Barrel House Distillery
Craft distillery in Lexington's historic Distillery District, offering intimate tours and tastings of award-winning bourbon and moonshine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Intimate tours, fewer crowds
Barrel House Distillery
Best Time
Intimate tours, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Craft distillery in Lexington's historic Distillery District, offering intimate tours and tastings of award-winning bourbon and moonshine.
"A hidden gem offering an authentic Kentucky bourbon experience with friendly staff and great spirits."
🎯 Friendly & Informative Guides
Guides like Jim and Dave are praised for making tours engaging and educational. Ask questions!
🥃 Don't Miss the Tasting
The tasting session after the tour is highly recommended and offers a great introduction to their spirits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
RockCastle Bourbon Tasting
Tasting Room
Savor the smooth, sweet notes of this handcrafted bourbon, a true taste of Kentucky's legacy.
Devil John Moonshine
Tasting Room
Experience a spirit with a story, named after a legendary 19th-century U.S. Marshal and moonshiner.
Elkhorn Tavern Cocktails
On-site Lounge
Enjoy inventive cocktails crafted from their own spirits in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Explore the Distillery District
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Friendly & Informative Guides
Guides like Jim and Dave are praised for making tours engaging and educational. Ask questions!
🥃 Don't Miss the Tasting
The tasting session after the tour is highly recommended and offers a great introduction to their spirits.
🚶♀️ Explore the District
Plenty of eats and other attractions are within walking distance. Make a day of it!
🛍️ Darling Gift Shop
Check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs and bottles to take home.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Friendly & Informative Guides
Guides like Jim and Dave are praised for making tours engaging and educational. Ask questions!
🥃 Don't Miss the Tasting
The tasting session after the tour is highly recommended and offers a great introduction to their spirits.
🚶♀️ Explore the District
Plenty of eats and other attractions are within walking distance. Make a day of it!
🛍️ Darling Gift Shop
Check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs and bottles to take home.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Barrel House Distilling Co. for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, particularly guides like Jim and Dave, who make the tours engaging and informative. The intimate setting and the quality of the spirits, especially RockCastle Bourbon, are highlights, offering an authentic Kentucky bourbon experience. Some find the tasting to be strong, but overall, it's highly recommended for its value and hospitality.
"Jim, Katrina, Taylor, Dave, and Nate were awesome. Very friendly and very informative, really enjoyed the tour and tasting. Thanks also to Jake the owner and the master distiller, made us feel very welcome. Very recommended. Jim was the best tour guide."
Adam Parsons
"🥃 Barrel House Distilling Co. – A Hidden Gem in Lexington’s Distillery District
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tucked away in the historic barrel house of the old James E. Pepper Distillery, Barrel House Distilling Co. brings a rich heritage back to life. Founded in 2008 by Jeff Wiseman and Pete Wright, this craft distillery is a testament to Kentucky's enduring bourbon legacy.
What Makes It Special?
RockCastle Bourbon: A smooth, sweet bourbon handcrafted using local Kentucky corn and wheat, offering notes of toffee, caramel, and vanilla.
Devil John Moonshine: Named after Pete Wright's great-uncle, a notorious 19th-century U.S. Marshal and moonshiner, this spirit pays homage to a colorful family history.
Elkhorn Tavern: Their on-site lounge offers inventive cocktails made from their own spirits, providing a cozy spot to relax before or after your tour.
Tours at Barrel House Distilling Co. are intimate and informative, starting on the hour from Wednesday to Sunday. You'll delve into the distilling process, sample their range of spirits, and learn about Lexington's rich distilling heritage. Thank you too Jeff Wiseman how personally, guide me through the complete process and the tasting. It is unforgettable, Thank you.
Final Thoughts
Barrel House Distilling Co. offers a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or new to the spirit, this distillery provides an authentic Kentucky experience that's not to be misse"
Torsten Horn
"What a great place to stop!
Marshall was our tour guide and he explained all the details of making bourbon and other alcoholic beverages.
We had a taste test after and it was good and really strong.
Great business.
They have a bar attached to this as well but we did not go there"
N/A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barrel House Distilling Co. is located in Lexington's Distillery District. It's easily accessible by car and is a short drive from downtown. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, it's part of the vibrant Distillery District, which features other breweries and dining options within walking distance.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are convenient options. If driving, be mindful of parking availability, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours are typically around $11 per person, which includes the tour and a tasting session. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for smaller groups, to secure your preferred time slot. Tours start on the hour.
Tours are generally available from Wednesday to Sunday, starting on the hour. It's best to confirm the exact hours on their website before your visit.
You can visit the Elkhorn Tavern for cocktails without a formal tour, but the tour offers a comprehensive experience of the distilling process and tasting.
🎫 🥃 Spirits & Tasting
They produce RockCastle Bourbon, Devil John Moonshine, and other craft spirits.
The tasting session typically follows the tour and allows you to sample their range of spirits, offering a good introduction to their flavors.
Barrel House Select Bourbon is often praised for its smooth and sweet profile, with notes of toffee, caramel, and vanilla.
Yes, you can purchase bottles of their spirits directly from the distillery's gift shop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While they don't serve full meals, their on-site Elkhorn Tavern offers inventive cocktails. The surrounding Distillery District has many dining options.
Yes, the Distillery District is known for its variety of eateries, making it easy to grab a bite before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic setting and the spirits themselves offer great photo opportunities. The Distillery District also provides a scenic backdrop.
The barrel aging areas, the tasting room, and the exterior of the historic building are popular spots for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Focus on the historical aspects of the distillery and the unique stories behind the spirits, which can be more engaging for younger visitors than the tasting itself. The gift shop also offers a chance for kids to pick out a small souvenir.
💰 Budget Travelers
Recommendation: Combine your visit with a picnic lunch from a local market or enjoy the many affordable dining options in the Distillery District. This allows you to experience the local flavor without overspending.
💑 Couples
Date Idea: Plan an evening exploring the Distillery District, starting with a tour and tasting at Barrel House, followed by dinner at one of the district's many restaurants. It's a well-rounded experience that combines history, good drinks, and great food.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Craft of Bourbon at Barrel House
Their flagship RockCastle Bourbon is a testament to this commitment, offering a smooth and sweet profile with delightful notes of toffee, caramel, and vanilla. This dedication to traditional methods, combined with a modern craft approach, makes their bourbon a standout. Visitors on tours often praise the in-depth explanations of the distilling process.
Beyond bourbon, Barrel House also produces Devil John Moonshine, a spirit with a storied past, named after a notorious 19th-century figure. This blend of history and craft is a key part of their appeal, offering a unique taste of Kentucky's spirited traditions.
Experiencing the Distillery District
Visitors can easily spend several hours here, hopping between Barrel House and other nearby establishments. The proximity of these venues means you can enjoy a distillery tour, followed by a craft beer tasting or a delicious meal, all within walking distance. This makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon or an evening out.
The Elkhorn Tavern, Barrel House's on-site lounge, provides a cozy spot to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails made with their own spirits. It’s a great place to unwind after a tour or to simply soak in the atmosphere of the district. The area's walkability and concentration of attractions are frequently highlighted by visitors as a major plus.
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