woodford reserve tour cancellation policy

Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour Versailles, Kentucky

Woodford reserve distillery tour: immersing yourself in kentucky’s bourbon heritage.

Experience the essence of Kentucky’s bourbon tradition with the Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour. Situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of Kentucky’s bourbon country, Woodford Reserve is not just a distillery; it’s a symbol of bourbon craftsmanship and culture. This tour invites both die-hard bourbon enthusiasts and curious newcomers to explore the rich history, meticulous craft, and unique flavors that define Woodford Reserve.

Discover the Legacy Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour

Your journey begins with an exploration of Woodford Reserve’s storied past. Learn about the distillery’s roots in Kentucky’s bourbon history, its heritage buildings, and how it has emerged as a globally acclaimed bourbon producer. The tour delves into the distillery’s traditional methods that have been passed down through generations, maintaining the essence of classic bourbon making.

A Deep Dive into Bourbon Production

Experience the art of bourbon making in an immersive way. The tour takes you through each step of the production process: selecting the finest grains, the intricacies of the sour mash process, the science behind fermentation, the traditional copper pot distillation, and the art of aging in new charred oak barrels. Witness how Woodford Reserve’s commitment to quality at every stage culminates in a bourbon of exceptional depth and character.

Tasting the Distinctive Woodford Reserve Bourbon

The highlight for many is the tasting session, where you’ll savor the rich flavors of Woodford Reserve’s bourbons. Guided by experts, these tastings help you identify the unique notes and aromas that make up Woodford Reserve’s signature profile. This session offers an appreciation for the subtleties that a premium bourbon can offer, from its complex nose to its long, smooth finish.

Exploring the Idyllic Distillery Grounds

The Woodford Reserve Distillery is set against the backdrop of Kentucky’s beautiful, rolling hills. Part of the tour involves a walk around the property, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds the distillery. This serene setting is an integral part of the bourbon’s identity, reflecting the harmony of nature and craftsmanship.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

Learn about Woodford Reserve’s initiatives in sustainability and how they blend traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. The tour showcases the distillery’s efforts to maintain eco-friendly practices, emphasizing its responsibility towards the environment while producing high-quality bourbon.

Interactive and Educational Experience

The Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour is designed to be both educational and interactive, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of bourbon making. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, engage with experienced distillers, and gain insights into the nuanced world of bourbon.

Special Editions and Distillery Exclusives

Discover Woodford Reserve’s special editions and distillery-exclusive releases. These limited offerings are a testament to the distillery’s innovative spirit, providing visitors with the chance to experience rare and unique expressions of bourbon.

Events and Community Involvement

Woodford Reserve is not just a producer of fine bourbon; it’s a vibrant part of the local community. The tour includes information about the distillery’s involvement in local events, culinary experiences, and cultural activities that celebrate Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.

A Must-Experience Kentucky Tradition The Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour offers an authentic immersion into the world of Kentucky bourbon. It’s more than just a tour; it’s an experience that connects you with the heart and soul of bourbon country, offering deep insights into one of America’s most cherished spirits.

Are you ready to embrace the spirit of Kentucky’s bourbon culture? Book your Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour now and step into a world where tradition meets excellence. Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or eager to learn, this tour promises a memorable journey filled with rich flavors, history, and the beauty of Kentucky. Join us at Woodford Reserve, where every visit is more than a tour – it’s an experience to cherish. Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable journey into the heart of bourbon country!

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Woodford Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey – Woodford Reserve Distillery

Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey – Woodford Reserve Distillery

Woodford Reserve Bourbon – Woodford Reserve Distillery

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked – Woodford Reserve Distillery

Woodford Reserve Straight Malt Whiskey – Woodford Reserve Distillery

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Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour Review

• January 30, 2024
• Distilleries , Distillery Reviews

Woodford Reserve Distillery 7785 McCracken Pike Versailles, KY 40383 859-879-1812 www.woodfordreserve.com Tour / Review

Please enjoy our Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour Review!

The Woodford Reserve Distillery

Discretely nestled among the horse farms in Woodford County Kentucky is the home of Woodford Reserve Distillery. Located just 8 miles north of Versailles, Woodford Reserve is a beautiful and unique piece of Kentucky’s distilling history. Beautiful because the original farm-distillery land continues to be some of the finest in the Bluegrass region and unique because there have been only 4 owners of the distillery since 1812.

Woodford Reserve Distillery History: Ownership Changes and Developments

Around the aforementioned time, Elijah Pepper set up his grist mill and distillery on his 200 acre farm along Glenn’s Creek. After 66 years in the Pepper family, ownership was transferred to Labrot and Graham in 1878. Although L & G made great improvements and upgrades to the business, by 1940, Prohibition had taken its toll and the distillery was sold to Brown-Forman Distillers Corporation (currently the Brown-Forman Corporation ).

Continued consumer abandonment of Kentucky’s brown spirit in the 50’s and 60’s led the company to stop distilling and eventually sell the distillery to local farmer, Freeman Hockensmith, in 1973. Hockensmith used the property mostly for agricultural storage, but also made a brief attempt at producing fuel alcohol. Renewed interest in creating a premium bourbon drove the Brown-Forman Corporation to repurchase the aged Labrot & Grahman distillery for the second time in 1994. After a total rehabilitation of the buildings and the addition of a brand new Visitor Center, the distillery opened to the public in 1996.

Woodford Reserve Distillery Tours and Tastings

The distillery’s designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2002 was well deserved. A tour of the distillery solidifies this distinction. There are a variety of tours and tasting available at Woodford. “ Woodford Reserve’s Path To Flavor ” tour is the most popular. This 70 minute experience includes a walking tour of the distillery, as well as a tasting of Woodford’s whiskeys. The cost is $32. If you don’t have time for a 70 minute experience, then opt for “ The Spectacle For The Senses Tasting “. This 45 minute guided tasting costs $25 and includes five samples of Woodford’s family of whiskeys paired with lite bites.

Additional Tour Information

Woodford Reserve Distillery also offers a variety of other tours and tastings, including special ones that may be available for a limited time. The current experiences include:

• VIP Master Distiller Tour Experience – Two-hour behind-the-scenes tour and tasting with Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and/or Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall – Very Limited – $500 (includes limited edition bottle)
• Innovation Inspired Tour and Tasting – 70 minute tour with an elevated tasting and the opportunity to purchase an allocated whiskey – Friday & Saturdays Only – $125
• Mixology Experience – 45 minute experience in Woodford Reserve Distillery’s Cocktail Lounge where guests learn to make various classic cocktails and their history; guests receive a souvenir rocks glass, recipes for all of the signature Woodford Reserve cocktails and bourbon balls – $50
• From the Reserve: A Curated Cocktail Experience – Guests explore crafting luxury cocktails with rare whiskeys from Woodford’s curated archival collection and receive a souvenir Double Old Fashioned tumbler – limited – Saturdays only – $150
• Indulge The Senses Experience – a tasting of special chocolates, bourbons & a cocktail – February 2024 only, Wednesday-Sundays – $40
• The Perfect Pair – similar to the Indulge The Senses Experience, but led by Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, and includes a gift pack of Double Oaked, Double Double Oaked and Compartes Chocolates to take home with you – Very Limited February 14 & 15 only – $250

Tour Times And Locations

All experiences (unless otherwise noted) begin at the Visitor Center which is located on the south side of McCracken Pike. Generally, there is ample parking, even during the very busy summer months, as there is a second lot available across the road on the north side of McCracken Pike. Tours and tastings (except as noted above) are offered Wednesday-Sunday as of January 2024. However they will be offered 7 days a week for the weeks of March 3rd & 10th, and then every week beginning in April 2024. For the most up to date distillery hours, tour times, and tour availability, visit woodfordreserve.com .

Tour Experience

On our visit, we took “Woodford Reserve’s Path To Flavor” tour. We met our tour guide, Jaime, inside the Visitor Center and after his introduction and short safety spiel, we headed outside and down the softly sloped pathway toward the distillery. This is a walking tour, but very easy, with minimal stairs. Along the way Jamie covered much of the history of Woodford Reserve Distillery from its owners to its many buildings.

Upon entering the distillery proper through the fermentation room, we learned that portions of the building date back to 1838. While in the fermentation room, Jamie discussed Woodford’s mashing process and their 5 sources of flavor (Grain, Water, Fermentation, Distillation, Maturation). Although the eight 7500 gallon cypress fermenters might look really old, they are not. Half were put in when the distillery opened in the 90’s while the others came later as production grew.

Distillation and Barreling

After our stop in fermentation, we moved on to the still area in the next room. Woodford triple distills its product, which explained the 3 beautiful copper pot stills we saw. As Jamie explained Woodford’s triple pot distillation process, we had plenty of time to view the amazing equipment and take a plethora of pictures. Interestingly, barreling takes place in the same room. The freshly distilled new make is sent to the nearby 1400 gallon gauge tank. This tank is used to proof down the spirit from 125 proof to its barrel entry proof of 110. Barrels were being filled while we were in the still area, so we were able to see in action how Woodford moves their barrels.

Barrel Run and Warehouse C

With the distillery lesson complete, we headed back outside to view the almost nine decades old barrel run. Built in 1934, Woodford Reserve Distillery’s barrel run is over 500 feet in length and helps to expedite barrel movement to the warehouses for their long rest. Once a barrel is filled in the distillery, it is moved out of the building via a rail system. The newly filled barrel moves through a window type exit on 2 rails. These two rails are spaced perfectly apart so that the barrels run the rails without needing a worker present. That’s definitely working smarter, not harder, as a full 53 gallon barrel weighs around 500 lbs.

While it’s hard to top the active barrel run, the next point of interest, Warehouse C, was a close second. Right across the way from the distillery, Warehouse C is Woodford’s oldest active barrel warehouse. This beautiful stone building was completed over 100 years ago and still houses around 5000 barrels. The smell of the angels’ share is delicious. Another interesting note Jamie made is that Woodford heats the warehouse in the winter from the bottom up so that the lower level barrels achieve the same heated aging as the upper level barrels do in the summer. Once again, they’re working smarter, not harder at Woodford.

Bottling Facility

As we left Warehouse C behind, a quick stop was made at the building next door. This Is Woodford’s bottling facility. It’s the second 100 year old plus building still in use on the property. Bottling takes place Monday-Friday and Woodford bottles all of its own products. Due to pandemic restrictions, we just got a peek at the process through a screened door. There were plenty of barrels and bottles swapping juice.

Tasting Experience

Having covered Woodford Reserve Distillery’s bourbon making process from start to finish, the only thing left to do now was taste. Jamie led the way to Dryer House which is where our tour’s tasting took place. It’s a very short distance from the distillery as well as Warehouse C. In the 1930’s the Dryer House replaced the open cattle feed station which received the spent grain from the distillery. The Slop Dryer house instead allowed the used grains to be piped in from the distillery, dried out, and then recycled as livestock feed. While livestock still enjoy the grains as feed, today’s Dryer House does not house slop, but instead, some very tasty spirits.

Our tour’s tasting consisted of 4 products: the Woodford Reserve Bourbon, the Woodford Malt Whiskey, the Woodford Reserve Rye, and a very special taste not bottled, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon straight from the barrel. The tasting lasted no more than about 15 minutes. Jamie led the way, providing guidance particularly for those who are new to tasting whiskey. The final treat was the Woodford Reserve bourbon ball. These are most delightful. Even better is that all samples, except for the straight from the barrel, are available for purchase in the gift shop. With the tasting completed, our tour had come to an end and so we headed back up the pathway to the visitor’s center.

Shopping and Conclusion

After some shopping in the very spacious and well stocked gift shop, our time at Woodford came to a close. Woodford Reserve Distillery is indeed a lovely place to visit. Due to its close proximity to Lexington and Frankfort however, tours are often booked well in advance, particularly on weekends. Don’t let that be a deterrent because its history and grounds alone are worth the trip. Visit Woodford’s outside bar, enjoy your favorite Woodford spirit, and then sit back and relax on the scenic patio soaking in all the rustic ambiance your senses can handle. Woodford Reserve is a must see for the history lover and the bourbon geek alike!

We hope you have enjoyed our Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour Review! If you would like to read about a couple of Woodford’s whiskeys, then check out our Woodford Double Double Oaked Review and our Woodford Three Grain Whiskey Review ! You can also check out our video virtual tour of the Woodford Reserve Distillery !

*NOTE: While the whiskey distilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery is triple pot still distilled, whiskey distilled in column stills at Brown-Forman’s large Louisville distillery is also used in many of the Woodford Reserve whiskeys.

Original Visit Date: June 2021; Updated January 2024

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us?? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!

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Woodford Reserve Distillery

One of the prettiest drives to a Kentucky distillery goes to Woodford Reserve. Travel past picturesque horse farms with black fences on your way to this bourbon destination.

Built on the oldest distilling site in Kentucky, these hallowed grounds now house Woodford Reserve’s trademark copper pot stills and entire bourbon operation. Traditions started by Elijah Pepper in the early 1800s continue with Master Distiller Chris Morris and the Woodford Reserve brand.

Woodford Reserve Distillery Tours

See historic spaces and learn the five elements that make up the bourbon-making process. Walk past the Scottish-style copper pot stills and see new make as it flows through. Then go inside an old bourbon barrel warehouse and smell the angel’s share in the air. The educational bourbon tour covers history, sources of flavor, bottling and more.

Mint Julep Experiences goes to Woodford Reserve for distillery tours weekly on our public tours

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Tastings

Your guided sensory tasting will help you pick out the complex flavors in each bourbon or whiskey you taste. Frequent flights includes Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select, Rye and Double Oaked.

BOOK A MINT JULEP TOUR HERE

Things to know about Woodford Reserve

Frequently asked questions.

Where is Woodford Reserve made?

The Woodford Reserve address is 7855 McCracken Pike in Versailles, Ky.

Who owns Woodford Reserve?

Woodford Reserve is owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation. Sister brands include Old Forester, Early Times and Coopers Craft.

What bourbons and whiskeys does Woodford Reserve produce?

Woodford Reserve Distillery makes Woodford Reserve bourbon and Woodford Reserve Rye, Malt and Wheat Whiskeys, as well as Woodford Double Oaked and Master’s Collection products.

Is Woodford Reserve on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Yes, Woodford Reserve is a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Which distilleries are near Woodford Reserve?

Distilleries near Woodford Reserve include Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses.

Where can I find out more about Woodford Reserve?

Learn about Woodford Reserve at woodfordreserve.com .

Start Planning Your Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Tour

Let’s start planning your ultimate Kentucky bourbon distillery tour today! We offer a variety of public tours as well as custom-made experiences that are tailored to your every bourbon desire.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Birthplace of Bourbon

Discover where bourbon was perfected

As the birthplace of bourbon, Woodford County traces its heritage to the rich limestone deposits that bless its land and create the pristine water source essential for crafting the world’s finest bourbon. Join us in raising a glass to Woodford County – where bourbon history runs deep and every sip tells a tale of tradition, passion, and unparalleled quality.

Woodford Reserve Tour

We’re back on the Bourbon Trail to visit historic Woodford Reserve distillery.

It’s a winter tradition with our gang to meet up at one of the regional distilleries. There’s so many to choose from!

Woodford Reserve, in Woodford County, Kentucky, is an old distillery and relatively small compared to others we’ve visited. The original stone warehouses were built in 1840.

Hundred year-old cypress fermentation tanks are still being used. Mmmm – smell the mash!

Woodford has expanded its copper stills to a total of six, each with that iconic shape.

One of the old stone warehouses is still in use to age barrels.

Woodford carries on the tradition of hand rolling barrels from the warehouse to the bottling building.  Watch your toes at the crossing!

After the tour, folks headed up to the visitor center to the tasting room.

Part of the charm of a bourbon tour is sampling all the products the distillery offers.

Often there are special batch bottles for sale that are only available at the distillery.

Next, a mandatory stop at the gift shop…

Then on to a late lunch at The Stave – known for its extensive bourbon list. Funny enough, we all ordered beer!

Another December in the books – Happy New Year everyone!

Small Town Christmas Parade

Indoor weather – garage zine.

Wow! Buildings constructed in 1840s! And hundred-year-old fixtures still in use! Definitely pricked my interest with both of those items!

Worth a tour!

Looks like it was a fun trip! 😉

And you were there! 😁

Comments are closed.

We provide a customized private tour day of bourbon distilleries at affordable rates.

See more distilleries.  Learn more with us.

Why Our Private Tour Day Is Different

Work Directly With The Owner:

When you call, text or email, you will be dealing directly with the owner who has 18+ years of experience in the bourbon industry working for one of the largest whiskey distillers in the world, not someone who works doing inside sales and hasn’t made it to all of the distilleries or maybe none of them.  

Our Tour Guides :

Our tour guides are knowledgeable bourbon industry professionals who have worked in a variety of segments including distilleries, liquor stores, bars, restaurants, other tour companies or just plain bourbon geeks.  They can answer your bourbon questions.

Visit Distilleries With Your Customized Agenda:  

Start when you want.  Go where you want.  Go with people you want to be with.  Not a large, public bus tour.  No waiting around for others. 

Buy 'Hard t o Find' Bourbon Bottles:

We know where to shop and can take you there .  

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Chur chill Downs, Horse Farms, Wineries and Breweries - If you want to customize your tour day with a stop at either, let us know in advance and we can make the adjustments needed in your agenda. 

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Weekends - We can customize any of our tour days to accommodate your group even on short notice.  

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Each tour can be customized, tripadvisor reviews: all direct "quotes", read for yourself.

Our private tour with KBIT was perfection!  

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Fantastic tour of KY Bourbon Trail!!!!

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This was incredible.

Great experience !

Tour A: Frankfort Area Distilleries

Take your pick of three:  Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Bulleit, Wild Turkey, Castle & Key, Whiskey Thief, or Glenn's Creek.  

Take your pick of three:  Maker's Mark, Heaven Hill, Willett, Jim Beam, Limestone Branch, Lux Row, Preservation, Bardstown Bourbon Co., Boundary Oak Distillery, Four Roses (Cox's Creek) or Log Still.

Louisville Area Distilleries 

Tour b: bardstown area distilleries.

Take your pick of three: Jefferson's Reserve, Stitzel-Weller, Angel's Envy, Rabbit Hole, Peerless, Michter's, Old Forester or Evan Williams.  

Tour D: 'Best of' Distilleries

Visit three between Frankfort, Louisville or Bardstown areas.  Add $50 to the total cost of the trip for additional miles driven.

Part of Our Fleet

Over 1,500 tour groups, 7,000+ people since 2016.

Private suv/van transportation at affordable rates      - pricing i s for three distillery stops with a louisville pickup.      - a 4th stop at a liquor store or distillery can be added for $50.      - distillery tickets cost is not included in 'tour day' price below.      - our 'concierge ticket service' is used by most customers.        - taxes & fees are 14. 5 % .       - minimum gratuity of 18%.      - 'transportation upgrade options' under the 'fine print' below.      - lexington pickup is avail able for $100  for  just tour a.      - kentucky derby weekend rates are higher.      - add 10 % per person for the 'premium package'., information or tour request:.

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THE 'FINE PRINT' FOR ALL KENTUCKY BOURBON INSIDER DISTILLERY TOURS Included in 'Tour Day' Price:   We will work with you to customize an agenda for the day and will purchase 'public tour' tickets in advance once the 50% deposit is paid as part of our 'Concierge Ticket Service'.  A bourbon tour guide and designated driver will pick-up and drop-off at Louisville hotels or residences.  Not Included in 'Tour Day' Price:   Tour tickets and/or tasting fees charged by each distillery are not included.  The average distillery ticket is between $20 to $25 and includes a tasting.  Some distilleries offer free or discounted tours and tasting to veterans, military and law enforcement with proper ID.  We do not include lunch or gratuities for our bourbon tour guides in our listed price.  Taxes and fees of 14.5% will be listed on the deposit request and final invoice.  The 18% minimum gratuity will automatically be added to your 50% deposit request and final invoice.

Deposit & Full Payment:   One half of our bourbon tour fee and the estimated distillery ticket costs is due the day the tour is booked with the remaining amount due based on the actual cost of distillery tickets at the end of the tour day.  All major credit cards are accepted via the Square online payment system.  If the final invoice is not paid after five business days, a $100 late payment fee will be applied.

Cancellation & Changes Policy:   If you cancel at least 14 day(s) in advance of the tour date, there is a $100 service fee for each tour day booked with us and your remaining deposit will be refunded unless tickets for Glenn's Creek are purchased as these are not refundable.  If you reschedule at least 14 day(s) in advance of the tour date, there is no service fee and your remaining deposit will be applied to your new date unless tickets for Glenn's Creek are purchased as these are not refundable.  If you cancel under 14 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, your deposit will be forfeited. 

Transportation Upgrade Options:   This is a 'private tour' transportation experience.  No outside guests will be in your vehicle.  Once our 'Fleet Vehicles' are booked, we will use other rental vehicles on busy days.  For two, three or four people, a four door sedan or a 'Standard Class SUV' (Ford Edge or similar) will typically be used.  For five or six people, a 'Standard Elite Class SUV' (Nissan Pathfinder or similar) or MiniVan (Dodge Caravan or similar) with a 3rd row will typically be used.  Upgrade to a 'Fullsize Class SUV' (Tahoe or similar) for $175 or a 'Premium Class SUV' (Suburban, Ford Expedition or similar) for $225 or a passenger van (Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Chevy Express or similar) for $275 per day.  For seven to eleven people, a passenger van (Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Chevy Express or similar) will be used.

Distillery Tours:   Unless discussed and agreed to at the time of booking, all distillery tours will be booked for the standard 'public tour' offering at each distillery.  Some specialty tours offered by distilleries will sell out weeks or months in advance.   

Other Topics:   Minimum drinking age is 21 years and proper identification is checked at most all of the distilleries regardless of age.  The distilleries ask that you drink responsibly while visiting their facilities and on their tours.  For customer review details, please check Trip Advisor.  If your tour day runs longer than nine hours, your group will be charged $50 per hour thereafter. 

Tour Day Per Person, Per Day, Per Vehicle Rates:

Mercedes Benz or Ford Passenger Van (white)

11 People:    $13 9 pp (max 11 people per van)

10 People:    $14 9 per person

9 People:      $15 9 per person

8 People:      $16 9 per person

7 People:      $179 per person

Land Rover or Similar SUV, Minivan w/ 3rd Row

6 People:      $179 per person

5 People:      $189 per person

4 People:      $199 per person

Range Rover or Similar Sedan

3 People:      $239 per person

2 People:      $279 pp (Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur)

2 People:      $299 pp (Fridays & Saturdays)

1 Person:      $1,000 (Saturdays & Sundays)

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Woodford Reserve Reserve -->

Woodford Reserve is a historic distillery nestled in Versailles, Kentucky, known for its premium small-batch bourbons. It holds the distinction of being one of the oldest distilleries in the United States, with a heritage dating back to the late 18th century. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art of bourbon-making by taking guided tours that showcase the craftsmanship behind Woodford Reserve. From the limestone water source to the copper pot stills and unique triple-distillation process, guests gain insights into the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every bottle. The tour concludes with a tasting of Woodford Reserve's exceptional bourbons, offering a true appreciation for their refined flavors. Contact – 859.879.1812 Address – 7785 McCracken Pike Versailles, KY 40383 (EST) Website – WoodfordReserve.com

Woodford Reserve is a historic distillery nestled in Versailles, Kentucky, known for its premium small-batch bourbons. It holds the distinction of being one of the oldest distilleries in the United States, with a heritage dating back to the late 18th century. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art of bourbon-making by taking guided tours that showcase the craftsmanship behind Woodford Reserve. From the limestone water source to the copper pot stills and unique triple-distillation process, guests gain insights into the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every bottle.

The tour concludes with a tasting of Woodford Reserve’s exceptional bourbons, offering a true appreciation for their refined flavors.

Contact – 859.879.1812

Address – 7785 McCracken Pike Versailles, KY 40383 (EST)

Website – WoodfordReserve.com

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Woodford Reserve (Versailles, KY)

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Visit Woodford Reserve in central Kentucky for an up-close look at one of the most recognized bourbon brands! Here's what to expect on tour.

Woodford Reserve is one of the original members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and also the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby !

This brand is synonymous with quality and legacy. So it's no wonder that a tour of the distillery is one of the top things to do in central Kentucky.

For more tour ideas, see our posts about the original Bourbon Trail , as well as newer distilleries like Bardstown Bourbon Company , Lux Row , Limestone Branch , and Wilderness Trail .

Here's what to expect if you visit Woodford Reserve!

The Premises

Woodford Reserve has historic limestone buildings, and it's surrounded by gorgeous, rolling green hills and horse farmland in the Kentucky countryside.

Distilling has a long history on this site, with the first production happening about two hundred years ago! The main building is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The distillery hasn't been in operation continuously, and it's gone by different names over the years. One of the 19th century owners, James E. Pepper, started up another distillery in Lexington , which fell into disuse but has been revitalized in recent years.

The current brand named Woodford Reserve began to be sold in 1996.

Touring Woodford Reserve Distillery

I recommend booking your tour online ahead of time. The "Path to Flavor" tour is a guided walk that can last a little over an hour, with a tasting at the end.

There are a few other ticketed experiences available, including a more extensive tasting with food pairing, or a VIP tour with one of the master distillers.

You'll check in at the visitor center and begin the tour from there.

The tour goes through the building with the mash tanks. Woodford uses Cyprus wood tanks for fermenting.

Woodford uses a triple still system for each batch of bourbon. The copper stills are gorgeous!

Next, you'll head to a rickhouse to see the aging barrels.

If you're interested in reading up on all things bourbon, we recommend the book Bourbon Curious by Fred Minnick.

Finally, the tasting! When we toured Woodford on Derby weekend nine years ago, we only got two samples, so this time I was excited to see four tastings, a bourbon ball and a small souvenir pin .

(Side note: Derby weekend — the first Saturday in May — is a very busy time at Kentucky's bourbon distilleries, so take that into account when making your plans!)

We tried Woodford's bourbon , rye whiskey , double oaked bourbon (my favorite) and a lemonade bourbon cocktail (yum!).

We ended our tour at the gift shop.

We took home the barrel-aged honey and used it (along with Woodford's double-oaked bourbon) in a honey old fashioned . It was delicious.

And the bourbon coffee we bought was amazing in a homemade honey cinnamon latte .

Woodford Reserve's bourbon balls are pretty special too, and make a fantastic gift.

If you're on the lookout for a quintessential Kentucky bourbon, I hope you get a chance to tour and try Woodford Reserve.

Have some extra time to spend in the Versailles area? We also recommend lunch at the Kentucky Castle !

More Bourbon Trail

About Sarah Trenalone

Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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At this time we are only shipping spirits to Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Washington D.C.

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What to know about Woodford Reserve and its exclusive $15,000 Derby 150 Baccarat Edition bottle

Woodford Reserve now plays an even more integral role in the Kentucky Derby.

Here's what to know about Woodford Reserve and the rare special edition whiskey.

What is the partnership between the Kentucky Derby and Woodford Reserve?

Woodford Reserve has been the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby since 1999, and over the years, its partnership has continued to grow. Last year, the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza opened and this year for Derby 150, the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club, a VIP hospitality, luxury space, opened.

"Two of Kentucky’s iconic industries are horses and bourbon, so this is a natural partnership between Derby and Woodford Reserve," said Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, Elizabeth McCall. "Woodford Reserve leverages the Derby around the world, from the release of our annual Derby bottle to Derby parties and events across the country."

Visitors to the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club on Saturday got a chance to taste the  Woodford Reserve Derby 150 bottle . The whiskey is said to feature a taste with flavors of "Brown sugar-caramelized citrus peel, rich toasted oak, caramel, warming spices and dried dark fruit."

How many Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 bottles are there?

In honor of the 150th anniversary, only 150 bottles of the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 Baccarat Edition were available, and one of the bottles went to the owner of the winning horse for the race.

How much does the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 Baccarat Edition bottle cost?

The Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 Baccarat Edition bottle is $15,000 and can only be purchased for pickup at the distillery.

Not looking to buy a bottle yourself? You can win one by entering a Kentucky-based charity's raffle.

Give 270 , a Kentucky-based non-profit, has a bottle for the grand prize of their bourbon raffle.

Give 270’s raffle is set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8. In addition to the grand prize, each ticket purchased offers participants two chances to win from a curated assortment of 20 limited edition and allocated Woodford Reserve products.

During the raffle, prizes numbered two through 20 will be drawn initially, with all tickets returning to the tumbler for an opportunity to win the Kentucky Derby 150: Baccarat Edition.

Tickets are available for purchase on Give 270's website. For all the prize information and ticket costs at give270.org/product/whiskey-wednesdays-may-8-24 .

Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman .

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Derby 150 Bottle

WOODFORD RESERVE KENTUCKY DERBY 150 BACCARAT EDITION

Wheat Bundle

Master's Collection Sonoma Triple Finish

Double Oaked 750ml

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At this time we are only shipping spirits to Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Washington D.C.

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