You Can Taste Bourbon Straight From the Barrel at This Louisville Tasting Room

Bourbon is serious business in Kentucky. As of 2024, the Bluegrass State has 100 bourbon distilleries, fueling a $9 billion industry. Many of the distilleries are well-known, even famous, like Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, and Maker's Mark. However, many lesser-known distilleries produce high-quality bourbon and provide fantastic experiences for their guests. The bourbon industry is one of the greatest sources of state pride, and I enjoy visiting distilleries and taprooms to learn what makes each unique. Whiskey Thief, a distillery founded in 2012, just opened a new taproom in Louisville, Kentucky, and after dinner one Saturday night, I recruited my date and went to check it out.

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.'s Louisville taproom is on a tiny street in NuLu called Nanny Goat Strut. It's just one block from NuLu's main thoroughfare, East Market Street. We parked on a nearby street and walked down Nanny Goat Strut to see the beautifully lit taproom. We walked in, were warmly greeted by a hostess, and sat at the bar. The bartender walked us through the menu and shared a bit about the distillery.

The actual Whiskey Thief Distillery. is located at 283 Crab Orchard Road in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is on a 127-acre farm, where the corn and grain used in its products are grown. Visitors can tour the distillery to see the stillhouse and taste up to five bourbons straight from the barrel. On weekends, the distillery serves food and cocktails and often has live music. The distillery began with the name Whiskey Thief Distilling Company, switched to Three Boys Farm Distillery, and later, in 2022, reverted to its original name. A whiskey thief is a straw-like tool often made of copper used to take a sample of bourbon or whiskey from a barrel.

Aptly fitting with the distillery's name, both the Frankfort and Louisville locations let guests thieve their own whiskey directly from the barrel. Sitting at the bar, we watched a group start this process. They slowly moved barrel to barrel, tasting different bourbons and listening to their guide explain the nuance of each. In between tastings, they had snacks and other beverages. This would be a fantastic group experience for a night out with friends.

We ordered a Whiskey Thief Bottled-in-Bond bourbon pour and a Pomegranate Mule with pomegranate liqueur, lime juice, and ginger beer. The Whiskey Thief Bottled-in-Bond was excellent; it was smooth, flavorful, and easily sipped. The Pomegranate Mule arrived in a sparkly cut glass with a wedge of lime. It was delicious and refreshing; the bourbon didn't overpower the drink but blended beautifully with the other ingredients. We enjoyed our drinks while chatting with the bartender and other patrons sitting at the bar. The atmosphere was friendly and comfortable; we loved it.

The tasting room's decor was beautiful, with warm wood surfaces, leather furniture, and cozy rugs. A stack of whiskey barrels was near an impressive black grand piano in the back of the tasting room. A small gift shop near the front also sold apparel, jewelry, bar towels, socks, and seasonal items. Many of the items would make fantastic holiday gifts.

We will absolutely return to Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.'s Louisville tasting room and look forward to visiting the farm in Frankfort. When friends and family visit Louisville, it will be one of the places we take them.

For more information, visit Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.'s website and Facebook page.

NuLu is a bustling part of Louisville, with excellent restaurants and shops. Biscuit Belly has out-of-this-world biscuit sandwiches, and Louisville Cream has some of the city's best ice cream. Red Tree is a one-of-a-kind furniture and decor shop that sells unique items.

Consider booking a stay at Stellar Suites in NuLu, which is in a fantastic location on East Market Street.