These are some of the sights, smells and sensations of touring a bourbon distillery. Three distilleries in the Lexington area have regular tour programs. And just like the different brands of bourbon they produce, the distilleries themselves have distinct personalities. How the tours are handled, what the tour includes, and the approaches to production vary from distillery to distillery. At all three distilleries, the tours are free, and, unless you're bringing a group of ten or more, reservations are not necessary.
Children are welcome.
The tours do involve a fair amount of walking and stair-climbing, so wear comfortable shoes. Since some of the walking is outdoors, if rain is predicted, bring along an umbrella or raincoat. Your tour group may include some international visitors. Along with the United States, Australia, Japan and Germany are bourbon-loving countries, according to the Kentucky Distillers Association. After distilling, but before it is barreled, bourbon is clear, like vodka.