Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour Review
Visitor Center - Woodford Reserve Distillery
Gift Shop
Distillery
Distillery Entrance
Cooker
Cypress Fermenters
Stills
Spirit Safe
Spirit Tank
Barreling
Barrel Run
Barrel Warehouse C
Barrel Warehouse C
Barrel Warehouse C
Barrel Dumping
Bottling
Dryer House
Tasting
Tasting
Barrel Head
Visitor Center - Woodford Reserve Distillery
Gift Shop
Distillery
Distillery Entrance
Cooker
Cypress Fermenters
Stills
Spirit Safe
Spirit Tank
Barreling
Barrel Run
Barrel Warehouse C
Barrel Warehouse C
Barrel Warehouse C
Barrel Dumping
Bottling
Dryer House
Tasting
Tasting
Barrel Head
7855 McCracken Pike
Versailles, KY 40383
859-879-1812
Discretely nestled among the horse farms in Woodford County Kentucky is the home of Woodford Reserve Distillery. Located just 8 miles north of Versailles, Woodford Reserve is a beautiful and unique piece of Kentucky's distilling history. Beautiful because the original farm-distillery land continues to be some of the finest in the Bluegrass region and unique because there have been only 4 owners of the distillery since 1812.
Around the aforementioned time, Elijah Pepper set up his grist mill and distillery on his 200 acre farm along Glenn's Creek. After 66 years in the Pepper family, ownership was transferred to Labrot and Graham in 1878. Although L & G made great improvements and upgrades to the business, by 1940, Prohibition had taken its toll and the distillery was sold to
Brown-Forman Distillers Corporation. Continued consumer abandonment of Kentucky's brown spirit in the 50's and 60's led the company to stop distilling and eventually sell the distillery to local farmer, Freeman Hockensmith, in 1973. Hockensmith used the property mostly for agricultural storage, but also made a brief attempt at producing fuel alcohol. Renewed interest in creating a premium bourbon drove the Brown-Forman Corporation to repurchase the aged Labrot & Grahman distillery for the second time in 1994. After a total rehabilitation of the buildings and the addition of a brand new Visitor Center, the distillery opened to the public in 1996.The distillery's designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2002 was well deserved. A tour of the distillery solidifies this distinction. There is currently one tour available at Woodford. "Woodford Reserve's Path To Flavor" tour is offered Wednesday-Sunday. For distillery hours, tour times, and tour availability, visit woodfordreserve.com. If you don't have time for a 70 minute tour and tasting, then opt for "The Spectacle For The Senses" tasting. This 30 minute guided tasting includes five samples of Woodford's family of whiskies. The cost is $32 for the tour with tasting and $25 for just the guided tasting. Both experiences begin at the Visitor Center which is located on the south side of McCracken Pike. Generally, there is ample parking, even during the very busy summer months, as there is a second lot available across the road on the north side of McCracken Pike.
woodfordreserve.com. If you don't have time for a 70 minute tour and tasting, then opt for "The Spectacle For The Senses" tasting. This 30 minute guided tasting includes five samples of Woodford's family of whiskies. The cost is $32 for the tour with tasting and $25 for just the guided tasting. Both experiences begin at the Visitor Center which is located on the south side of McCracken Pike. Generally, there is ample parking, even during the very busy summer months, as there is a second lot available across the road on the north side of McCracken Pike.
We met our tour guide, Jaime, inside the Visitor Center and after his introduction and short safety spiel, we headed outside and down the softly sloped pathway toward the distillery. This is a walking tour, but very easy, with minimal stairs. Along the way Jamie covered much of the history of the distillery from its owners to its many buildings. Upon entering the distillery proper through the fermentation room, we learned that portions of the building date back to 1838. While in the fermentation room, Jamie discussed Woodford's mashing process and their 5 sources of flavor (Grain, Water, Fermentation, Distillation, Maturation). Although the eight 7500 gallon cypress fermenters might look really old, they are not. Half were put in when the distillery opened in the 90's while the others came later as production grew.
After our stop in fermentation, we moved on to the still area in the next room. Woodford triple distills its product*, which explained the 3 beautiful copper pot stills we saw. As Jamie explained Woodford's triple pot distillation process, we had plenty of time to view the amazing equipment and take a plethora of pictures. Interestingly, barreling takes place in the same room. The freshly distilled new make is sent to the nearby 1400 gallon gauge tank. This tank is used to proof down the spirit from 125 proof to its barrel entry proof of 110. Barrels were being filled while we were in the still area, so we were able to to see in action how Woodford moves their barrels.
With the distillery lesson complete, we headed back outside to view the almost nine decades old barrel run. Built in 1934, the barrel run is over 500 feet in length and helps to expedite barrel movement to the warehouses for their long rest. Once a barrel is filled in the distillery, it is moved out of the building via a rail system. The newly filled barrel moves through a window type exit on 2 rails. These two rails are spaced perfectly apart so that the barrels run the rails without needing a worker present. That's definitely working smarter, not harder, as a full 53 gallon barrel weighs around 500 lbs.
While it's hard to top the active barrel run, the next point of interest, Warehouse C, was a close second. Right across the way from the distillery, Warehouse C is Woodford's oldest active barrel warehouse. This beautiful stone building was completed over 100 years ago and still houses around 5000 barrels. The smell of the angels' share is delicious. Another interesting note Jamie made is that Woodford heats the warehouse in the winter from the bottom up so that the lower level barrels achieve the the same heated aging as the upper level barrels do in the summer. Once again, they're working smarter, not harder at Woodford.
As we left Warehouse C behind, a quick stop was made at the building next door. This Is Woodford's bottling facility. It's the second 100 year old plus building still in use on the property. Bottling takes place Monday-Friday and Woodford bottles all of its own products. Due to pandemic restrictions, we just got a peek at the process through a screened door. There were plenty of barrels and bottles swapping juice.
Having covered the bourbon making process from start to finish, the only thing left to do now was taste. Jamie led the way to Dryer House which is where tour tastings take place. It's a very short distance from the distillery as well as Warehouse C. In the 1930's the Dryer House replaced the open cattle feed station which received the spent grain from the distillery. The Slop Dryer house instead allowed the used grains to be piped in from the distillery, dried out, and then recycled as livestock feed. While livestock still enjoy the grains as feed, today's Dryer House does not house slop, but instead, some very tasty spirits.
The tour tasting consists of 4 products: the Woodford Reserve Bourbon, the Woodford Malt Whiskey, the Woodford Reserve Rye, and a very special taste not bottled, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon straight from the barrel. The tasting lasts no more than about 15 minutes. Jamie led the way, providing guidance particularly for those who are new to tasting whiskey. The final treat was the Woodford Reserve bourbon ball. These are most delightful. Even better is that all samples, except for the straight from the barrel, are available for purchase in the gift shop. With the tasting completed, our tour had come to an end and so we headed back up the pathway to the visitor's center.
After some shopping in the very spacious and well stocked gift shop, our time at Woodford came to a close. Woodford Reserve Distillery is indeed a lovely place to visit. Due to its close proximity to Lexington and Frankfort however, tours are usually booked well in advance. Don't let that be a deterrent because its history and grounds alone are worth the trip. Visit Woodford's outside bar, enjoy your favorite Woodford spirit, and then sit back and relax on the scenic patio soaking in all the rustic ambiance your senses can handle. Woodford Reserve is a must see for the history lover and the bourbon geek alike!
After our stop in fermentation, we moved on to the still area in the next room. Woodford triple distills its product*, which explained the 3 beautiful copper pot stills we saw. As Jamie explained Woodford's triple pot distillation process, we had plenty of time to view the amazing equipment and take a plethora of pictures. Interestingly, barreling takes place in the same room. The freshly distilled new make is sent to the nearby 1400 gallon gauge tank. This tank is used to proof down the spirit from 125 proof to its barrel entry proof of 110. Barrels were being filled while we were in the still area, so we were able to to see in action how Woodford moves their barrels.
With the distillery lesson complete, we headed back outside to view the almost nine decades old barrel run. Built in 1934, the barrel run is over 500 feet in length and helps to expedite barrel movement to the warehouses for their long rest. Once a barrel is filled in the distillery, it is moved out of the building via a rail system. The newly filled barrel moves through a window type exit on 2 rails. These two rails are spaced perfectly apart so that the barrels run the rails without needing a worker present. That's definitely working smarter, not harder, as a full 53 gallon barrel weighs around 500 lbs.
While it's hard to top the active barrel run, the next point of interest, Warehouse C, was a close second. Right across the way from the distillery, Warehouse C is Woodford's oldest active barrel warehouse. This beautiful stone building was completed over 100 years ago and still houses around 5000 barrels. The smell of the angels' share is delicious. Another interesting note Jamie made is that Woodford heats the warehouse in the winter from the bottom up so that the lower level barrels achieve the the same heated aging as the upper level barrels do in the summer. Once again, they're working smarter, not harder at Woodford.
As we left Warehouse C behind, a quick stop was made at the building next door. This Is Woodford's bottling facility. It's the second 100 year old plus building still in use on the property. Bottling takes place Monday-Friday and Woodford bottles all of its own products. Due to pandemic restrictions, we just got a peek at the process through a screened door. There were plenty of barrels and bottles swapping juice.
Having covered the bourbon making process from start to finish, the only thing left to do now was taste. Jamie led the way to Dryer House which is where tour tastings take place. It's a very short distance from the distillery as well as Warehouse C. In the 1930's the Dryer House replaced the open cattle feed station which received the spent grain from the distillery. The Slop Dryer house instead allowed the used grains to be piped in from the distillery, dried out, and then recycled as livestock feed. While livestock still enjoy the grains as feed, today's Dryer House does not house slop, but instead, some very tasty spirits.
The tour tasting consists of 4 products: the Woodford Reserve Bourbon, the Woodford Malt Whiskey, the Woodford Reserve Rye, and a very special taste not bottled, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon straight from the barrel. The tasting lasts no more than about 15 minutes. Jamie led the way, providing guidance particularly for those who are new to tasting whiskey. The final treat was the Woodford Reserve bourbon ball. These are most delightful. Even better is that all samples, except for the straight from the barrel, are available for purchase in the gift shop. With the tasting completed, our tour had come to an end and so we headed back up the pathway to the visitor's center.
After some shopping in the very spacious and well stocked gift shop, our time at Woodford came to a close. Woodford Reserve Distillery is indeed a lovely place to visit. Due to its close proximity to Lexington and Frankfort however, tours are usually booked well in advance. Don't let that be a deterrent because its history and grounds alone are worth the trip. Visit Woodford's outside bar, enjoy your favorite Woodford spirit, and then sit back and relax on the scenic patio soaking in all the rustic ambiance your senses can handle. Woodford Reserve is a must see for the history lover and the bourbon geek alike!
*NOTE: While the whiskey distilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery is triple pot still distilled, whiskey distilled in column stills at Brown-Forman's large Louisville distillery is also used in many of the Woodford Reserve whiskeys.
| |
Please note that due to COVID Distillery Hours and Tour/Tasting Availability may vary. Please contact the distillery or check their web page or social media for details before you go.
| Days of operation | hours |
Paved Drive / Lot | Wednesday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 12pm-4:30pm |
Motorcycle Parking | Yes |
Motorcycle unfriendly features | No |
Number of tours per day | Wednesday-Saturday - 7 Sunday- 3 Tours start on the half hour |
Length of Tour(s) | 1h 10m |
Advanced topic tours? | No |
Advanced topic tour names | N/A |
Tours by owners /distillers available? | No |
Number of different types of tours | Currently 1 |
On-Line Tour Reservations Available | Yes |
Advanced Reservations Recommended/Required | Advanced booking online is required |
| Cost for tour(s) in $ | $32.00 |
Tasting Included? | Yes |
| Number of samples included in tasting | 4 |
| Tasting Only Option? | Yes |
| Tasting Only Option Cost | $25 Wednesday-Saturday - 7 Sunday - 4 Tastings begin on the 1/4 hour |
High-end tasting option? | No |
High-end tasting option cost? | N/A |
Designated Driver Option | No |
Handicapped Accessible? | Yes |
| Souvenirs included with tour? | No |
Gift shop | Yes |
On-Site bottle sales? | Yes |
| On-site food: Restaurant/Cafe/Snacks | Not currently, but may return |
| On-site Cocktail bar | Yes |
| On-site event space | Yes |
| Should I visit? (Yes, Perhaps, No) | Definitely |
| Unique Features | Great distillery history and refurbished historic buildings |
Website | https://www.woodfordreserve.com/ |
Date Visited | June 2021 |
| |