I often receive requests for information from friends planning distillery visits in Kentucky, and discussions usually start with inquiries about recommendations for “must-see” distilleries. However, I can’t answer that question without first asking a few of my own, as personal preferences vary widely, much like the distilleries themselves.
One consistent piece of advice I offer is to begin your planning with a large producer, include a small craft distiller, and then expand from there. My first column highlighted Maker’s Mark, one of the largest distilleries in the state, and now I want to focus on a smaller gem: Barrel House Distillery. While it may be modest in size, it more than makes up for it with charm, history, and an intimate experience.
Barrel House is Kentucky’s ninth physical distillery built after Prohibition and was among the first craft distillers on the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, helping to pave the way for the program’s incredible success today. Nestled in the Distillery District near downtown Lexington, Barrel House is found in the historic barreling building of the James Pepper Distillery.
Founded by Pete Wright and Jeff Wiseman, Barrel House began operations in 2006. Despite its smaller size, it produces an award-winning range of spirits, including bourbon, vodka, rum, and moonshine. Their Barrel House Select bourbon earned double gold in 2023 at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2017, Forbes recognized Barrel House’s Rockcastle bourbon as one of the top eight bourbons produced in Kentucky, making it the only craft distillery on that list. It also recently won double platinum in the Ascot Awards. Rockcastle is exceptional but limited in supply, being released only twice a year.
Recently, Barrel House broke ground for a new distillery in Cynthiana. This will be the first new distillery in Harrison County in over 50 years, a region with a rich bourbon history. Renderings of the new facility are available in the gift shop, and I eagerly anticipate seeing it in person; they plan to fill their first barrels at this new location next spring.
Next door to Barrel House is Elkhorn Tavern, which features a beautiful bar where you can enjoy a cocktail before your tour, grab some pub grub, or even catch a live band later in the evening. Both the tavern and the Lexington distillery will continue to operate once the Cynthiana location opens, allowing visitors to choose experiences at both sites.
The operations at Barrel House differ from those of many other distilleries I’ve visited, which is a common trait among craft distillers. My wife and I have visited three times and thoroughly enjoyed each experience. Upon entering, you’re welcomed by friendly and knowledgeable staff, setting a positive tone for your visit. Barrel House is a small distillery with short but intimate and engaging tours. If you’re looking for a fun experience led by a knowledgeable guide who can answer all your questions, this stop is well worth your time. However, if you’re seeking large-scale fermentation and distillation facilities, expansive rural campuses, or vast 50,000-barrel rickhouses, you won’t find that here.
Derek Brooks captured his visit perfectly in a Google review, stating, “Barrel House Distillery is a small craft distillery, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting! They have a great intimate tour that allows you to really interact with them. We even got to talk to the distiller! You won’t get that opportunity with the big boys!” I agree wholeheartedly; we thoroughly enjoyed our tour and appreciated the chance to engage with the staff.
Their tastings include a diverse range of offerings: vodka, two rums, two moonshines, and two bourbons. Notably, the rums and moonshines are finished in once-used bourbon barrels, and all the spirits are excellent.
The gift shop operates daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tours and tastings are available on the hour during those times. Reservations can be made online through their website. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo on their barrel, complete with a western saddle—a unique photo opportunity you won’t find at other distilleries.
Mark Meade is the author of The Bourbon Journey, a travel guide that highlights our iconic bourbon distilleries and the experience of bourbon tourism. This column serves as a natural extension of the book. All rights reserved. For questions or comments, contact the author at [email protected].
