By far, the most popular attractions in our area are the Bardstown distilleries! Guests flock from all over the country to taste these impeccably crafted bourbons and tour these impressive establishments. And while we’ve always had our go-to favorite distilleries in Bardstown to recommend, there have been some new additions to the list lately, and a few more are coming soon. It’s always a treat to check out the new distilleries, often introducing modern techniques and an even more immersive experience for visitors.
One of the most anticipated openings was on National Bourbon Day in June, and it wasn’t a distillery but the brand-new iteration of our beloved Bunghole Bar and Lounge on-site at our bed and breakfast. As many of our past guests and friends of Bourbon Manor know, our bourbon bar burned down in the summer of 2020. Finally, after years of planning, the new version of the Bunghole Bar is up and running, welcoming bourbon lovers back for cocktails, happy hour, and lively evenings out on the town.
For those planning an overnight getaway to Bardstown, staying at the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast is now even more fun with the re-opening of our bar. There’s no better place to enjoy a nightcap and then stroll our pretty grounds back to your guest room. In the mornings, there is no need to worry about hurrying out to breakfast; we’ll make it for you. Our hearty, tried-and-true Southern recipes won’t disappoint and are served in our elegant dining room. Start planning your next getaway to explore the new Bardstown distilleries, and book the best bed and breakfast today!
New Bardstown Distilleries & Latest Updates on Openings
There’s always new and exciting news in the bourbon industry in Kentucky, with a lot of Bardstown distilleries expanding, vintage releases, and new openings. Our place on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is home to a handful of some of the best bourbon distilleries this state has to offer, and the list keeps getting longer.
- Whiskey House of Kentucky: The three founders of Bardstown Bourbon Company, David Mandell, John Hargrove, and Daniel Linde, are moving into new territory with the opening of Whiskey House. This state-of-the-art distilling setup is for private projects, working on high-end and more experimental products. While this distillery isn’t open to the public, it’s still a welcome addition to Elizabethtown.
- Old SteelHouse Distillery: Once an abandoned distillery, Old SteelHouse has been a part of Kentucky bourbon since 1844. The site sat empty for about 50 years and will soon hold regular visiting hours for tastings and tours.
- Clermont Distilling Co.: There hasn’t been a recent update on the status of this new distillery, which is planned to become the first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. However, keep your eye out for a new production facility and visitor center on a 55-acre site that spans both sides of State Route 245.
- Kentucky Owl Whiskey: Another possible addition, Kentucky Owl, has big plans for a beautifully architecturally designed bourbon paradise in Bardstown. When this project is completed, it will need to be one of the Bardstown distilleries on your itinerary!
- Willett Distillery Expansion: A long-time favorite of the Bardstown distilleries, the family-owned Willett is expanding to the nearby town of Springfield, KY. The new location will be home to the family’s assortment of whiskeys, including favorites such as Willett Pot Still Reserve and Willett Family Estate rye, as well as more widely available options like Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, and Johnny Drum. Unlike the original estate, which is open for tours and has The Bar at Willett restaurant, this new distillery will emphasize production rather than hosting visitors.
- Heaven Hill Expansion: In 2022, Heaven Hill broke ground on a new $135 million distillery in Bardstown. The distillery will be named Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in honor of the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, built in 1935 and burned down in 1996. This new facility marks Heaven Hill’s return to distilling in Bardstown after nearly 30 years. Initially, the new distillery will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 barrels, eventually expanding to 450,000 barrels over time. This expansion will make it the same size as Heaven Hill’s Bernheim distillery and will likely open in 2025.
The Best Bar in Bardstown is Open Now at Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast
The Bunghole Bar and Lounge reopened on National Bourbon Day 2024. This award-winning barn design is a striking black monitor-style structure, similar to what is being constructed at new Bardstown distilleries for expansion projects. The two-story vaulted ceiling is framed by expansive windows and doors and a large bar featuring the best bourbons, local and international wines, and craft beer. The ultra-chic up-scale design will transport you, and there’s plenty of fantastic lounge and patio seating where you can sit back and relax with your favorite cocktail.
The Bunghole Bar is open to guests and the public. Its hours are 5-10 p.m. daily, including Sundays! Happy Hours are 5-7 p.m. nightly, and each night, there is a new artisanal hand-crafted bourbon cocktail, a drink recipe, and a demonstration on making it at home. For those staying at the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast, enjoying a drink at the bar will be a highlight of your stay, and you’ll just be a short walk back to your luxurious guest room.
With the reopening of our bar space, we truly feel that our boutique property is complete! The barn is also available for weddings, private events, corporate business retreats, and parties, which is incredibly convenient with our on-site lodging options. We have the perfect setup with seven guest rooms in the Manor (Main House) and three additional guest rooms in the Federal House (Guest Cottage) in a separate, private residence on the property. Contact us for whole-house buy-outs, or make your traditional room reservation today!