Guide to Bourbon in Frankfort Kentucky

Frankfort is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the seat of Franklin County. It is located in the inner Bluegrass region of Central Kentucky near an S-curve in the Kentucky River.

Frankfort is home to Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key, Glenn’s Creek Distillery, and Whiskey Thief Distilling. From Frankfort it’s easy to reach Four Roses Distillery, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, and Jeptha Creed.

Bourbon Distilleries in Frankfort

Buffalo Trace is a renowned distillery located in Frankfort, known for its rich history and exceptional bourbon offerings. Castle & Key Distillery, situated in the heart of Kentucky, is a rising star in the bourbon world, having been restored from the ruins of the Old Taylor Distillery. Glenn's Creek Distillery is a small pot still distillery located on the former Old Crow Distillery property in Frankfort. They are known for their OCD #5 single barrel, barrel strength bourbon, Café Ole' Bourbon, and Cuervito Vivo. Whiskey Thief Distilling is a unique destination for bourbon enthusiasts, located on a 127-acre working farm in Kentucky. It offers a one-of-a-kind whiskey adventure, combining a unique thieving experience with Bluegrass hospitality.

Fun Facts about Frankfort

• In Frankfort, Jim Beam bottles 100 different brands of alcohol for global distribution.
• Frankfort’s Rebecca Ruth Candy is the birthplace of the iconic bourbon ball. The sweet delicacy was created by Ruth Hanly Booe in 1938; the candy store opened in 1919.
• Historic architecture includes two Capitol buildings, Governor’s mansions, the region’s only Frank Lloyd Wright house, and the home of John Brown (Kentucky’s first U.S. Senator). Frankfort also has one of Kentucky’s few remaining original covered bridges, the Switzer Bridge.
• The popular phrase ‘dog is man’s best friend’ was coined by George Graham Vest, a Frankfort native, lawyer, and U.S. Senator. He uttered the phrase during his closing arguments in a trail seeking damages for killing a dog.
• On June 25, 2021, the City of Frankfort launched The MIX District. In this Entertainment Destination Center, participating downtown restaurants and bars are allowed to serve open-container alcoholic beverages to-go on Thursday and Fridays from 4:30 to 11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Based on population, Frankfort is the 5th-smallest state capital in the U.S.