Smaller craft distilleries making big gains in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky.–The iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour is expanding with two
new members in Lexington and northern Kentucky, giving fans the opportunity to experience 13
distilleries on the tour that showcases the state’s burgeoning micro distilleries.
Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington and Boone County Distilling Company in Independence join
the fast-growing and impressive tour of Kentucky’s finest craft distillers, established by the
Kentucky Distillers’ Association in 2012.
The first of its kind in the country, the KBT Craft Tour is an adventure designed for those
looking to try up-and-coming brands and meet the innovators behind the products. Visitors made
more than 175,000 stops on the tour last year.
“The Craft Tour offers the opportunity for visitors to experience our smaller distilling operations
that are building upon centuries of rich traditions and heritage,” KDA President Eric Gregory
said. “They are the next generation of our timeless craft.”
In many cases, the distillery owners are the distillers, tour guides, maintenance crews, and
support staff, Gregory said. “Visitors are quite literally guests in their home office. It’s a very
intimate tourism experience.”
Bluegrass Distillers, located at 501 West Sixth Street in Lexington, opened its doors in 2015.
Founded by Nate Brown, Sam Rock, and Matt Montgomery, the company prides itself on
handcrafting quality products using organic and locally sourced Kentucky ingredients.
“We are very excited about becoming part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour,” Brown
said. “And we are pleased to continue to do our part to honor the tradition of Kentucky by
making our craft spirit right here in the heart of the Bluegrass.”
Located at 10601 Toebben Drive, Boone County Distilling Company has been making whiskey
since 2015 and looks forward to welcoming guests to its beautiful new tasting room and visitor
experience.
“The Boone County Distilling Company is proud to join the ranks of the Craft Tour,” co-founder
Josh Quinn said. “Our goal is to uphold and honor the Kentucky tradition of carefully crafting
exceptional bourbon and rye whiskey like those who came before us.”
