Lux Row Distillers — Local services in Bardstown

We took the Distiller's Collection Select on August 6th (75$). This tour is held after normal visitor hours 5-630. Our guide Kaitlyn was welcoming and friendly meeting us at the front doors of the visitor center. She was very knowledgeable about the distillery and Bourbon culture in general, her enthusiasm while conducting the tour was refreshing. The tour began with a short introductory video, followed by a trip through the inner workings of the distillery. It was quite warm being August, we were happy to receive a delicious cocktail once we reached the barreling room. I believe it was Ezra 90, lemonade, and blackberry puree, A++. We toured the rick house which has a great viewing area that really lets you feel just how massive these buildings are. We sampled some aging distillate that had come right from a barrel. Our tasting took place in the 200 year old farmhouse located at the front of the property. Our group of eight was seated at a farmhouse style table just like thanksgiving. Each of us received an outstanding box of charcuteries (see photo). The tasting consisted of two Ezra Brooks bottles, two Rebel, one Lux Row, and wrapped up with a sampling of Blood Oath. Kudos also to Caleb who seemed to be Kaitlyn's support throughout the experience, very nice and knowledgeable guy. Having taken the regular and now this "premium" experience at LUX, I would highly recommend spending the extra $ for the upgrade. We have visited 20+ distilleries, I would not hesitate to rank LUX ROW in my top five favorites every time. Till we meet...

Beautiful manicured grounds greet you upon entering Lux Row - you might even see the resident peacocks introduced to the property over 40 years ago. Drive past the National registered home (200+ years old) and see the antique barns still standing as you pull up to the ample parking lot. Miss the detail in the barn wood - don't worry its been incorporated into the guest experience in the main building. Stroll up the landscaped sidewalk, smell the mash cooking and receive your warm southern welcome from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Browse and purchase branded items from the well stocked and diverse to unique gift items in the beautiful gift shop. Take a seat in the modern and comfy lobby as you await the tour. Begin your hour long experience with a video detailing the history of the family, the property and the craftsmanship that goes into distilling the delicious bourbons crafted on site. Stand in awe of the 8,000 gallon mash tanks, see and smell the various stages of mashing, listen to the tour guide and ask any questions you like! See the master distillers lab where the science and art collide. Watch a charred white oak barrel get filled and then rolled into the rickhouse for its home for the next 4+ years before blended into the perfect bourbon. Step into the tasting room where samples paired with chocolate covered sea salt caramel and cherry await you. Grab another or make your first purchase in the gift shop and head out the door on the Bourbon Trail. We will...

Another fine day on the bourbon trail.

Sometime, the guide for the day stands out as the best part of the tour. Casey is one of those guides. There is plenty of Bourbon heritage in her family. She claims that her father (a veteran employee of Makers Mark) put the beverage in her bottle and it's just part of her.

Back to the tour. The distillery is young but well executed. It's a small but has a friendly work force. We were fortunate enough to get a private tour and lot's of attention from the workers and Casey.

I loved the atrium in the rick house as you get to see the earlier barrels in sequential order up to the ceiling. A slight disappointment was the minimal angels' share in the air. (The barrel master said they were trying to tax the angels , so that may explain it)

The tasting room is also quite nice with three standard bourbons and chocolates offered for tasting. The first bourbon I ever tasted was Rebel Yell (dare I say ,when I was a teenager) It's a nice low proof (80) wheated bourbon that is a great gateway bourbon. The name disappeared when Stizel-Weller closed their doors in the 90s but it's back.

Talk Casey up a bit and she might let you try one of their flagship bourbons. I selected Lux Row but ended up buying a couple bottles of Old Ezra 7 Barrel Strength. I am sipping on some now as I write this. It's a fine bourbon.

Make sure you check out the peacocks and ask about the story.

Great job Casey. Thanks for...