is a good choice.

Bardstown Bourbon Company was a fun afternoon out! Have you been yet? Let us know in the comments.