Top 10 Beautiful Distilleries in Kentucky

A Journey Through Kentucky’s Most Beautiful Distilleries

Kentucky distilleries are more than just places to enjoy a fine bourbon — they’re rich in history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From the scenic banks of the Kentucky River to sprawling properties with working farms and waterways, each distillery offers a unique experience that showcases the Bluegrass State’s charm. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or planning your first visit, these destinations provide a glimpse into the heart of Kentucky’s iconic spirit industry.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Location: Frankfort, KY
More Info: buffalotracedistillery.com

Nestled along the Kentucky River in Frankfort, the Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States, with a history spanning over 200 years. The 130-acre campus features a mix of historic architecture and modern facilities, including brick rickhouses, production buildings, and aging warehouses that reflect the evolution of the American bourbon industry.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2013, the property is steeped in history. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the distillery's role during Prohibition, when it was allowed to produce federally authorized “medicinal whiskey.” Tours offer an in-depth look at the distilling process, with tastings and opportunities to discover the brand’s rich timeline.

Castle & Key Distillery

Location: Frankfort, KY
More Info: castleandkey.com

Located on 113 acres in Kentucky’s capital, the Castle & Key Distillery stands out for its striking castle-inspired design. Originally built in 1887 as the Old Taylor Distillery, the site features limestone buildings, formal gardens, and a sunken garden that have attracted visitors for decades.

Guests can take self-guided walks through the property, passing the iconic “castle,” the springhouse, and a botanical trail. The campus also includes a creek and a variety of seasonal events. After exploring the exterior, visitors can enjoy cocktail classes, tastings, and shopping at the C&K Market for locally crafted goods.

Four Roses Distillery

Location: Lawrenceburg, KY
More Info: fourrosesbourbon.com

Tucked along the Salt River in Lawrenceburg, the Four Roses Distillery features a Spanish-mission style building with cream-colored stucco walls and red-tile roofing. This 1910 structure, originally known as the Old Prentice Distillery, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The visitor center blends seamlessly with the original architecture, offering exhibits that highlight the brand’s history and unique production methods. Four Roses is known for its two mash bills and five yeast strains, which create 10 distinct bourbon recipes. Tours guide guests through the working distillery, showcasing fermentation, distillation, and equipment used in the production process.

Maker’s Mark Distillery

Location: Loretto, KY
More Info: makersmark.com

Maker’s Mark feels like a cozy Southern estate, with wood buildings, lush green lawns, and a working farm where sheep roam freely. The distillery offers an immersive journey through its history, including the room where every label is handcrafted.

Visitors can sample the signature wheated bourbon, known for its smooth balance of corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley. A fun fact: before distilling, the Samuels family tested their recipe by baking bread, leading to the creation of the famous wheated bourbon.

Guests can dip their own bottle in the iconic red wax for a personalized souvenir. After the tour, the gift shop, on-site restaurant, and bar offer additional ways to enjoy the experience.

Woodford Reserve Distillery

Location: Versailles, KY
More Info: woodfordreserve.com

Woodford Reserve sits on a historic property where distillation began in 1812. The oldest remaining structure, the 1838 stone stillhouse, is a National Historic Landmark. Additional stone structures, traditional rickhouses, and restored outbuildings add to the charm of the campus.

Visitors start at the Welcome Center, a renovated farmhouse that reflects the rural setting. Guided walking tours take guests through historic structures, barrel warehouses, and production spaces, offering a glimpse into the early days of bourbon-making.

The popular “Path to Flavor” Tour provides an in-depth look at the five sources of flavor in Woodford Reserve’s bourbon, ending with a tasting of award-winning expressions. The gift shop and cocktail bar are also great spots to explore before or after the tour.

Happy exploring!