About
Bardstown Bourbon Company is a modern distillery destination in Bardstown, Kentucky, known for pairing a working, state-of-the-art production facility with a visitor experience that feels polished, welcoming, and easy to navigate. Located in the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World, this campus blends distilling, culinary, and cocktail craftsmanship in one place, making it a natural stop for first-time visitors and seasoned bourbon travelers alike. Alongside its Bardstown distillery, the brand also operates a separate tasting room location in Louisville, giving visitors another way to explore the portfolio beyond Nelson County.
History
Bardstown Bourbon Company was founded in 2014 by a group of industry and business leaders with the goal of building a contemporary distillery operation in the center of Kentucky bourbon country. From the start, the company positioned itself to produce its own branded whiskey while also supporting a broader range of whiskey-making through custom and collaborative production, a model that helped it grow quickly in both scale and visibility. A major milestone came in 2019 with the opening of its Bardstown visitor experience, which expanded the distillery’s role from production site to full tourism destination. That same year, the company named Mark Erwin as Chief Executive Officer, following co-founder David Mandell’s tenure in the role. In 2022, Bardstown Bourbon Company acquired Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, further expanding its Kentucky footprint and production capabilities. As Kentucky tourism continued to surge, the Bardstown campus remained a centerpiece of the company’s strategy, combining distilling operations, hospitality, and education for visitors who want both behind-the-scenes access and a comfortable place to linger.
Notoriety
Bardstown Bourbon Company is widely recognized for delivering a “modern bourbon experience” that feels intentional from start to finish, from the guided education in the visitor center to the ability to pair bourbon with food and crafted cocktails on-site. It is also known for offering a wide variety of structured experiences, ranging from core tours and barrel thieving to specialty tastings and hands-on formats that appeal to curious beginners and serious enthusiasts alike. The distillery’s reputation extends beyond the campus itself through a growing portfolio of whiskey and rye expressions, and the company has pointed to recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024 as part of its broader momentum. For travelers, the draw is simple: Bardstown Bourbon Company is a place where you can learn, taste, and enjoy bourbon in a setting designed for visitors, while still seeing real production in action.
nearby
Lux Row Distillers
Heaven Hill Springs Distillery
Willett Distillery
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History
Old Bardstown Village
The Old Talbott Tavern
Oak & Ember
My Old Kentucky Home Dinner Train
The Trail Hotel
The Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast
Talbott Inn
