jamieross103 DAY 3 – Drive to Lexington from Bardstown
After a late night of talking about bourbon and whisky it was time to go and visit some distilleries that would not allow tours/tastings but you could visit the Visitor Room and buy some swag. First up was Four Roses as per below.
Next stop which was about 30min drive towards Lexington was Wild Turkey, a favourite of mine and it was Jen’s Dads favourite as well so had a special reason to visit. Picked up the new release Rye and a Rare Breed from them too.
After a 15 min drive we went through Versailles and popped in to the Versailles Brewing Company for some lunch food and drink.
Fully replenished we headed to Lexington to visit James E. Pepper distillery. This was a good visit so read my review. Next to the Distillery was a bar that we nipped in to for a refreshing craft beer, then next to that is the Elkhorn Tavern which we also had a drink in !
Once we left the Elkhorn we hit another distillery which is actually part of the Elkorn Tavern we later found out. Barrel House Distilling Co, is a small batch but they do have alot of vodka and gins.
Next step less than 1/2 mile away is another brewery, this whole area is either a food place or a drink place which is great ! We walked in to Fusion Brewery which although a cool place the beer was not that great I am afraid.
After this our driver did take us to the centre of Lexington where we hit up a place called Pies and Pints…. Pie below.
Then it was onwards to some more breweries, I did say this is not just a whiskey tour ! First stop after a light bite at 3pm was Mirror Twin Brewing Co which to be honest was huge, a massive outdoor patio area and was a little too busy in my opinion.
Back to the Distilleries…. Bluegrass Distillers is a very small batch producer, we hit it on the day that they had a bottle release of only 400 bottles so we snatched up one sharpish.
What amazed me throughout Lexington is the artwork on almost every building.
Next door to Bluegrass was West Sixth Brewing, cool spot to hang out for sure.
We then headed to a bar to end the evening, we did hit to other breweries but they were full by then as it was getting close to 7pm. Pivot Brewing and Rock House Brewing finished off the evening.
As we reached the end of the evening I was ready for a coffee and my friend had some more beers….. I guess getting old takes it toll eventually. This was the last picture and comment of DAY 3
DAY 4 – Lexington – Louisville
The next morning we left around 9.30am as we had a 20 min drive to the beautiful Woodford Reserve. There are so many lovely ranches around there, truly a beautiful area.
Next stop was Castle & Key which was a stone’s throw from Woodford. On the way we passed this restaurant The Stave, please plan to eat there. We did not have time !
After Castle we drive about 1mile to see the Old Crow Distillery which had been closed and was apparently haunted…. Glenn Creek Distilling below have acquired some of it and we popped in for a taste.
Then we headed to Jeptha Creed Distillery for some lunch and a tasting, about a 40min drive. Read my review but a great place but not overly keen on the liquor, but it does have red corn whisky.
Once we left we heading to North Louisville to visit Kentucky Artisan Distillery. Lovely small place and is home to Jefferson, the ocean aged and travelled bourbon. Great story google it.
Next we headed in to Louisville to Stitzel-Weller Distillery for an Orphan Barrel tasting. Truly a treat, 3 orphans to taste and the new Blade and bow whiskey.
After this tasting we headed to the hotel and then in to Louisville for a few drinks. End of the day and time for bed.
