Willett Distillery — Local services in Bardstown

Willet Distillery, nestled amidst the picturesque Kentucky countryside, is a hidden gem that offers a truly immersive bourbon experience. From the moment you step onto the property, you're greeted by a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. The winding path leading to the distillery, lined with historic ric houses, creates a captivating introduction to the rich history and heritage of this iconic bourbon maker. Our first visit to Willet was marked by a sense of curiosity and anticipation. While we missed the opportunity to dine at the distillery's restaurant, the friendly staff and warm atmosphere made up for it. We spent our time exploring the grounds, admiring the stunning architecture, and indulging in tastings of Willet's exceptional bourbon offerings. The gift shop was a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and memorabilia, and we left with a newfound appreciation for the craft of bourbon making. On our second visit, we were eager to experience the distillery's renowned restaurant. The dining room, with its elegant wood and iron accents, exudes a timeless charm. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, guiding us through the extensive bourbon menu and recommending pairings that perfectly complemented our meal. The famous egg salad sandwich, a local favorite, was a highlight of our brunch. The combination of fluffy eggs, creamy mayonnaise, and other flavorful ingredients was simply delicious. To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed French press coffee, served in a unique interactive setup that added a touch of whimsy to the experience. The French press method ensured a rich, full-bodied flavor that perfectly complemented the savory notes of the egg salad. After our meal, we revisited the gift shop and were once again impressed by the wide selection of products. The staff was incredibly helpful, offering recommendations and answering all of our questions. We left with a few additional bottles of bourbon and a renewed sense of admiration for Willet Distillery. In conclusion, our two visits to Willet Distillery were truly memorable. The combination of stunning scenery, exceptional bourbon, and outstanding service made it a must-visit destination for any bourbon enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable experience, Willet Distillery is sure to exceed your...

My wife and I visited this distillery on August, 7 2024. They have an upstairs bistro bar/restaurant located just above their gift shop and visitors' center (called "The Bar at Willett") that I had read about before we planned our trip to Kentucky. It had very good ratings and reservations were recommended. About 10 days before we visited, I booked the lunch reservation online for 1:00 pm since we had another distillery tour that morning at Maker's Mark (~20 miles away). After our Maker's Mark distillery tour, we wound up getting to Willett's at around noon, so I spoke to the hostess and were able to get an earlier lunch seating at 12:15, and also squeeze into a 1:30 pm Willett's distillery tour shortly afterwards. The food at the Bar Bistro was very tasty (especially the egg salad sandwich) and made with fresh ingredients and farm-to-table produce, but the portions were small and slightly overpriced (in my opinion). All the food is prepared in an open kitchen that is completely open to the bar seating area, so you get to watch the kitchen staff make your order as soon as the pull your ticket off the line. The follow-on distillery tour was also VERY informative and interesting, particularly since Willett's is one of only two distilleries in the Bardstown area that remains privately owned (i.e., by one family). Compared to its nearby behemoth distillery (Heaven Hill), it very much remains a "small batch" operation in terms of the number of barrels and bottles it produces monthly and annually. The distillery tour also allows you to go see the Bourbon creation process from start to finish, including an up close "touch and taste" of the giant sour mash mixtures which are in various stages of fermentation. If you are in Bardstown, I would highly recommend touring the Willett distillery because it's still a small and hands on operation. It's less than 3 miles from town center. Lunch at the "Bar at Willett" is also recommended if your...

Absolutely remarkable. We have been here before but hadn’t had the opportunity to really speak to everyone, take the tour, and eat. Today we did (I’m typing this as we eat lunch upstairs).

Every single person that worked 12/12/2024 starting at 10am in the Visitor Center has been phenomenal. The tour given by Shannon is the absolute best we have ever been on - easy for all to understand with sip selections along the way (and non-alcoholic option for all attendee inclusion) while still speaking to the operations, science, and history. It was exceptional. The original scale was super cool to still see used today. Congratulations on your newer barrel fill pumps! Old with the new. As someone on the tour said “if it’s not broken, no need to fix it”.

When we first walked in the door, Ms. Ila Jackson was warm, welcoming, kind, and an absolute pleasure to meet (so fun to share a last name too)! She also got us organized to join the 11am tour and head right to lunch after for a smooth visit. We hope she visits WV soon 😊.

Abby made the best coffee (multiple times, God bless) that kept us going (among keeping busy doing other responsibilities)!

Bianca & Mary, our beloved tasting room educators and drink connoisseurs - thank you for taking us on a journey through the products and your kindness. Thank you, thank you. It was wonderful to meet and speak with you.

Olivia, girrrlllll. Your swift service and food recommendations did not disappoint - egg salad sandwich, wings (best crispy flavored wings), etc. delicious (thank you, chef)!

Something I did not know before: To the family that shares their passion with the public, thank you for such a beautiful experience that I have now learned has been as charged by women as men. It’s evident in how balanced and successful the whole organization presents. I pray that you continue to bless and be blessed.

We look forward to visiting for many more years to come - additional family and...