Bluegrass Distillers Downtown Lexington

Bluegrass Distillers is a unique craft distillery that embodies the spirit of true Kentucky. Having started in downtown Lexington, the company recently opened a new chapter in its history by moving production to the picturesque historic Elkwood Farm in the neighboring town of Midway. This place attracts spirits connoisseurs with its approach: traditions are honored here, but they are not afraid to experiment.

The distillery's main feature is its full "grain-to-glass" production cycle. The masters use local ingredients, and the brand's claim to fame is its blue corn bourbon, known for its distinct, smooth, and rich taste. Visiting this place is not just a tasting, but an immersion into the culture of the US state known throughout the world for its whiskey.

The estate where the distillery is now located is an attraction in itself. The restored 1835 mansion adds a special charm to the visit, allowing guests to enjoy drinks in the atmosphere of the Old South.

Due to the distillery's move to a new historic location, the contact details have been updated. Guests are now welcomed at Elkwood Farm in the city of Midway, located near Lexington.

The main activity here is, of course, the guided tour with tasting. Guests can see the entire bourbon creation process with their own eyes: from mashing the grain and fermentation to distillation in copper pot stills. Guides provide fascinating insights into the chemistry and art of distillation, making complex concepts understandable and interesting even for beginners.

It is definitely worth trying the distillery's signature drinks. In the tasting room, guests are invited to taste various types of bourbon, including the unique Blue Corn Bourbon. Comparing the flavor profiles of different releases will help you better understand how grain and aging affect the final result.

Since the distillery is now located on the grounds of a historic farm, visitors can stroll through the picturesque Elkwood estate. This is a great opportunity to take beautiful photos against the backdrop of ancient architecture and the green fields of Kentucky. There is also a shop on-site where you can purchase a bottle of whiskey you liked, branded glasses, or souvenirs to remember the trip.

Since the distillery has moved from downtown Lexington to the picturesque town of Midway, it is easiest to get there by car. The drive from downtown Lexington takes about 20–25 minutes. You need to take US-421 N (Leestown Road) and follow it straight until you enter Midway.

Public transport to the Elkwood estate itself runs extremely rarely or is non-existent, so relying on buses is not recommended. The most convenient option for tourists without a personal car would be to order a taxi or use ridesharing services (Uber, Lyft). This will allow you to enjoy the tasting without worrying about the return journey.

The history of Bluegrass Distillers began in 2013, when a group of enthusiasts decided to make bourbon from scratch, using a simple setup and a huge desire to revive traditions. For a long time, they were based in the former Bread Box building in Lexington, where they gained a loyal local following thanks to their experiments with recipes, including the famous blue corn bourbon.

An important milestone in the company's history was the move to the historic Elkwood Farm estate in Midway. This place has a rich past: the main manor house was built back in 1835 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The move allowed the distillery not only to expand production but also to become a guardian of a piece of American history, combining the craft of whiskey making with the atmosphere of old Kentucky.

Special attention is paid to ingredients here. The team takes pride in using local grain crops, supporting regional farmers. Their "grain-to-glass" approach means that every stage of production, from grinding the grain to bottling, is controlled directly on-site, which guarantees the highest quality and authenticity of the drink.

For a complete visit to Bluegrass Distillers, it is recommended to allocate 1 to 1.5 hours. This time will be enough to take a leisurely tour of the production facilities and grounds, learn about the nuances of distillation, and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic estate.

If you plan a more extensive tasting or want to spend time in the gift shop and walk around the farm grounds, it is worth allowing a little more time — about two hours. This will allow you to relax and fully appreciate the flavors of the local bourbon without unnecessary haste.

The distillery is usually open for visits throughout the week, but tour start times may vary depending on the season and day of the week. Typically, tours are conducted from late morning to early evening.

Since the tour schedule is fixed and groups can be small, it is highly recommended to check current opening hours and book tickets in advance on the company's official website. This guarantees you a spot at a convenient time.

Although the main production has moved to the suburbs, exploring the surroundings of Lexington and its city center is an essential part of the itinerary. The region is rich in historic mansions and places associated with famous American figures, which will help you better understand the culture of the state of Kentucky.