Lexington's Distillery District -- A Local's Guide to James E Pepper, Barrel House, and Castle and Key
Lexington's Distillery District -- A Local's Guide to James E Pepper, Barrel House, and Castle and Key
You do not need to drive an hour to Frankfort or Versailles to have a great bourbon experience. Some of the best distillery visits in Kentucky are right here in Lexington, mostly within walking distance of each other in the Distillery District on Manchester Street. This guide covers the local spots I actually send people to when they visit.
The Distillery District
The Distillery District is one of the best things to happen to Lexington in the last decade. What used to be an overlooked stretch of Manchester Street has turned into a legitimate destination with distilleries, restaurants, bars, and events. You can park once, walk to everything, and not worry about driving between stops. That alone makes it better than most bourbon trail experiences where you are in and out of a car all day.
James E Pepper Distillery
Start here. James E Pepper on Manchester Street is built on the original site where James E Pepper made bourbon in the 1800s, and the restoration is incredible. The tour walks you through the history and the distilling process, and the tasting at the end features their 1776 bourbon and rye whiskey. What makes this place special is the location. You are not out in the middle of nowhere. You are in the heart of Lexington, steps away from restaurants and bars, so you can easily make an evening of it. The staff genuinely knows their stuff and the tours feel personal, not like you are on a conveyor belt.
Barrel House Distillery
Just down the road from James E Pepper, Barrel House Distillery is another local favorite. They are a craft operation producing small batch bourbon, rum, and vodka. The vibe here is casual and welcoming, more like visiting a friend's workshop than a corporate tour. The staff will walk you through their process, and you can sample everything they make. I especially like their Devil John Moonshine, which has a story behind it that the tour guides love to tell. If James E Pepper is the polished experience, Barrel House is the scrappy one with character.
Castle and Key
Castle and Key is about 30 minutes west of Lexington on the way to Frankfort, so it is not technically in the Distillery District, but it is close enough to include here and honestly too good to leave out. The property was originally built by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr., one of the founding figures of bourbon. The grounds include a sunken garden, a stone castle, and a beautifully restored springhouse. It looks like something out of a movie. Their bourbon is excellent, and the gin made with local botanicals is a standout that even non gin drinkers tend to like. Book the tour in advance because they sell out, especially on weekends.
Where to Eat and Drink Before and After
One of the best parts of doing your bourbon in the Distillery District is that you are already in one of Lexington's best food and drink neighborhoods. The Bar at Middle Fork is right there and serves creative bourbon cocktails made with local ingredients. Goodfellas Pizzeria is across the street if you need something to soak up the tastings.
For a bigger bourbon bar experience, head to Bluegrass Tavern on West Short Street. They have one of the largest bourbon selections in the state, and the bartenders will help you find something you have never tried before. If you want something more upscale, the bar at Malone's on Tates Creek Road is a classic choice.
Eat before you start your tours. A good breakfast at Doodles in Chevy Chase or brunch at Winchell's on South Limestone will set you up for the day.
Tips
Plan to visit two or three distilleries in a day, maximum. Each tour runs about an hour and includes tastings, so pace yourself. If you are hitting all three spots in this guide, that is a full afternoon. Always designate a driver or book a bourbon tour service. There are several companies in Lexington that will drive you around for the day, and it is well worth the cost.
Check out our events calendar for bourbon themed events throughout the year, including the Bourbon Festival in September.
Bourbon is one of the things that makes this city unlike anywhere else. And you do not have to leave town to experience it.
Planning a bigger bourbon day trip? Check out our guide to the Top 5 Bourbon Distilleries Near Lexington covering Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, and more.
