The year was 1936, and the Willett family officially opened their American whiskey distillery, although they had been involved in making bourbon since 1841.
From the moment you arrive at the Bardstown Willett Distillery, you’ll feel drawn backward in time. Everything is here by design, and history seems to emanate from every corner of the grounds and buildings.
No detail has been ignored, from the pulley-drawn ceiling fans to the copper stills, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of the 21st century and entered an old-time distillery.
To learn more about the Willett family history and how they distill their special craft bourbon, visit their operations in Bardstown, Kentucky.
*Distilleries tour tickets not included in the transportation price.
Willett Distillery offers two tours.
The Tour and Tasting takes visitors throughout the grounds at this stunning distillery. You’ll even have an opportunity to see the original pot still that started it all.
The Willett Whiskey Education and Tasting is an educational session that introduces the whiskey-making process and provides you with background about the Willett family process for distilling fine craft bourbon.
Both tours conclude with a tasting of the craft bourbon you’ve come to see being made. Keep the sampling glass; it’s your souvenir of the visit to the Willett Distillery.
Tours are available to the public year-round, with the exception of major holidays. All tours begin on the hour, but seasonal hours of operation may extend or shorten visiting times.
Willett Distillery recommends that you secure reservations online before making the drive to see them. While the distillery is usually able to accommodate visitors, there may be occasions that tours must be cancelled due to increased production or challenging weather conditions. The Willett family advises tour guests to check for a complete list of delays or closures for visiting any distillery along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
