Bluegrass Distillers logo with jockey and text banner.

Bluegrass Distillers

Region
  • Kentucky, USA
Awards
  • Gold Medal – John Barleycorn Awards (2022): Bluegrass Distillers’ Toasted Oak Bourbon won a gold medal, Whisky Advocate – High Rye Bourbon: Bluegrass Distillers’ High Rye Bourbon received accolades from Whisky Advocate
Website
  • https://bluegrassdistillers.com/
Phone Number
  • +1 859-217-2377
Address
  • 501 W 6th St #165, Lexington, KY 40508, United States

Bluegrass Distillers building exterior on cloudy day.

History of Bluegrass Distillers

Founding and Early Development

Bluegrass Distillers was founded in 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky, by Sam Rock and Nathan Brown. Their vision was to produce high-quality, craft bourbon by hand-mashing grain, emphasizing traditional methods and local ingredients. The original distillery was located on West 6th Street in the historic Bread Box building.

Initial Offerings and Expansion

Initially, Bluegrass Distillers focused on creating unique bourbons, including their signature blue corn bourbon. In 2020, they announced an expansion to Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky. This move allowed them to grow their own grains and enhance their production capabilities. The Elkwood Farm facility, which opened in April 2024, includes a new distillery, visitor center, and barrel storage.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Bluegrass Distillers is committed to supporting the local community. Through their Philanthropy Barrel Program, they have donated over $75,000 to various local non-profits. Additionally, they host an annual 5K run/walk at Elkwood Farm to raise funds for charitable causes.

Grain-to-Glass Experience

The expansion to Elkwood Farm also brought about a comprehensive grain-to-glass experience for visitors. This immersive experience allows guests to see the entire bourbon production process, from growing the grains to mashing, distilling, aging, and bottling the spirits on-site.

Commitment to Quality

Throughout its history, Bluegrass Distillers has remained dedicated to producing high-quality, small-batch bourbon. Their hands-on approach and use of locally-sourced ingredients ensure that each bottle of bourbon meets their rigorous standards of excellence.

Future Outlook

With the new facilities and continued community involvement, Bluegrass Distillers is poised for further growth and success. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and local support promises a bright future in the rich tradition of Kentucky bourbon.

Awards Won by Bluegrass Distillers

Gold Medal – John Barleycorn Awards (2022): Bluegrass Distillers’ Toasted Oak Bourbon won a gold medal, recognized for its unique blend and flavor profile featuring notes of butterscotch, spices, and a peppery finish​.

Gold Medal – American Spirits Awards (2022): The Single Barrel Blue Corn Bourbon was awarded a gold medal at the American Spirits Awards. This bourbon is celebrated for its rich flavors of toffee, butterscotch, baking spices, and hazelnut​.

Fifty Best – Bourbon Awards (2021): The distillery’s various bourbons, including their blue corn bourbon, have been recognized by The Fifty Best, highlighting their craftsmanship and dedication to quality. 

Whisky Advocate – High Rye Bourbon: Bluegrass Distillers’ High Rye Bourbon received accolades from Whisky Advocate for its exceptional blend and quality. This bourbon is noted for its complex flavor profile and smooth finish​.

Bluegrass Distillers Tour Information and Experience

Downtown Lexington Location

Located in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, the Downtown Lexington distillery of Bluegrass Distillers offers an intimate and educational tour experience that showcases the artisanal process behind their craft bourbons. This site is the original location of the distillery and provides a historical backdrop to their operations.

Tour Schedule and Duration

  • Tours are available from Monday to Thursday between 10 AM and 4 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM​.

Tour Highlights

  1. Historical Insight: The tour begins with an introduction to the history of Bluegrass Distillers, founded in 2012 by Sam Rock and Nathan Brown. Visitors learn about the early days of bourbon production in the historic Bread Box building on West 6th Street.
  2. Production Walkthrough: Guests are taken through the distillery’s production areas, including the mash tun, fermenters, and pot stills. Detailed explanations of the mashing, fermenting, distillation, and aging processes are provided, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of how their bourbons are crafted​.
  3. Tasting Session: The tour concludes with a tasting session where visitors can sample a variety of Bluegrass Distillers’ bourbons, including their signature blue corn bourbon and other special releases. This tasting session allows guests to experience the unique flavors and aromas of their handcrafted spirits​.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop

The visitor center and gift shop offer a range of Bluegrass Distillers’ products, including bottled bourbons and branded merchandise. Guests can also enjoy cocktails made with the distillery’s spirits, providing a perfect end to the tour​.

Elkwood Farm Location

Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky, represents the latest chapter in Bluegrass Distillers’ journey. This expansive 62-acre estate not only enhances their production capacity but also offers a unique grain-to-glass experience for visitors, highlighting their commitment to quality and innovation.

Tour Schedule and Duration

  • Tours are available from Friday to Saturday between 9 AM and 6 PM, and on Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM​​.

Tour Highlights

  1. Grain-to-Glass Experience: At Elkwood Farm, visitors get to witness the full grain-to-glass process. The tour starts with an overview of the farm where the distillery grows its own corn, including the unique blue corn used in their award-winning bourbon​.
  2. Distillery and Production Tour: Guests are guided through the state-of-the-art distillery, which features a new 36” column still and expanded bottling line. The tour covers every step of production, from mashing and fermenting to distillation and aging, providing a deep dive into their meticulous process​.
  3. Tasting and Events: The tour ends with a tasting session of Bluegrass Distillers’ bourbons, including exclusive and seasonal releases. Elkwood Farm also hosts special events, such as bourbon releases with live music and food, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors​.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop

The visitor center at Elkwood Farm offers a variety of Bluegrass Distillers’ products, including limited-edition bourbons and merchandise. The shop provides a cozy setting where visitors can purchase bottles and enjoy freshly made cocktails​.

Community and Philanthropy

Bluegrass Distillers actively supports the local community through their Philanthropy Barrel Program, having donated over $75,000 to local non-profits. They also host an annual 5K run/walk at Elkwood Farm to further support charitable causes​.

 

Both locations of Bluegrass Distillers offer a unique and engaging tour experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich history and meticulous craftsmanship that define their exceptional bourbons.

Flask & Barrel Review of Bluegrass Distillers

As a whiskey collector who’s toured quite a few distilleries, I have to say Bluegrass Distillers really impressed me. Nestled in both Lexington and Midway, Kentucky, this place offers a deep dive into the art of bourbon making. Here’s my take on their tour experience.

Atmosphere and History: 5/5
Bluegrass Distillers has a rich history that they proudly share during the tour. The original distillery in Lexington is cozy and full of charm, while the new Elkwood Farm location in Midway showcases their commitment to quality and sustainability. Learning about their start in 2012 and seeing how they’ve grown was fascinating. The historic Bread Box building added a lot of character to the tour.

Tour Experience: 4.5/5
The tours at both locations were well-organized and highly informative. At the Lexington site, it was great to see the entire production process up close, from mashing to distilling. The Elkwood Farm tour took it a step further with their grain-to-glass experience. Watching how they grow their own corn and then turn it into award-winning bourbon was a highlight. My only minor gripe was that the tour felt a bit rushed at times.

Tasting Session: 4.7/5
The tasting sessions were fantastic. I got to try a variety of their bourbons, including their unique blue corn bourbon, which had a rich, nutty flavor that stood out. The staff was knowledgeable and eager to answer all my questions. It was a relaxed setting, perfect for savoring the different notes and complexities of each bourbon.

Community and Events: 5/5
One thing that really stood out to me was their commitment to the community. Through their Philanthropy Barrel Program, they’ve donated a significant amount to local non-profits. I also appreciated the special events they host, like the annual 5K run/walk at Elkwood Farm, which adds a fun, community-focused aspect to their operations.

Visitor Centers and Gift Shops: 4.5/5
Both visitor centers were well-stocked with their products and some great branded merchandise. I enjoyed the cocktails available at the end of the tour. The shops had a nice selection of items, though I wished there were more unique, exclusive offerings that you could only get on-site.

Overall, I’d rate my experience at Bluegrass Distillers a solid 4.7 out of 5. The combination of rich history, detailed tours, and exceptional bourbon makes it a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast. I’ll definitely be back, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in bourbon.

What To Do Nearby Bluegrass Distillers

West Sixth Brewing (0.1 miles): Located just a short walk from Bluegrass Distillers, West Sixth Brewing offers a variety of craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to relax with a pint after your distillery tour​.

Smithtown Seafood (0.1 miles): Right next to West Sixth Brewing, Smithtown Seafood serves fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes. Enjoy a meal in their casual dining area or take it over to the brewery to pair with your beer​.

Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge (0.1 miles): Famous for its creative, handmade ice cream, Crank & Boom is a must-visit for dessert lovers. It’s conveniently located near Bluegrass Distillers, making it an ideal stop for a sweet treat​.

Ethereal Brewing (0.1 miles): Another fantastic brewery nearby, Ethereal Brewing offers a wide selection of beers, including unique and experimental brews. The brewery’s vibrant atmosphere and outdoor seating make it a great spot to unwind​.

James E. Pepper Distillery (1 mile): Tour the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, which reopened in its original location in 2017. Learn about its rich history and sample their renowned “1776” rye whiskey. It’s located in the popular Distillery District​.

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. (0.5 miles): Known for their Town Branch Bourbon and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, this distillery offers comprehensive tours that cover both brewing and distilling processes. A great spot for both beer and bourbon enthusiasts​.

Barrel House Distilling Co. (1 mile): This craft distillery offers tours and tastings of their small-batch bourbon and other spirits. It’s another excellent place to explore more of Lexington’s rich bourbon heritage​

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Bluegrass Distillers?

West Sixth Brewing: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 501 W 6th St, Lexington, KY 40508. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (859) 951-6006. This brewery offers a variety of craft beers and a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy drinks.

Smithtown Seafood: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 501 W 6th St #100, Lexington, KY 40508. For reservations, you can contact them at (859) 303-4100. Known for its fresh and locally-sourced seafood dishes, it’s a perfect spot for a casual meal.

County Club Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 555 Jefferson St, Lexington, KY 40508. For reservations, you can contact them at (859) 367-0263. This BBQ spot is known for its smoked meats and cozy, stylish atmosphere.

What hotels are near Bluegrass Distillers?

21c Museum Hotel Lexington: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 167 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507. For reservations, you can reach out to them at (859) 899-6800. This unique hotel combines contemporary art with luxurious accommodations, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of downtown Lexington​.

Marriott Lexington City Center: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 121 W Vine St, Lexington, KY 40507. For reservations, you can contact them at (859) 253-1000. Located centrally, this modern hotel features a rooftop pool, fitness center, and convenient access to many of Lexington’s attractions​.

Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 507 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508. For reservations, you can call (859) 420-2683. This charming B&B offers a historic setting with modern amenities, providing a cozy and personalized stay​.