Preservation Distillery
History of Preservation Distillery
Genesis of a Bourbon Dream
Preservation Distillery sprouted from a decades-long family passion for bourbon. This journey, spanning over seventy years, began with the sharing and trading of old-world bourbon, enriched by tales from the early masters of the bourbon industry.
The Emergence in Bardstown
In the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, known as the ‘Bourbon Capital of the World’, the family’s vision materialized. Here, they constructed a micro-batch distilling facility on their historic tobacco farm, marking a significant step in their quest to recreate the intensely flavored bourbon of the past.
Crafting Small-Batch Bourbon
Dedicated to producing uniquely flavored whiskey, Preservation Distillery focuses on small-scale production. They distill bourbon and whiskey in tiny 1-3 barrel batches, ensuring each batch matures to its full potential before bottling.
The Setting: A Kentucky Jewel
Set against the backdrop of Bardstown’s picturesque Bluegrass Country, Preservation Farms spans 40 acres. This idyllic setting, complete with grass-fed Bluegrass Longhorns and pure limestone aquifers, forms the perfect environment for their sustainable, slow distilling process.
A Connoisseur’s Haven
The distillery offers a range of experiences for bourbon enthusiasts, from pot distilling and cask strength to single barrel and small batch selections. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of bourbon through guided tours and tasting events, gaining a deeper appreciation for Preservation Distillery’s unique flavors.
Preservation Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Unique Distilling Heritage
Preservation Distillery holds the distinction of being both Bardstown and Nelson County’s first official craft bourbon operation and its only pot still distillery. This unique status is complemented by their specialization in very small batch bourbon, characterized by distinct and unique releases. The distillery’s location, an old tobacco barn along the Bourbon Trail, is perched on a 200-foot-thick bed of solid limestone above a pristine reservoir, creating ideal conditions for producing exceptional Kentucky Bourbon.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®
As part of the esteemed Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, Preservation Distillery offers an immersive experience in bourbon culture and history. Set on a 40-acre historic tobacco farm, the distillery is celebrated for aging some of Kentucky’s most prized vintage barrels. Emphasizing a pot-distilling craft approach, this family-owned operation brings passion and decades of experience in the bourbon industry to each tour.
Focus on Sustainability
Preservation Distillery is recognized as Kentucky’s first sustainability-focused distillery. This commitment is evident in its practices like raising Bluegrass Longhorn cattle and using the farm’s natural limestone water source. The use of high-quality local ingredients further underscores their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable distilling practices.
Tour Highlights and Visitor Experiences
- Immersive Learning: Visitors at Preservation Distillery are treated to an educational journey into the art of slow distilling. The tour provides a deep dive into the distillery’s approach to sustainability and its meticulous crafting process.
- Scenic Environment: The sprawling 40-acre farm offers a picturesque backdrop, giving guests a chance to explore and appreciate the distillery’s unique micro batch bourbon and whiskey products.
- Tour Availability:
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Visitor Feedback
Those who have experienced the Preservation Distillery tours report a range of positive experiences. The tours are often praised for their exceptional service and the intimate, personal nature of the experience. Tour guides are frequently commended for their extensive knowledge and engaging presentation, significantly enhancing the overall experience. The educational component of the tours is also a highlight, offering insights into both the historical context of the area and the intricate details of bourbon production.
Flask & Barrel Review of Preservation Distillery
As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s been on numerous distillery tours, I must say my visit to Preservation Distillery was a delightful experience, meriting a solid 4.7 out of 5.
Nestled in Bardstown, Kentucky, this spot is a gem for enthusiasts like myself. The distillery’s focus on small-batch, pot still bourbon gives it a unique edge. Their commitment to sustainability and using local ingredients resonates well with me.
What stood out was the intimate tour. It wasn’t just a walkthrough; it felt like a deep dive into the soul of bourbon-making. The guides were knowledgeable and personable, blending historical anecdotes with technical details effortlessly.
Tasting their rare Very Olde St. Nick and Rare Perfection bourbons was like uncovering hidden treasures – each sip was a revelation of complex flavors.
The farm setting adds to the allure, offering a serene backdrop to the bourbon exploration. The grounds are picturesque, making the visit not just about tasting but also about enjoying the beauty of Kentucky.
What To Do Nearby Preservation Distillery
Old Talbott Tavern: A historic tavern dating back to the late 1700s, offering food, drink, and entertainment. It’s known as the world’s oldest bourbon bar and has hosted famous figures over the years.
Museum Row: Ideal for history enthusiasts, featuring four museums – Old Bardstown Village, Civil War Museum, Women’s Civil War Museum, and Hal Moore Military Museum. A single ticket grants access to all.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival: Held typically in September, this 3-day festival celebrates bourbon and whiskey distillation with tastings, concerts, and craft vendors.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Offers a two-hour journey with gourmet dishes, perfect for couples or families. The train also hosts seasonal and holiday excursions.
Historic Cobblestone Path: An old “paved” road in Kentucky, providing a glimpse into Bardstown’s history. Walking this path leads to shops and historical sites.
McIntyre’s Winery Tasting: A chance to sample a variety of unique fruit wines and learn about winemaking.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: Features 16,000 acres of nature preserve, perfect for outdoor exploration and learning about nature.
Around the Town Carriage Ride: A guided carriage tour offering a picturesque way to see Bardstown’s attractions.
The Blind Pig Bourbon Market: Specializes in bourbon and offers tastings and merchandise related to bourbon culture.
Bardstown Art Gallery: Houses original artworks by Jim Cantrell and is one of Kentucky’s oldest private art galleries.
Bardstown Bourbon Trail: Explore the numerous distilleries around Bardstown, each with its unique history and bourbon offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Preservation Distillery?
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +15023501097. Their address is 116 W Stephen Foster Ave.
Huddle House: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +15023497540. Their address is 1478 E John Rowan Blvd.
Pat’s Place: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +15023480010. Their address is 123 N 3rd St.
What hotels are near Preservation Distillery?
Hampton Inn Bardstown: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +15023490100. Their address is 985 Chambers Blvd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
Talbott Inn: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +15023483494. Their address is 101 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bardstown: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +15023506720. Their address is 1070 Morton Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.