About
Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. is one of the most distinctive stops in Kentucky because it blends a working brewery and a working distillery into one visitor-friendly campus right in the heart of Lexington. Owned by Alltech, the global agribusiness known for animal nutrition and fermentation science, the operation carries a “craft with precision” feel that shows up in everything from production to hospitality. Guests can tour the brewery side, then cross into the Town Branch distilling side for a deeper look at how Kentucky whiskey is made in an urban setting, all without leaving the city. Just minutes from the Lexington Distillery District, it offers a polished yet approachable atmosphere, making it a great stop for travelers who want a Bourbon Trail experience that still feels distinctly Lexington.
History
The modern Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. story begins in 1999, when Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder of Alltech, revived Lexington’s brewing tradition and built the company into a nationally recognized producer of beer and spirits. The brewery’s rise is closely tied to bourbon country itself, especially through Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, which helped put the brand on the map by marrying craft beer with authentic Kentucky bourbon barrels. As the company grew, it expanded into whiskey with the creation of Town Branch Distillery, widely recognized as the first new distillery built in Lexington in more than a century, bringing distilling back into the city in a meaningful way. The Town Branch brand takes its name from the historic waterway that runs through Lexington, tying the whiskey identity to local geography, limestone-rich terrain, and the city’s early distilling heritage.
Notoriety
Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. is best known for two things that rarely live together at this level. A celebrated bourbon-barrel-aged beer program and a true Kentucky whiskey brand, Town Branch, produced on the same campus. For visitors, that means the experience is not just a tour and a tasting, it’s a side-by-side story of how barrels shape flavor in both beer and bourbon, and how a city distillery can still feel rooted in Kentucky tradition. Town Branch stands out as the flagship whiskey identity here, giving travelers a Lexington-branded bourbon and rye option that feels tied to place, not just production. The campus has also built a reputation for offering experiences that go beyond a basic walkthrough, appealing to both bourbon fans and beer lovers who want a more interactive, comparison-driven visit that feels memorable and uniquely local.
