LEXINGTON, KY A Glorious Gateway to Bourbon Country
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hen riding along the gently bending hills of the Bluegrass and admiring a patchwork scheme of horse farms surrounding Lexington, you might begin to agree with American pioneer Daniel Boone’s famous words: “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.” The secret to the region’s undeniable beauty lies underneath its blue-tinted grass. The limestone-rich source of water that nourishes world-class horses also supplies Bourbon makers with an ingredient that only nature can perfect. Lexington is a logical starting point for Bourbon distillery tours—with four distilleries within the city limits and four others within a 20 minute drive. Be sure to also plan an excursion to one of the legendary horse farms when you tag along on a Horse Country, Inc. Tour.
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DISTILLERIES AND BREWERIES In the mid-1800s, Lexington’s Manchester Street was a major hub of Kentucky’s Bourbon distilling industry. But for many decades during the 20th century, Bourbon making was absent in urban Lexington. Now, an influx of new distilleries has ended the Bourbon drought, revitalizing a Kentucky tradition and putting downtown Lexington back on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail map. There is also a vibrant craft-brewing scene with 15 craft breweries located throughout the city.
Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. A leader in bringing back the tradition of Bourbon making in Lexington, Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. produces Town Branch Bourbon, Kentucky Ale beer and a variety of other spirits, including a Bourbon-infused coffee drink. Two
THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO BOURBON COUNTRY
copper pot stills, made visible through glass walls, are the centerpieces of the distillery. The distillery is the only member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that packages a brewery tour with a distillery tour for a price of $12. 401 Cross St | (859) 887-3406 | lexingtonbrewingco.com
Barrel House Distilling Co.
Visit this microdistillery at the larger Lexington Distillery District to learn about their distilled and sourced products, including award winning Bourbons. 903 Manchester St #150 | (859) 259-0159 barrelhousedistillery.com
Blue Stallion Brewing Co.
This downtown brewery specializes in traditional European beer styles, such as British ales and German lagers. 610 W 3rd St | (877) 928-2337 | bluestallionbrewing.com
Bluegrass Distillers
Bottle your own Bourbon at this small scale distillery, where products range from traditional and wheated Bourbons to whiskeys distilled from blue corn. 501 W 6th St #165 | bluegrassdistillers.com
