Castle & Key Distillery
A historic castle meets a modern distillery, offering stunning grounds, engaging bourbon tours, and delicious spirits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Castle & Key Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic castle meets a modern distillery, offering stunning grounds, engaging bourbon tours, and delicious spirits.
"The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the history was both rich and engaging."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The castle and gardens are incredibly picturesque. Bring your camera!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 1,995 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Castle
Main building
Step back in time in this beautifully restored historic castle, the heart of the distillery's charm.
Expansive Gardens & Grounds
Throughout the property
Wander through meticulously maintained gardens and scenic grounds, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Distillery Tour Experience
Various tour starting points
Learn the art of bourbon making from knowledgeable guides, with unique tasting experiences.
On-Site Food Truck & Cocktails
By the river
Enjoy delicious food and expertly crafted Castle & Key cocktails with a picturesque view.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Castle & Key Tour in Advance
Explore the Stunning Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Just toured Castle and Key distillery
You don’t have to pay for a tour. Just walk in to the left of the castle and grab a drink from the bar and enjoy it on the grounds. The historic grounds are why you want to be there. Their ryes are pretty good but the bourbon is still a bit too young. Amazing place. That said,…
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The castle and gardens are incredibly picturesque. Bring your camera!
Best distillery tour within about an hour of Lexington?
I'm visiting Lexington soon, what is the best distillery tour within about an hour of the city? I'm more interested in the tour itself than the whiskey.
Visiting Buffalo Trace Distillary
My wife got us some tickets to tour Buffalo trace on Monday. I know they’re free, but still thought it was sweet of her. I recently started getting interested in the world of bourbon, and currently live in Cincinnati so thought it’d be a cool thing to do to learn more! We’re…
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring the grounds and distillery, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🍹 Sip & Savor
Enjoy crafted cocktails and bourbon tastings. Don't miss the onsite food truck! :cocktail_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
The castle and gardens are incredibly picturesque. Bring your camera!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring the grounds and distillery, so comfy shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
🍹 Sip & Savor
Enjoy crafted cocktails and bourbon tastings. Don't miss the onsite food truck! :cocktail_glass:
🕰️ Arrive Early
Give yourself time to explore the grounds before your tour starts. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Castle & Key Distillery for its stunningly beautiful grounds, historic castle, and engaging distillery tours. The knowledgeable and entertaining guides, along with the delicious bourbon and crafted cocktails, make for a highly recommended experience. Some visitors note that tours can fill up quickly, emphasizing the need for advance booking.
"I really enjoyed the tour. The facilities are beautiful for a tour or just to drop in for a bite to eat and a lovely refreshment or a walk around the gardens.
Our guide, Melinda, was a lot of fun. She was informative, warm and highly entertaining. She added a bit of sparkle to the experience."
Sheila Lauchlan
"Our tour guide, Melinda, made our experience at Castle & Key very enjoyable. She provided knowledgeable insight about the history of the distillery and how it produces all of there products. We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend taking a tour of the distillery."
Richard K
"Castle & Key ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the history was both rich and engaging. Maggie was hands-down our favorite guide of all the distilleries we visited—knowledgeable, personable, and fun. The birthday guest in our group even received a special surprise, which made the visit extra memorable. Even though we arrived a little late for our scheduled tour, the staff was so accommodating with our large group. We’re all so glad Castle & Key was part of our itinerary."
Kim Galloway
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castle & Key Distillery is located about 30-40 minutes from Lexington, KY. Driving is the most common method. You can use GPS navigation to find the distillery at 4005 US-42, Frankfort, KY 40601. Some visitors mention it's a scenic drive, especially if coming from Buffalo Trace.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Castle & Key Distillery. It is best to have your own vehicle or arrange for a taxi or rideshare service.
Many visitors combine visits to Buffalo Trace and Castle & Key due to their proximity. Driving yourself or hiring a driver/rideshare is recommended for flexibility between these locations.
Yes, Castle & Key Distillery offers parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially if you plan to explore the grounds before your tour. 🚗
Absolutely! Many guided bourbon tours of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail include Castle & Key Distillery. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive yourself. 🚌
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary depending on the type of tour and any special tastings included. It's best to check the official Castle & Key Distillery website for the most up-to-date pricing information. Expect tours to be in the range of $20-$50 per person. 🎟️
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Castle & Key Distillery tours in advance, as they are very popular and tend to sell out, especially on weekends.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Castle & Key Distillery website for their current hours of operation, including tour availability and tasting room hours. :clock1:
While tours are the primary way to experience the distillery, the beautiful grounds, gardens, and gift shop are often accessible for exploration. Check their website for specific access policies. :camerawithflash:
A standard tour typically includes a guided walk through the historic castle and distillery, an overview of the bourbon-making process, and often a tasting of their products. Some tours may include a surprise tasting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond the tours, you can explore the stunning grounds and gardens, browse the gift shop, enjoy lunch from the onsite food truck, and relax with a crafted cocktail by the river. Some visitors have even witnessed weddings on the property!
Yes, the grounds, historic castle, and gardens at Castle & Key Distillery are exceptionally beautiful and offer numerous fantastic photo opportunities. It's a popular spot for photographers.
Yes, Castle & Key Distillery features a speakeasy-style tasting room where you can sample their bourbon and other spirits. It's often described as a fun and enjoyable part of the experience.
There is an onsite food truck located by the river that offers a selection of food items. Visitors can enjoy lunch and crafted cocktails with a view of the scenic surroundings. :hamburger:
Yes, you can typically purchase Castle & Key bourbon and other spirits directly from the distillery's gift shop. Availability of specific releases may vary. :bottlewithpopping_cork:
📸 📸 Photography
The entire property is a photographer's dream! Key spots include the exterior of the historic castle, the blooming gardens, the picturesque riverfront, and the unique architecture of the distillery buildings.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of Castle & Key Distillery, including during tours. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your tour guide. :camerawithflash:
Castle & Key is known for its stunning architectural photography, beautiful garden shots, and atmospheric bourbon-related imagery. It's a popular location for engagement photos and even weddings.
For professional photo shoots or commercial use, it's advisable to contact Castle & Key Distillery in advance to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits. 📷
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. However, the grounds are lovely throughout the day, with midday offering bright, clear shots of the gardens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit