Bourbon is a quintessential part of the Bluegrass; it isn’t just a Kentucky icon; it’s an inextricable, fundamental, celebrated part of the state’s culture and identity. Kentucky is world-famous for its bourbon, producing nearly 95% of the world's supply of this spicy, sultry spirit.

The reasons for this are numerous. Kentucky boasts some of the richest, most fertile soil in the country, ideal for growing the most essential ingredient in bourbon: corn. The water in Kentucky has a high pH and a high proportion of minerals, another key component of bourbon distilling. Geography, too, plays a role: Kentucky sits atop vast deposits of blue limestone, which filters out hard iron and imparts sweet-tasting calcium and magnesium, two elements crucial to the bourbon-making process. In terms of temperatures, Kentucky's four seasons and their dramatic temperature swings cause the charred oak barrels to expand and contract, which in turn gives the spirit its copper color and distinctive taste.

But the final and most important part of the Bluegrass bourbon equation is Kentuckians themselves. Kentucky was first settled by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland, who brought the whiskey-distilling methods of the Old Country. This spirited tradition was handed down from generation to generation, laying the groundwork for the bourbon bounty that would later bloom in the Bluegrass. And within this spirited culture, Bardstown Bourbon stands apart. Established in 2016, Bardstown Bourbon is leading the way into the future of bourbon production in Kentucky, cultivating a culture of inclusion, sustainability, and accessibility -- all while distilling some of the best and most balanced bourbons in the Bluegrass State.

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Set on 100 acres of idyllic farmland, the Bardstown Bourbon Company is peak Bluegrass State beauty and one of the best distilleries on the acclaimed Bourbon Trail.

Founded by intrepid entrepreneur and whiskey visionary Peter Loftin, Bardstown Bourbon started distilling in September of 2016 and has quickly become an innovative leader in the spirit category, producing more than 50 different recipes across the whiskey spectrum in high volume for several different brands while also creating unique blends and finished whiskeys, too.

His vision and passion to build the most modern and sophisticated distillery in Kentucky laid a strong foundation for Bardstown Bourbon.

And truly, Bardstown Bourbon is taking Kentucky bourbon to the next level. As the first "Napa Valley-style" destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Bardstown Bourbon combines distilling, culinary, and beverage expertise to create a modern, authentic bourbon experience.

The fare here is part of the experience; Kentucky classics made modern.

The distillery currently features eight rickhouses nestled across the 100-acre property. While the main building of Bardstown Bourbon is beautiful, it's here, in these classic rickhouses, where the real magic happens.

For those looking to immerse themselves in bourbon culture, the "Distillate to Barrel" and "Honey Spot" tours are an amazing opportunity to dive into the depths of the rickhouses and experience whiskey straight from the barrel!

This is something about which Sam Montgomery, National Brand Ambassador of Bardstown Bourbon, knows firsthand.

As National Brand Ambassador, Sam Montgomery primarily focuses on the education of the brand and the bourbon category. Sounds like a dream job for a bourbon enthusiast, right? It is. "My love for tasting bourbon started by working behind the bar and grew exponentially after I moved to Kentucky in 2017," explains Montgomery.

“These days, bourbon lovers are more interested in collecting as much as possible, which is far different than the average bourbon drinker 10-15 years ago where there was a lot more brand loyalty," says Montgomery.

"We embrace and celebrate the bourbon drinkers’ enthusiasm to try it all,” she says, adding that her role helps introduce new varieties to even the most seasoned aficionados.

What's more, Bardstown Bourbon is changing the narrative of bourbon making itself; staffed with a team of female bourbon distillers and company leaders.

This representation is definitely an area for growth and improvement, and Montgomery is proud to be part of this forward-thinking company.

"My position has grown as we continue to open up new markets every year and I’m incredibly fortunate and thankful to be a part of that journey!" she says.

Bourbon is more than just the unofficial state drink of the Bluegrass; it's a means of bringing folks together. It's a big point of pride and cultural cornerstone. It's an experience.

And Bardstown Bourbon Company, with reverence for the past and forward-thinking methods and mindset, is the future of Kentucky bourbon.

And it's a bright future, indeed!

Many thanks to Sam Montgomery and Bardstown Bourbon for sharing the story of this forward-thinking Kentucky distillery. Learn more about Bardstown Bourbon at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Of course, Bardstown Bourbon is just one of the many top-rated distilleries in Kentucky; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Kentucky article. And be sure to follow Only In Kentucky on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Bluegrass State’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.