There is so much to love at Woodford Reserve Distillery, located just west of the small town of Versailles. Locals can easily identify visitors by their pronunciation of the town’s name; here, it’s pronounced “Vr Sales,” unlike the French pronunciation “Vr Sai” used for the affluent suburb of Paris.
Don’t be misled into thinking that this location is entirely new based on the view from McCracken Pike. This rural road separates the beautiful new multi-purpose Gift Shop and Cocktail Bar. Just down the hill from the Gift Shop, you’ll find a stunning view of the historic distillery and several rickhouses along Glenns Creek, which flows behind the production facilities. This creek provides the essential limestone water for the distilling operations.
Woodford Reserve’s product line is relatively new compared to many Kentucky bourbons, having been launched in 1996 by Brown-Forman. Most bourbon enthusiasts are likely familiar with their flagship Woodford Reserve bourbon, which is excellent, but the double-double oaked bourbon is truly outstanding. It may be hard to find, but it’s well worth the effort.
The main distillery building was constructed in1812 by Elijah Pepper, who served as Master Distiller until his death in 1831, when his son, Oscar Pepper, took over. Over the years, the distillery has produced various brands, including Old Oscar Pepper, Old Crow, Labrot & Graham, Early Times, and most recently, Woodford Reserve.
In 1995, the distillery was added to the National Register of Historic Places and recognized by the National Park Service as one of 32 National Historic Landmarks in the state. The new bar across McCracken Pike from the Visitors Center offers cocktails and is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful day on the porch or patio. You might also want to explore the grounds, although self-guided tours of the production facilities are not permitted.
Their cocktails are served in copper julep cups that you can keep. A variety of tours and tastings are available, which can be booked up to 90 days in advance. These experiences range from typical distillery tours to mixology classes and even a VIP private experience with the Master Distiller.
Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to book your tours early. While many dates a month or two out may be available, those within a few weeks are often fully booked. Woodford Reserve is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Mark Meade is the author of The Bourbon Journey, a travel guide that highlights our iconic bourbon distilleries and the experience of bourbon tourism. This column serves as a natural extension of the book. All rights reserved. For questions or comments, contact the author at [email protected].
