Louisville distilleries are one of the biggest reasons bourbon fans visit Kentucky. Whether you want a behind-the-scenes tour, bourbon tasting, cocktail bar, or hands-on experience, visiting a distillery is one of the best things to do in the city.
Many Louisville distilleries are located downtown along Whiskey Row and can easily be visited in the same day. Some focus on bourbon history, while others offer experiences like bottling your own whiskey, tasting rare pours, or exploring modern distillery spaces.
This guide covers the best Louisville distilleries, what makes each one different, and how to plan your visit.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Published: September 19, 2023
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Overview of Louisville Distilleries
- Best for first-time visitors: Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
- Best for bourbon history: Old Forester Distilling Co.
- Best for rare tastings: Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery
- Best for rooftop views: Rabbit Hole
- Best for serious bourbon fans: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
- Best for something beyond bourbon: Copper & Kings American Brandy
- Best for straight-from-the-barrel pours: Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
- Best for hands-on experiences: Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row
Louisville has some of the best distilleries in Kentucky, and one thing that makes the city unique is how many are located close together. Many downtown Louisville distilleries sit along Whiskey Row and can easily be visited on foot, while others outside the city center are worth driving to if you have extra time.
Whether you want a traditional bourbon tour, cocktail class, barrel tasting, or something more hands-on, there are plenty of options depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Downtown Louisville Distilleries
I put these downtown Louisville distilleries in the order you should visit them if you want to walk the Louisville part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The distilleries go from west to east, starting near the Slugger Museum, but you can always go from east to west 🙂
Pro travel tip: Stop at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Visitor Center (Right by Kentucky Peerless) before hitting the distilleries!
1. Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co
Best for: Serious bourbon fans
Kentucky Peerless is one of Louisville’s most well-known distilleries and a great stop if you want a smaller, more focused bourbon experience. Originally founded in 1889, the distillery now produces bourbon and rye entirely in one Louisville building, giving visitors a chance to see much of the process in one place.
Compared to some larger distilleries, Peerless feels a little more personal and tends to appeal to visitors who want to learn more about small-batch whiskey production. It is also one of the first stops if you are walking Louisville’s section of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
The distillery has three experiences available:
- Tasting Experience – Bourbon and rye whiskey tasting
- Distillery Tour – behind the scenes tour and tasting
- Distillers’ Select Tasting – Distiller-led tasting experience with early access to unreleased whiskey expressions
Address: 120 N 10th St, Louisville, KY 40202
2. Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery
Best for: Rare tastings
Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery is one of the most popular stops along Whiskey Row and a great choice if you want to try harder-to-find pours. Located inside a restored historic building in downtown Louisville, the space feels different from many newer distilleries and combines bourbon history with a more upscale atmosphere.
Michter’s has a long history dating back to its earlier names, Shenk’s and Bomberger’s, before becoming the Michter’s brand known today. Along with tours and tastings, the distillery is also home to The Bar at Fort Nelson, which is worth stopping at even if you skip a full tour.
Michter’s has three tour options in a range of prices and rarity of the whiskey you taste:
- Discovery Tour – tour and tasting
- Founders Tour – more in-depth tour and tasting
- Legacy Tour – exclusive in-depth educational distillery experience
Address: 801 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
3. Big Bat Bourbon
Best for: Baseball fans
Big Bat Bourbon is one of the more unique stops in Louisville because it combines two things the city is known for: bourbon and baseball. Located near the Louisville Slugger Museum area, this newer stop is easy to add if you are already exploring downtown attractions.
The distillery experience is smaller than some of the major Whiskey Row names, which can make it feel a little more lowkey. It is a fun choice if you want something different between larger bourbon tours.
Address: 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
4. Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row
Best for: Bourbon enthusiasts looking for something different
Pursuit Spirits is a newer addition to Louisville’s bourbon scene and stands out for its focus on blending and whiskey education. Founded by the team behind the Bourbon Pursuit podcast, the distillery brings a different perspective compared to many traditional bourbon brands.
If you enjoy learning more about whiskey production and trying unique blends, this can be a good stop to add while exploring Whiskey Row.
Here are the experiences they offer at the distillery:
- Discover The Pursuit Tasting – whiskey tasting
- Choose Your Own Cocktail Adventure – cocktail making class
- The Whole Shebang! – tasting and fill your own bottle
Address: 722 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
5. Buzzard’s Roost
Best for: Finished whiskey and unique flavor profiles
Buzzard’s Roost offers something a little different from many Louisville distilleries with a focus on barrel finishing and experimenting with flavor. Rather than relying only on traditional aging methods, they use custom toasted barrels designed to create distinct flavor profiles.
Because it is located near Whiskey Row, it is easy to add to a downtown distillery day. If you enjoy trying bourbons that go beyond classic flavor profiles, this one is worth considering.
They offer a ton of distillery experiences, from tastings and tours to bottle fillings, chocolate pairings, and bachelor/bachelorette party specials.
Address: 624 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
6. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Best for: First-time visitors
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is one of the easiest Louisville distilleries to visit if you are new to bourbon. Located right on Whiskey Row, it combines distillery history, guided experiences, tastings, and interactive exhibits in a way that feels approachable for both bourbon fans and casual visitors.
Evan Williams is recognized as Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, dating back to 1783, and the experience focuses heavily on that history. One thing I like about this stop is that it works well for mixed groups since visitors under 21 can still join the tour even though they cannot participate in the tasting portion.
Evan Williams has six experience options:
- Traditional Tour & Bourbon Tasting – history-focused tour and bourbon tasting
- Speakeasy Tasting Experience – Prohibition-themed tasting in a hidden speakeasy
- Whiskey Distilled: An Exploration of Distillation Methods – educational tasting focused on whiskey production
- Choc-ology: Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting Experience – whiskey and chocolate pairing experience
- Behind the Glass Distillery Tasting Experience – behind-the-scenes distillery access and premium tasting
- Bourbon Bootcamp Distillery Experience – hands-on whiskey making experience with the distillery team
Address: 528 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
7. Old Forester Distilling Co.
Best for: Bourbon history
Old Forester is one of the most historic Louisville distilleries and an easy stop to add while exploring Whiskey Row. What makes it stand out is its history. Old Forester is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company since before Prohibition and was one of the few allowed to continue producing whiskey during that time.
The distillery does a good job blending history with the production process, making it a great choice whether you are interested in bourbon itself or the stories behind it. If you do not want to commit to a full tour, you can also stop by George’s Bar inside the distillery for a tasting or cocktail.
Old Forester offers multiple tasting and tours options, ranging from standard experiences to more in-depth guided tours. If you don’t want to do a full tour, you can do a tasting or enjoy a cocktail at George’s Bar in the distillery.
Address: 119 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
8. Angel’s Envy Distillery
Best for: Finished bourbon
Angel’s Envy is one of the most recognizable Louisville distilleries and a good choice if you want to try something a little different. The brand is known for its finished bourbons, which are aged in additional barrels to create unique flavor profiles.
The name comes from the term “Angel’s Share,” the small amount of bourbon naturally lost during the aging process. During your visit, you’ll learn more about the Henderson family, see the production process up close, and finish with a tasting experience.
The modern design and downtown location also make this one of the easier distilleries to add while exploring Whiskey Row.
Angel’s Envy offers a variety of tours, where you learn how Angel’s Envy was founded, see the bourbon process up close, and end with a tasting.
Address: 500 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
9. Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Louisville
Best for: Straight-from-the-barrel tastings
Whiskey Thief offers one of the more unique experiences among Louisville distilleries because of its focus on tasting bourbon directly from the barrel. Instead of a standard tasting setup, visitors can sample whiskey straight from the source and get a closer look at how flavors change during the aging process.
The distillery has become known for its more hands-on approach and smaller feel compared to some of the larger Whiskey Row stops. If you want something that feels a little different from the traditional tour-and-tasting format, this is a fun one to add to your Louisville bourbon itinerary.
They offer one experience called the Louisville-Uncut & Unfiltered Experience with tastings.
Address: 610 Nanny Goat Strut, Louisville, KY 40202
10. Rabbit Hole
Best for: Modern design and rooftop views
Rabbit Hole is one of the newer Louisville distilleries and feels very different from some of the more historic stops on Whiskey Row. Opened in 2018 and located in the NuLu neighborhood, the distillery has a modern design and a more contemporary feel compared to traditional bourbon spaces.
One thing that makes Rabbit Hole stand out is its rooftop bar, called the Overlook. If you have flexibility, try visiting around sunset for some of the best views. Its location in NuLu also makes it easy to pair with restaurants, coffee shops, and other nearby stops before or after your tour.
The distillery offers a tour that visitors of all ages can join, although guests under 21 will not participate in the tasting at the end.
Address: 711 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202
11. Copper & Kings American Brandy
Best for: Something beyond bourbon
Copper & Kings is a little different from the other stops on this list because it focuses on American brandy instead of bourbon. Still, it remains one of Louisville’s most popular distillery experiences and is worth considering if you want to try something beyond whiskey.
The distillery is known for guided tours, cocktails, and rooftop views over Louisville. If you have already visited several bourbon distilleries and want a change of pace, this is a fun option to add.
Here are the tours you can book at this unique distillery:
- The Brandy in Bourbon Country Tour – guided distillery tour with brandy history, barrelhouse access, welcome cocktail, and premium tastings
- Distiller’s Select: Reserve Barrel Experience – rare barrel tastings, distillery-exclusive pours, and behind-the-scenes access
Address: 1121 E Washington St, Louisville, KY 40206
12. Prohibition Craft Spirits
Best for: Small-batch spirits and a quieter experience
Prohibition Craft Spirits is a smaller stop compared to some of Louisville’s larger bourbon distilleries, making it a good choice if you want something that feels a little more local and less crowded. The distillery focuses on small-batch spirits and offers a different experience from the bigger names along Whiskey Row.
Because of its smaller size, visits can feel more personal and give you a closer look at the production process. If you enjoy discovering places beyond the most famous bourbon brands, this can be a worthwhile stop to add to your Louisville itinerary.
- Guided Tour & Tasting – distillery tour, Prohibition history, and six-spirit tasting
- Barrel Pick Experience – taste from multiple barrels and take home your own bottle selection
- Bourbon Tastings – guided tasting experience focused on NULU whiskey and bourbon education
Address: 436 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Distilleries Outside Downtown Louisville
Not every Louisville distillery is located along Whiskey Row. If you have extra time or a car, there are several additional distilleries outside downtown that are worth visiting.
1. Brough Brothers Distillery
Best for: Trying something different
Brough Brothers Distillery stands out as Kentucky’s first Black-owned distillery and adds something different to Louisville’s bourbon scene. Founded by three brothers from Louisville, the distillery focuses on creating bourbon while also sharing a unique story tied to the city itself.
Compared to some of the larger downtown distilleries, this stop feels a little more local and personal. If you want to go beyond the major Whiskey Row names and support a newer Louisville distillery, this is a worthwhile stop.
You can book a tour of the distillery on their website.
Address: 1460 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40210
2. Stitzel-Weller Distillery
Best for: Bourbon history
Stitzel-Weller is one of the most historic names in Kentucky bourbon and a must-visit for serious bourbon fans. Opened in 1935 on Derby Day, the distillery played a major role in bourbon history and helped create well-known brands over the years.
While it sits outside downtown Louisville, many bourbon fans still make the trip because of its history and connection to the industry’s past. If you enjoy learning about bourbon beyond tastings alone, this is one of the most interesting Louisville-area distillery visits.
Here are the experiences offered at the distillery:
- The Stitzel-Weller Experience – full distillery tour covering bourbon history and tastings
- A Taste of History – guided tasting flight focused on bourbon history and signature pours
- Progressive Walking Tour & Taste – extended walking tour with tastings throughout the distillery
- The Triple Crown Experience – racing-themed Blade and Bow tasting experience
- Bourbon & Chocolate Sensory Experience – guided bourbon and chocolate pairing class
Address: 3860 Fitzgerald Rd, Shively, KY 40216
3. Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
Best for: Whiskey blending experiences
Old Louisville Whiskey Co. offers something a little different from a traditional distillery tour. Rather than focusing only on production, this experience leans more into whiskey education, tastings, and blending experiences.
If you enjoy learning how different flavor profiles come together or want a more hands-on whiskey experience, this can be a fun addition to your Louisville bourbon itinerary.
Address: 2600 S 7th St, Louisville, KY 40208
Enjoy all the distilleries Louisville has to offer!
Louisville distilleries are one of the best ways to experience Kentucky bourbon, whether you want a behind-the-scenes tour, a guided tasting, or a chance to learn more about the history of whiskey in the city.
One thing I like about Louisville is how many distilleries are located close together. You can easily spend a day walking Whiskey Row, visiting multiple stops, and trying different experiences without needing to drive all over the city.
Whether you visit one distillery or build a full Louisville bourbon itinerary, these stops are worth adding to your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Louisville Distilleries
Can you walk between Louisville distilleries?
Many downtown Louisville distilleries are located along Whiskey Row and can be visited on foot. Places like Michter’s, Evan Williams, Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, and Kentucky Peerless are all within a relatively short distance.
How many Louisville distilleries can you visit in one day?
Most people can comfortably visit two to four distilleries in one day depending on tour length and tasting availability.
Do Louisville distilleries require reservations?
Many Louisville distilleries strongly recommend booking ahead, especially during weekends and Derby season.
What is the best Louisville distillery for first-time visitors?
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is one of the easiest places to start because it combines history, tours, and tastings in a beginner-friendly setting.
Are Louisville distilleries part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
Many are. Several downtown Louisville distilleries are official Kentucky Bourbon Trail stops.
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