About
Bluegrass Distillers is a craft bourbon distillery located at Elkwood Farm in Midway, Kentucky, set on a historic estate surrounded by working farmland and classic Bluegrass scenery. After years of building its name in Lexington, the distillery’s Midway campus brings a more immersive, farm-rooted visit to the heart of horse country, with bourbon made in small batches and a strong connection to the land that supports it. One of the standout elements here is their focus on grain-forward flavor, including heirloom blue corn grown on-site that helps shape a signature bourbon profile. Visitors come for a welcoming blend of historic character and modern production, with opportunities to see how bourbon moves from field to still to barrel. Whether you are planning a dedicated bourbon day trip or adding a distillery stop to a weekend in the Midway, Versailles, and Frankfort area, Bluegrass Distillers fits naturally into Kentucky’s broader bourbon culture while offering a distinctly local sense of place.
History
Bluegrass Distillers was established in 2012, founded by friends with the goal of producing authentic Kentucky bourbon through careful experimentation, small-batch methods, and mash bills designed for complexity and balance. The early years were defined by hands-on work and refinement at their original Lexington operation, where the team focused on dialing in fermentation, distillation, and barrel strategies while steadily building a local following. In 2013, the distillery opened its doors for tours and tastings at its Lexington location on West 6th Street, inviting the public into the process while the brand continued developing its lineup. By 2015, Bluegrass Distillers released its first batches to the public, marking the transition from early-stage development to a growing portfolio available beyond the distillery walls. A major milestone arrived in 2020, when the company announced its expansion to Elkwood Farm in Midway, a move that signaled both increased production capability and a bigger visitor experience centered around a true grain-to-glass approach. In April 2025, Bluegrass Distillers celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its Elkwood Farm distillery and visitor center, establishing a long-term home that pairs historic property character with modern distilling operations and hospitality.
Notoriety
Bluegrass Distillers is best known for pushing flavor in a way that still feels grounded in Kentucky tradition, particularly through its identity as the home of Kentucky’s first blue corn bourbon. Using non-GMO, heirloom blue corn grown seasonally on-site at Elkwood Farm, the distillery highlights how grain choice can shape bourbon character, giving visitors a clear, tangible link between the fields they see and the spirit they taste. The Midway location itself adds to the destination appeal, with Elkwood Farm’s historic setting and notable architecture creating a visit that feels different from a purely industrial distillery stop. Bluegrass Distillers has also built recognition through awards and competition results, including multiple honors across 2024 from major spirits competitions, reinforcing the idea that the brand’s small-batch focus is backed by consistent quality. For many guests, notoriety comes down to the on-site experience, where tastings can include sampling straight from the barrel and participating in a Bottle-Your-Own moment that makes the visit feel personal and hands-on. Add in a cocktail bar atmosphere and a campus designed for both casual drop-ins and planned group visits, and Bluegrass Distillers has become a strong Central Kentucky stop for travelers who want both a distinctive product story and a memorable place to enjoy it.
experiences
Cocktail Classes
Duration:
N/A
Price:
N/A
At this time, the distillery does not offer any cocktail classes.
Tours & Tastings
Duration:
45 Mins - 1.5 Hrs
Price:
N/A
Bluegrass Distillers welcomes you to historic Elkwood Farm for daily tours, tastings straight from the barrel, and bottle your own experiences.
amenities
Cocktail Bar
Event Spaces
Food Options
Gift Shop
Pet Friendly
Scenic Location
Special Events
nearby
Distilleries
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Woodford Reserve
Castle & Key Distillery
Things To Do
Explore Downtown Midway
Walter Bradley Park
Kentucky State Capital
Food & Drink
Heirloom Restaurant
Equus Run Vineyards
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
Stay
The Kentucky Castle
The Woodford Inn
A Storybook Inn