Kentucky Cooperage — Local services in Lebanon

No photos or videos allowed inside the facility, but take my word for it, an amazing experience. Short of scouting and harvesting the timber, this is where it all begins. A must see for anyone on the Bourbon Trail. This place is hot and smoky…and these folks work their a _ _ es off for piecework pay. The milling and smoking of white oak here smells delicious. Especially when you consider that this is what makes up 70-80% of the flavor in bourbons. Workers demonstrated several steps in the process just for the tour. Our guide was excellent at breaking down all the complicated step that a barrel goes through getting ready to be filled with what will become liquid gold after 6-20+ years. Don’t miss out...

This was our last stop finishing up the Bourbon Trail; we wanted to see the barrels being made that hold and age all that wonderful liquor. Free tours Monday-Friday at 9:30 am and 1 pm; watch some videos of the manufacturing process and tour the plant to see barrels made, charred, inspected and repaired before transport to the distilleries. Tour guide and employees were friendly and very helpful in explaining the process; after this you will have a greater appreciation for the time, money and effort put in to make great bourbon. No picture taking; cool T shirt is only $10; add this to your Bourbon Trail plans, you...

Nice hidden gem to add to your bourbon tour experience. The Cooperage (Barrel maker) is the leading barrel maker for the Kentucky Bourbon region, and the tour was very interesting and informative. I learned after the tour that Pat, the tour guide, is a local "folk-hero". Regardless of his long history in Lebanon, KY, he gave an excellent and entertaining tour. Someone that is easy to listen to, fun to talk with and very friendly. The tour gets you up close to the barreling process and if you are in the region to learn more about bourbon making - this is a must add...