Bourbon

BOURBON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD®

In 1789, Baptist minister Elijah Craig pretty much saved us all when he developed America’s signature spirit – bourbon. Since the first barrel over 230 years ago, it has helped shaped the lives of Bardstown residents who’ve earned their living by distilling America’s native spirit. And the rest of us? It makes our lives much better, too.

Fast-forward to today. You not only have the opportunity to tour Bardstown’s 11 local and regional distillery experiences, but bourbon is flowing everywhere but the kitchen faucet. With everything that Bardstown has to offer, bourbon has found its way into every nook and cranny. Not only does this miniature mecca offer entertainment, dining, history, and shopping, but it also offers bourbon entertainment, bourbon-inspired dining, bourbon history, and bourbon shopping. Come add to your bourbon collection today!

Brown bourbon barrel that is an icon for Visit Bardstown's "Bourbon Comes From Bardstown". It serves an a symbol of the strong connection Bourbon has with the city of Bardstown.

BARDSTOWN DISTILLERIES

Within 16 miles of downtown Bardstown are 11 unique bourbon distillery experiences that attract tourists from across the world. In Bardstown, bourbon is a way of life. It is a place where you can sip on a multitude of famous bourbons known around the world and immerse yourself in the culture of bourbon. Every distillery has a story, every bottle has a purpose, and it’s in Bardstown that you get to explore just that.

EXPLORE OUR SPIRIT

"You're Just A Sip Away." Text overlaid on shot of bourbon.

BOURBON MADE IN BARDSTOWN

Bardstown, Kentucky is the Bourbon Capital of the World®. Bourbon connoisseurs could spend days touring the 11 distilleries in and around Bardstown. Explore the rich history and taste aged Kentucky bourbon. Come add to your bourbon collection and explore our historic and unique distilleries today.

EXPLORE DISTILLERIES

BARDSTOWN COLLECTION

Heaven Hill, James B Beam Distilling Co, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Preservation and Log Still distilleries have joined together to release a one-of-a-kind bourbon series celebrating their Bardstown heritage. All proceeds from the release will be donated to the Bardstown community.

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Bartending making a bourbon craft cocktail

BOURBON ATTRACTIONS

Distilleries aren’t the only thing that Bardstown has to offer when it comes to bourbon. Explore all of our bourbon attractions in Bardstown from the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and National Bourbon Day to the Blind Pig Bourbon Market and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History.

BOURBON ATTRACTIONS

KY BOURBON FESTIVAL AND BEYOND

Bardstown, Kentucky is the Bourbon Capital of the World® and the home of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival®, which draws people from all over for a week of celebrating the storied history and art of distilling America’s native spirit. During this week, the city of Bardstown and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival® promote Kentucky bourbon & the Bourbon Capital of the World® by hosting celebrations that contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our communities in and around Bardstown, Kentucky. Come join us this September 14-18 to experience all of the events in Bardstown surrounding the festival!

KENTUCKY BOURBON FESTIVAL INFORMATION

COME FIND BOURBON

Come Find Bourbon in Covington, Frankfort, and Bardstown. These three cities form a bourbon hub that will keep you occupied for days! Start your trip in Bardstown, head to Frankfort, and end in Covington, or vice versa. We’ve provided you some itineraries and ideas on how to plan your perfect bourbon trip. Come Find Bourbon!

PLAN ITINERARY

VISITING BARDSTOWN

Planning a vacation or weekend trip to Bardstown is made easy with our Official Visitor’s Guide. Want to explore more than just bourbon while you’re here? Plan your itinerary with our guide on food, hotels, historical sights and more.

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PLAN ITINERARY

Friends at Bottle and Bond restaurant in Bardstown cheers glasses at table

BOURBON CAPITAL GUILD

We’re bringing together the industry’s top bourbon advocates and everyday enthusiasts to create a bourbon society or app like no other. With a foundation of education, exposure to the rich history and pervasive culture of bourbon, and unique access to partnered local distilleries, we’re crafting experiences that can only be imagined here in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital.

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