Bardstown Distillery, located in the heart of bourbon country in Kentucky, is a historic and renowned distillery that has been producing high-quality bourbon for over 150 years. With a rich history, a dedication to quality and innovation, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of bourbon-making, Bardstown Distillery is a must-visit destination for bourbon enthusiasts.
History of Bardstown Distillery
Bardstown Distillery was founded in 1869 by William Penn Mattingly, a prominent businessman in the area. Mattingly was an innovator in the bourbon industry, and he brought many new techniques and ideas to the distilling process. He was also known for his dedication to quality, and he insisted on using only the finest ingredients in his bourbon.
Over the years, Bardstown Distillery has changed hands several times, but it has remained a fixture in the bourbon industry. Today, it is owned by the Willett family, who have a long history in the bourbon business. The Willett family purchased the distillery in the early 1980s and have since renovated and modernized the facilities, while still maintaining the traditions and techniques that have made Bardstown Distillery so successful.
Bardstown Distillery Products
Bardstown Distillery produces a wide range of bourbons, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. Some of the most popular products include:
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion Series: This series is a blend of two different bourbons, one aged for two years and one aged for eleven years. The result is a complex and flavorful bourbon with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series: This series features unique blends of bourbons, each with its own distinctive flavor profile. Some of the blends include bourbons aged in sherry casks or finished in port barrels.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series: This series features collaborations with other distilleries, such as Copper & Kings and Louisville Distilling Company. These collaborations result in bourbons with unique and innovative flavor profiles.
- Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon: This bourbon is made from a single barrel, and each bottle is unique. It has a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: This bourbon is named after a Civil War drummer who was a member of the Willett family. It is a small-batch bourbon with a smooth, mellow flavor and notes of caramel and spice.
In addition to these products, Bardstown Distillery also offers tours and tastings, where visitors can learn about the history of bourbon-making and sample some of the distillery’s finest products.
Bardstown Distillery Tour
A visit to Bardstown Distillery is a must for anyone interested in bourbon. The distillery offers a variety of tours, each with its own unique experience. The tours typically last between 45 minutes and 2 hours, and they include a tour of the facilities, a history of the distillery and the bourbon industry, and a tasting of the distillery’s products.
One of the most popular tours is the Bardstown Bourbon Experience, which includes a guided tour of the distillery, a tasting of four bourbons, and a souvenir glass. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and is a great introduction to the world of bourbon.
For those looking for a more in-depth experience, the Beyond the Barrel tour is a great option. This tour includes a tour of the distillery, a barrel thieving demonstration, and a tasting of four bourbons, including a sample straight from the barrel. This tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is a great opportunity to learn more about the distilling process and the history of bourbon-making.
Bardstown Distillery, located in the heart of bourbon country in Kentucky, is a historic and renowned distillery that has been producing high-quality bourbon for over 150 years. With a rich history, a dedication to quality and innovation, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of bourbon-making, Bardstown Distillery is a must-visit destination for bourbon enthusiasts.
