What words and images come to mind when you think of Kentucky bourbon? You’ll probably think of rolling hills, horses grazing somewhere in the distance, and a tradition that’s as rich in stories as it is in oak barrels. There’s a genteel, historic nature that runs just beneath the surface.
But, if you’ve ever traversed the state to its Western side, then you know that Kentucky bourbon culture is as varied as the state itself. Head out to western Kentucky, and you’ll find fewer big names, more scrappy, small distilleries, and an outlaw spirit that permeates through each barrel of bourbon aged.
Meet the Wild West of Kentucky Bourbon
This is the Wild West of Kentucky Bourbon, and it’s where adventurous distillers are charting a new frontier in bourbon making. Their history goes back just as far as their neighbors across the state, but they’ve always done things their own way.
These distillers like a little bit of the wild west in their bourbon and, amidst the picturesque scenery, which leans more rugged than the bluegrass covered hills in the east, they’re crafting small batch bourbon that will soon earn a spot in your collection.
Here are six of the Western Kentucky bourbon distilleries that should be at the top of your next trip to the Wild West of Kentucky Bourbon.
Casey Jones Distillery | Hopkinsville, KY
Named for a Prohibition era distiller who kept the tradition of copper still building alive throughout the 1920s — despite being sent to prison twice, Casey Jones Distillery is known for both their bourbon and their moonshine. It’s truly a Kentucky liquor experience. They’re repeat award winners with the American Craft Spirits Association, and you can taste these bourbons for yourself with daily tours and experiences at the distillery. There are over 20 different bourbons to sample, including small batch, single cask, and even rye forward versus corn forward bourbon whiskeys.
Dueling Grounds Distillery | Franklin, KY
The award-winning Linkumpinch bourbon may not be intuitive to pronounce at first glance, but Dueling Grounds Distillery knows once you take that first sip, you’ll be back for a second. This cask strength single barrel bourbon is one of the highlights of a visit to the distillery, but you’ll find it hard to pick a favorite when you start sampling their other liquors and liqueurs (there are even fruit liqueurs for those who have a softer palette!).
Dueling Grounds Distillery has made a trip to their location an experience, with a pizza kitchen that’s open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and a weekly ‘Sip & Savor with a specialty cocktail and food each Sunday afternoon from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Green River Distilling Company | Owensboro, KY
Green River Distilling Company has proudly dubbed itself The Whiskey Without Regrets, a bourbon whiskey crafted on the same grounds it’s been made on since 1885. The distillery owns the distinction of being the tenth oldest distillery licensed in Kentucky, though it took a hiatus for a few years in there, finally reopening in 2022. Today, it’s revisiting its 140-year-old tradition and distilling six different liquors, including single barrel bourbon, full proof bourbon, and a rye whiskey.
You can go on a classic distillery tour, or join the team for a cocktail class or a barrel thieving tour, where you’ll sample straight from the racks.
MB Roland Distillery | Pembroke, KY
Considered a “grain to glass” distiller, MB Roland Distillery makes their bourbon using the local white corn that surrounds their rural location. Founded in 2009 when the owners, one of whom is a lifelong local of the area, bought an Amish dairy farm, MB Roland Distillery is now distilling both bourbon and moonshine on their grounds. They’re open for both standard tours, as well as more behind-the-scenes experiences where you can go in-depth on the history and tradition of bourbon making, meet the founders or the distillers, or even bottle your own bourbon on site.
The Bard Distillery | Graham, KY
The Bard Distillery is one of the most unique distillery settings you’ll find in all of Kentucky. Located in a 1920s schoolhouse in a historic coal mining town, it may not be the most obvious place to start distilling, but there’s something about the juxtaposition that makes their blends even smoother.
They first started brewing in 2019, but they already count their Cinder & Smoke Bourbon among the multiple award winners they’ve produced. The Bard Distillery is open daily for tours, and it might also be the only distillery in Kentucky that includes a female NASCAR driver among its owners.
Henderson Distilling | Coming Soon to Henderson, KY
While most of the Western Kentucky distilleries have rural settings, Henderson Distilling is primed to open right in downtown Henderson. The distillery will open in the former Henderson Municipal Power and Light (HPML) building, which is a formidable brick building in an industrial part of town. Right now, the target open date is fall of 2024.
Heather Bien
A Virginia native and professional writer of over 10 years, Heather is passionate about home decor, cooking and entertaining, travel, ballet, and coffee. You can find more of Heather's work in Southern Living, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Apartment Therapy, and Virginia Living.