Louisville is known as the world’s bourbon capital, and for a good reason. With a rich history of distilling dating back to the 1700s, the city boasts some of the finest bourbon distilleries. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just looking to learn more about the art of distilling, the distilleries in Louisville offer something for everyone. Some of the top bourbon distilleries in Louisville are Angels Envy, Copper and Kings, Rabbit Hole, Old Forester, Michters, Evan Williams Experience, Kentucky Peerless, and Stitzel-Weller. If you’re ambitious and plan accordingly, you can visit them over the course of a long weekend.
Angels Envy
Angels Envy is one of the newer distilleries in Louisville. Still, it has quickly made a name for itself as one of the top bourbon makers in the city. Located in downtown Louisville, Angels Envy offers tours of its state-of-the-art distillery, including a beautiful tasting room and a rooftop bar with stunning city views. The tour takes visitors through the entire bourbon-making process, from the mash bill to the bottling line, and ends with a tasting of their award-winning bourbon.
Copper and Kings
Copper and Kings is a unique distillery specializing in brandy, gin, and absinthe, in addition to bourbon which is available exclusively at the distillery. Located in the historic Butchertown neighborhood, Copper and Kings are known for its innovative approach to distilling, which includes the use of copper stills and a focus on aging its spirits in unique barrels. Visitors to the distillery can tour the facility, which includes tasting its various spirits and visiting the rooftop bar.
Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole is another newer distillery in Louisville, but it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the top bourbon makers in the city. Located in the Nulu neighborhood, Rabbit Hole is known for its modern approach to distilling, which includes a focus on innovation and experimentation.
Old Forester
Old Forester is one of the oldest distilleries in Louisville, with a history dating back to the 1800s. Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, Old Forester is known for its classic approach to distilling, which includes a focus on consistency and quality. Visitors to Old Forester can tour the facility by tasting its various bourbons and visiting its impressive cooperage.
Michters
Michters is another historic distillery in Louisville, with a history dating back to the 1700s. Located in the Shively neighborhood, Michters is known for its small-batch approach to distilling, which includes a focus on quality over quantity. In addition to taking a tour of the Shively facility, Michters also has an amazing tasting room called The Bar at Fort Nelson in downtown Louisville.
Evan Williams Experience
Evan Williams Experience is a unique distillery located on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. Named after the founder of Kentucky’s first commercial distillery, Evan Williams Experience offers visitors a journey through the history of bourbon and a chance to taste some of its various bourbons. The tour includes visiting the distillery’s replica of Evan Williams’ original distillery and tasting its multiple bourbons.
Kentucky Peerless
Kentucky Peerless is a historic distillery located in the Portland neighborhood of Louisville. Known for its focus on quality and tradition, Kentucky Peerless is one of the few distilleries in Louisville to use a sweet mash process, which involves fresh yeast in every batch. Be sure to see the impressive copper pot stills and fermentation tanks.
Stitzel-Weller
Stitzel-Weller is a legendary distillery located in the Shively neighborhood of Louisville. Founded in 1935, Stitzel-Weller is known for its iconic brands, including Pappy Van Winkle and Old Fitzgerald. Although the distillery is no longer operating, it has been beautifully restored. It now serves as a museum and event space. Be sure to visit Garden & Gun Club, Stitzel-Weller’s premier cocktail bar.
Closing Remarks
Louisville is home to the best bourbon distilleries in the world, each offering visitors a unique and memorable experience. From the modern innovation of Rabbit Hole to the classic approach of Old Forester, there’s a distillery in Louisville to suit every taste. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just looking to learn more about the art of distilling, visiting one of these top bourbon distilleries is a must-do in Louisville. For more things to do and places to eat in Louisville, read our 48hrs in Louisville guide.
Where to Stay in Louisville
The Story of Butchertown is a cozy historic home in the Butchertown neighborhood of Louisville, minutes from NuLu, downtown, and all major attractions. Book now.
