If you find yourself wandering through the vibrant streets of downtown Lexington, Kentucky, there’s a hidden gem that beckons to be discovered. Nestled in the heart of the city is Bluegrass Distillers, a craft bourbon distillery that offers an authentic taste of Kentucky’s rich whiskey heritage. Here’s why our distillery should be on every bourbon enthusiast’s bucket list.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Our distillery isn’t just another stop on the bourbon trail; it’s a testament to the craftsmanship and tradition that defines Kentucky bourbon. Our owners, Sam Rock and Ben Franzini, take pride in its meticulous approach to bourbon-making. Their goal is simple yet profound: to produce high-quality, handcrafted bourbon that honors the Bluegrass state.
The Art of Small-Batch Bourbon
One of the hallmarks of Bluegrass Distillers is our commitment to small-batch production. Each bottle is a labor of love, crafted using a time-honored process that includes a unique blend of grains and a careful aging process. This dedication to small-batch production allows the distillers to maintain a level of quality and consistency that’s hard to find in larger operations. It’s this attention to detail that ensures every sip of our bourbon is a rich, nuanced experience.
Every bottle we put on shelves is hand bottled by our dedicated team. The meticulous attention to detail and hard work goes to show the care that goes into our products.
Tasting Room Experience
Walking into our tasting room, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the character of Lexington itself. The tasting room is a cozy space where guests can sample a variety of their bourbons, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
Our staff are more than happy to share their knowledge and passion for bourbon. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, you’ll find their insights and recommendations to be both informative and engaging.
Walk-in tastings and tours are always welcomed at both our Downtown Lexington and Elkwood Farm locations. Products that are sold at our on-site tasting rooms are limited, and rotational. We suggest you call ahead to confirm product availability if you are looking for a specific bottle!
Behind the Scenes: Distillery Tours
For those interested in a deeper dive, we offer informative tours of their distillery. These tours provide a fascinating look at the bourbon-making process, from the mash bill and fermentation to the aging process and bottling. It’s an educational experience that underscores the skill and dedication involved in crafting every bottle of bourbon.
Our Downtown Lexington location is one of many businesses located inside of “The Bread Box” building which was the prior home to the Rainbo Bread Factory in the 1990s. Due to this space is limited, so expect your tour to be small yet extremely personal. At the end of your tour, you will have the opportunity to bottle your own bottle of Bluegrass.
You can book your tour on our website.
Community and Culture
Bluegrass Distillers isn’t just about bourbon; it’s also about community. The distillery is deeply rooted in Lexington’s culture. Their connection to the community is evident in their collaborations with local businesses and non-profit organizations, creating a space where bourbon enthusiasts and locals alike can come together to share in their love for the craft.
As we are surrounded by several businesses, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with them. The Broke Spoke, who is our Downtown location’s next door neighbor, is a volunteer run, community bike shop. We have sponsored Broke Spoke by releasing a collaborative single barrel where a portion of each bottle purchase is then donated back to them. This year’s barrel will be released the last week of September.
We also are neighbors to good drinks and good eats. West Sixth Brewery, County Club, and Smithtown Seafood are only a few of the surrounding businesses that serve as great options for dinner, drinks and quality time.
Why You Should Visit
A visit to Bluegrass Distillers offers more than just a chance to sample exceptional bourbon. It’s an opportunity to experience the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon culture in a setting that’s both intimate and welcoming. Whether you’re a long-time bourbon lover or simply curious about this iconic spirit, we provide an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable.
So next time you’re in downtown Lexington, make sure to carve out some time to visit us. It’s a journey into the world of handcrafted bourbon that promises to be as memorable as the bourbon itself. Cheers to discovering one of Lexington’s finest distilling treasures!
