Birthplace of Bourbon Driving Tour
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Welcome to Woodford County, Kentucky. This historic region is renowned for its rich heritage and significant contributions to the world of bourbon.
Woodford County and Kentucky are the proud Birthplace of Bourbon. Come visit us and learn our history, the rich tradition and the agriculture roots that make us the Birthplace of Bourbon. From the "water source", the limestone that makes us The Home of Champions from our award-winning Thoroughbreds to our global spirit of bourbon.
This driving tour will take you from the cemetery headstone of bourbon's great James Crow to some of the world's best distilleries in Woodford Reserve, Castle and Key, Bluegrass Distillers, The Aldenberg Hotel and micro distillery and the latest True Story brand with The Kentucky Castle. That's right; it's a castle right here in the heart of the nation which is a must see.
The stories that will unfold here are great for the whole family or the group of friends looking for a tour like no other. Come experience the Birthplace of Bourbon.
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
From the history of bourbon to its modern-day attractions, Woodford County is a treasure
trove for bourbon lovers. Visit the Amsden Bourbon Bar, The Kentucky Castle, The Woodford Hotel,
and more to come locations to experience the rich heritage and vibrant future of bourbon in
Woodford County.
Elijah Pepper built a distillery in the 1700s, which is now Big Spring Park. This site shares the history of the enslaved individuals who worked on the farms and contributed to the distilling process.
At Bluegrass Distillers you'll learn about their grain-to-glass approach and taste their distinctive bourbons.
The tour will feature a comprehensive distillery tour and tasting at one location, and a guided tasting session at the other, ensuring you gain a thorough understanding of the bourbon-making process and a delightful sampling experience at both stops.
About Bluegrass Distillers:
2012-Bluegrass Distillers is a craft bourbon distillery founded by Matt Montgomery, Ben Franzini and Sam Rock.
2015-Downtown Lexington location opened
2020-Bluegrass Distillers bought property in Midway, KY to build a new distillery.
Renovated the 1835 Elkwood Farm mansion for a tasting room.
The new distillery has six 18,000-gallon fermentation tanks, a 36” x 45-ft-tall column still, tasting room, and event space.
2025 - Official Ribbon Cutting for their new Midway location
1835- Elkwood Farm was built by famed architect Gideon Shyrock.
Oscar Pepper, after his father's death in 1831, bought out his siblings and built the Old
Crowe Distillery in honor of his friend James Crowe. Oscar's legacy continued through his son,
James Pepper, who made bourbon a worldwide phenomenon.
Colonel James Taylor birthed the idea of bourbon tourism in the 1880s, using trains to
bring people from all over to the distillery for an immersive experience. Today, Castle and Key stands
as a symbol of this innovative approach.
One of the key figures in the history of bourbon is Dr. James Crowe, a chemist who came
to Kentucky from Scotland in 1825. He perfected the scientific method of bourbon distilling that we
still use today. Dr. Crowe is buried in the Versailles Cemetery, a must-visit destination for bourbon
enthusiasts.
In the heart of downtown Versailles stands a testament to enduring elegance: the historic Woodford Bank and Trust Company building at 101 North Main Street. Established in 1852, this architectural gem has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. Today, it embarks on a new chapter as The Aldenberg Hotel—a refined retreat where every room, every pour, and every moment feels meticulously crafted.
Within these historic walls, The Aldenberg offers more than just accommodation. With 29 bespoke guest rooms, a working craft distillery, and a classic white tablecloth steakhouse, it serves as a sanctuary for discerning guests—those who seek experiences that are both richly rooted in history and exquisitely refined.
Comprising 29 rooms, a craft distillery and steakhouse within the walls of that late 19th century structure, The Aldenberg Hotel embodies the grace and sophistication of its architects’ timeless vision. Deeply ingrained in equine and bourbon culture, we honor our Kentucky roots while carving a path of our own, creating world-class experiences for the most discerning guests.
Historical information on this landmark:
Amsden Bank Building (Built 1889)
Constructed on the site of Watkins Taverns which was destroyed by a fire in the 1880s.
Steps behind the Woodford County Courthouse is a water source that is deemed "The Source". It runs all the way out to McCracken Pike to our world-class horse farms and distillers to make us the Home of Champions and is the unique natural resource that makes Kentucky Bourbon so special.
The source is also where the former parent brand to Woodford began so they claim that is being their starting point to the history behind the brand.
Stop by to see the history written, take a photo and enjoy the mural painted on the wall while enjoy the walk to the park or the view of native grass and flowers growing along the hillside.
History on The Source and distilling:
1797- Elijah Pepper built a distillery below today's Big Spring Park
1809- Oscar Neville Pepper was born
1812- A cabin was built 7 miles down the road on McCracken Pike to start distilling, still along Glenns Creek and down from "The Source" which is today known as Woodford Reserve's property.
1831- Elijah dies and Oscar buys his family out of the shares of the business to become the largest land owner in Woodford County.
1835- Oscar hired Scottish chemist James Crow.
1838- Builds the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery (now at Woodford Reserve)
1872- James sues his mom for ownership of the distillery and wins.
1874- James partners with E. H. Taylor and renovates the distillery.
1877- James was forced to sell to Colonel E. H. Taylor.
1878- Distillery was sold to George T. Stagg then to Labrot and Graham.
More about Woodford Reserve that claims its start at The Source:
1920-Prohibition
1933- Distillery reopened for business.
1941- Brown Forman purchased the Distillery.
1993- After second purchase, Brown Forman began to restore the property. First master distiller was Lincoln Henderson.
1996- Brown Forman changed the name of the distillery to Woodford Reserve.
2004- Chris Morris became master distiller.
2023- Elizabeth McCall became the third master distiller.
The Woodford Hotel is a completely remolded hotel where every suite is bourbon themed. The Woodford Hotel is a building that has been many things over the years but has rich history with dramatic headlines of true news stories dating back to the 1800s.
Today's The Woodford Hotel:
Discover a harmonious blend of bourbon heritage and equestrian elegance at The Woodford Hotel, nestled in the heart of Versailles, Kentucky. Located at 112 North Main Street, our hotel is perfectly positioned near iconic bourbon distilleries such as Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, Four Roses Buffalo Trace, Castle and Key allowing you to embark on an unforgettable bourbon trail right from our doorstep.
The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. Through centuries come and gone our property has been home to some of the most influential bourbon founding fathers such as Elijah & Oscar Pepper, James Crow, and EH Taylor, all with the ultimate ambition: perfecting whiskey. Visit the historic property for a tour, tasting or cocktail.