Best Bourbon Distillery Tours from Lexington (2025 Guide)
This guide covers the distilleries closest to Lexington, plus how to combine bourbon with horse farm tours for the ultimate Kentucky experience.
Distilleries from Lexington by Drive Time
| Distillery | Drive Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Woodford Reserve | 25 min | Scenery, photography, couples |
| Buffalo Trace | 35 min | History, bourbon hunting, first-timers |
| Wild Turkey | 40 min | River views, bold bourbon fans |
| Four Roses | 45 min | Bourbon nerds, architecture lovers |
| Maker's Mark | 70 min | Bottle dipping, Instagram-worthy |
Sample Itineraries from Lexington
The Horse Country Route
-
Morning Horse Farm → Woodford Reserve → Buffalo Trace
Start with a horse farm tour in the morning, then head to Woodford Reserve (the drive through Versailles is gorgeous). End at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort. This is the quintessential Kentucky day.
The Scenic Route
-
Woodford Reserve → Wild Turkey
Kentucky's most beautiful distillery followed by the best river views on the bourbon trail. Both are under 45 minutes from Lexington and 30 minutes from each other.
The Bourbon Nerd Route
-
Four Roses → Buffalo Trace
Four Roses' 10 unique recipes appeal to the analytically-minded, while Buffalo Trace offers the history and heritage. Both are serious bourbon experiences.
Lexington vs Louisville: Which Base Is Better?
| Factor | Lexington | Louisville |
| Closest distillery | Woodford (25 min) | Jim Beam (45 min) |
| Horse farms | ✓ Everywhere | 1+ hour away |
| Nightlife/dining | Good | Excellent |
| Overall access | Great for east trail | Central to all |
Our recommendation: Stay in Lexington if horse farms are a priority. Stay in Louisville for the most flexibility and best nightlife.
Frequently Asked Question
Which distilleries are closest to Lexington?
Woodford Reserve is the closest major distillery to Lexington at just 25-30 minutes. Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey are both about 35-40 minutes away. Four Roses is about 45 minutes.
Is Lexington or Louisville better for bourbon tours?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington puts you closer to Woodford Reserve and horse country, with a smaller-town feel. Louisville has more dining/nightlife options and is centrally located to all distilleries. Most visitors choose Louisville, but Lexington is perfect for a horse farm + bourbon combo.
Can I combine horse farm tours with bourbon distilleries?
Absolutely! Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World. A popular combo is a morning horse farm tour followed by Woodford Reserve — the drive through horse country is stunning and both experiences complement each other perfectly.
How many distilleries can I visit in one day from Lexington?
You can comfortably visit 2-3 distilleries in a full day from Lexington. The eastern Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries (Woodford, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, Four Roses) are fairly close together, making multi-stop days efficient.