Story: Woodford Reserve

The place is not easy to find. It is far enough off the beaten path, that you have pretty much decided that you must be going the wrong way when you come across a sign that tells you to make another turn, or just to reassure you that you are not totally lost. Not that the drive is in anyway unpleasant, the rolling hills of Kentucky are truly beautiful. The distillery is surrounded by Thoroughbred Horse Farms that stretch as far as you can see in any direction. Every fence is whitewashed, trees line the road and the grass is lush and green. But the scenery is not why we came…

The Woodford Reserve distillery is one of the oldest in the country. It was closed for a time, but reopened in 1992, when Labrot & Graham purchased the company. They make only one Bourbon, but they make it very very well. Using the most traditional distilling techniques, they are the last distillery of its kind to use copper stills as many others have transitioned to stainless steel.

The tour groups are limited to ten people or so making it easy to ask questions of the tour guides, but if you have a large group you may be split up. The guides themselves go through the standard issue well rehearsed jokes and anecdotes, but once you spend some time talking to them; their genuine good nature quickly shines through. The tour itself is very in depth and informative about the entire process. It’s history and relevance to the American landscape. It runs through the basic requirements for what qualifies as Bourbon, as well as clearing up some common misnomers. The tour takes you across the grounds (which is a National Historic Landmark) and runs you through the entire distillation process and finishes up with a sample of their delicious Bourbon.

Some tips: Do not go on a Sunday. They do not serve the sample at the end of the tour due to local laws. You have probably tasted it before and that is why you came, but it would be a little anti-climactic. I guess if you are really interested in the distillation process but do not actually like the taste of bourbon, it might still be worthwhile.

We barely caught the last tour of the day on a Saturday (3:30), but it ended up being perfect as the tour guides had some time to chat with us after the tour rather than heading out with another group. If you arrive after the last tour has started, you are just out of luck, as they will not let you join in midway through.

Photography is allowed throughout the tour, but managing a shot without a crowd of strangers can be tricky. A tripod for longer exposures is worth bringing along for some lower lighted areas.

Woodford Reserve Distillery

7855 McCracken Pike

Versailles, KY 40383

859.879.1812

www.woodfordreserve.com

Tuesday-Saturday 9a-5p (closed major holidays)

Sunday 12:30p-4:30p

Tours $5 per person (18 and under free)