Craft or Commercial: Which Kentucky Distilleries to Visit

Craft vs. Commercial Kentucky Distilleries: Which Should You Visit?

Visit a commercial distillery to see bourbon made at scale, and a craft distillery to see it made in small runs. In Kentucky, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam and Heaven Hill show the scale. Willett, Preservation and Whiskey Thief show the small batch. The best private day uses both: one headline stop, one smaller stop and one tasting, inside one driving cluster.

Craft vs commercial quick facts

• Commercial examples: Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Jim Beam in Clermont, Heaven Hill in Bardstown.
• Craft and small examples: Willett in Bardstown, a family distillery since 1936. Preservation in Bardstown, where everything is pot-distilled and a batch runs one to three barrels. Whiskey Thief, a craft distillery on a working farm outside Frankfort.
• Bourbon rule for both: at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels.
• Best pairing in Bardstown: Heaven Hill and Willett, about 8 minutes apart.
• Best pairing near Frankfort: Buffalo Trace, then Castle & Key, with Whiskey Thief as a last stop.
• Price: a craft-and-commercial private day costs the same $275 to $425 per person depending on group size as any other route, plus 6% KY sales tax and a 3% booking fee.

Exploring the Spectrum of Bourbon Production

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is primarily made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It has become increasingly popular over the years, with more and more distilleries popping up all over the country. However, not all bourbon production is created equal. There are two main categories of bourbon production: craft and commercial distilleries.

Kentucky craft distilleries are typically smaller, independently owned operations that produce limited quantities of high-quality bourbon. They often use traditional methods and take great pride in their attention to detail, resulting in flavorful spirits. Craft distillers also tend to source their ingredients locally, supporting the local economy and creating a sense of community.

On the other hand, commercial distilleries are larger scale operations that produce mass quantities of bourbon for distribution on a national or even global level. These distillers often have more resources at their disposal and can afford to experiment with different techniques and flavor profiles. However, some argue that this can sometimes result in a loss of authenticity and character in the final product.

One key difference between craft and commercial bourbon production is the use of grains other than corn. While corn must make up at least 51% of the mash bill for it to be considered bourbon, many craft distillers opt to use a higher percentage of rye or wheat as well. This creates a more complex flavor profile with notes of spice or sweetness depending on the grain used.

In addition to using different grains, craft distillers also often employ different aging methods such as finishing their bourbons in different types of barrels (such as sherry or port) or experimenting with shorter aging times at higher temperatures. These techniques can produce bourbons a larger operation would not make.

Commercial Kentucky distilleries, on the other hand, tend to stick to tried-and-true methods for consistency across batches and brands. This may appeal to those who prefer a more consistent flavor profile in their bourbon.

The choice between craft and commercial comes down to what you want from the day. Craft distilleries offer a chance to taste distinctive and often locally-sourced spirits while supporting small businesses, while commercial distilleries offer a more standardized yet reliable option. Whichever you choose, exploring the spectrum of bourbon production is sure to be an enjoyable and educational experience.

Craft vs. Commercial Kentucky Distilleries: Differences Explained

Most distilleries a visitor sees fall into two types: craft and commercial. While both may offer a similar experience of learning about the process of making spirits and sampling their offerings, there are significant differences between the two.

Craft distilleries are typically small, independent operations that produce limited quantities of spirits. They often use traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients to create artisanal products. On the other hand, commercial distilleries are larger-scale operations that produce mass-market spirits using modern techniques and often source their ingredients from various locations.

One of the most significant differences between these types of distilleries is their focus on quality versus quantity. Craft distilleries prioritize creating high-quality spirits with distinctive flavors and characteristics, while commercial distilleries aim for consistency in taste and production on a larger scale. The difference shows up in everything from the ingredients to the equipment.

Another crucial aspect to consider is how each type of distillery markets its products. Craft distilleries often rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations and local events to spread awareness about their brand. They also tend to have a smaller distribution range compared to commercial brands, which often have nationwide or even international reach through marketing campaigns and partnerships.

The visitor experience at craft versus commercial distilleries can also differ significantly. Craft distilleries usually offer more intimate tours where visitors can interact with the owners or master distiller personally and learn about each step of the production process. In contrast, commercial tours may be more standardized and less personalized due to their larger scale operations.

Pricing is another factor that distinguishes these two types of distilleries. Due to their limited production quantities and focus on quality over quantity, craft spirits tend to be priced higher than commercially produced ones. Commercially produced spirits often have economies of scale working in their favor, allowing them to offer lower prices.

So, which should you visit? That depends on what you want from the day. If you are interested in learning about traditional techniques and trying distinctive, small-batch spirits, a craft distillery may be the better choice. However, if you want a more standardized tour and access to well-known brands at a lower cost, a commercial distillery may be more suitable for you. Whichever option you choose, both types of distilleries offer an exciting and educational experience that can deepen your appreciation for the art of spirit-making.

Pros and Cons

Craft and commercial distilleries each have pros and cons. Both types of distilleries offer different experiences and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting a craft distillery versus a commercial distillery.

Craft Distilleries

Pros

• Personalized Experience: One of the biggest perks of visiting a craft distillery is the personalized experience you can expect to receive. Craft distilleries are often smaller in size, allowing for more intimate tours and interactions with the staff. You may even get the chance to meet the master distiller or see them at work crafting their spirits.
• Distinctive Products: Craft distilleries are known for producing small batches of distinctive spirits that you won’t find on store shelves. These products are often made with locally-sourced ingredients, giving them a distinct flavor that sets them apart from mass-produced spirits.
• Learn About the Process: Since craft distilleries tend to be smaller in scale, you may have the opportunity to learn about every step of the production process during your visit. This can give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for how your favorite spirits are made.

Cons

• Limited Availability: Due to their small size, many craft distilleries have limited production capabilities which can result in limited availability of their products. If you fall in love with one of their spirits during your visit, it may be difficult to find it again outside of their tasting room.
• Higher Prices: Craft distilleries often have higher production costs compared to commercial distilleries, which can result in higher prices for their products. While this may be justified by the quality and character of their spirits, it may not be ideal for those on a budget.

Commercial Distilleries

Pros

• Wide Range of Products: Commercial distilleries are able to produce spirits on a larger scale, resulting in a wider range of products available for purchase. This means you may have more options to choose from and are more likely to find your favorite spirit in stores.
• Lower Prices: Due to their larger production capabilities, commercial distilleries can often offer their products at lower prices compared to craft distilleries. This makes them a more budget-friendly option for those looking to stock their home bar.
• Consistency: Commercial distilleries follow strict production processes and have consistency measures in place, ensuring that each bottle of their product tastes the same no matter where it is purchased. That matters to anyone who has found a favorite bottle and wants it to taste the same every time.

Cons

• Less Personalized Experience: With larger tour groups and busier tasting rooms, you may not get the same personalized experience at a commercial distillery as you would at a craft distillery. You may not have the opportunity to interact with the staff or learn about the production process in as much detail.
• Less Distinctive Products: Commercial distilleries often focus on producing popular and well-known spirits, resulting in less distinctive products compared to craft distilleries. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, a commercial distillery may not have as many options for you.
• Mass Produced: Some visitors see mass production as a con. While this allows for wider availability, it can also result in a perception of lower quality or lack of authenticity for some consumers.

The right mix depends on your group. Both types of distilleries offer their own advantages and can provide an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors.

The craft and commercial pairings we build

We pair a big campus with a small one in the same driving cluster, so the contrast costs no highway time. In Bardstown, Heaven Hill is where we start for the full scope of one independent Kentucky distilling family. Willett, about 8 minutes away, is the small-scale contrast: a family distillery since 1936, with tours on the hour. Near Frankfort, a Buffalo Trace morning, a Castle & Key afternoon and Whiskey Thief to close gives you scale, a restored 1887 estate and a farm distillery in one day. On the Maker's Mark side, Limestone Branch in Lebanon is about 20 minutes from Loretto. One headline stop, one smaller stop and one tasting is a day with room to breathe.

Balanced Itinerary Suggestions

Picking stops is the hard part of planning a distillery day. With so many options, how do you choose between craft and commercial distilleries? To help make your decision easier, we have compiled some balanced itinerary suggestions for your consideration.

Firstly, it is important to understand the differences between craft and commercial distilleries. Craft distilleries are typically smaller and independently owned operations that focus on producing small batches of high-quality spirits. On the other hand, commercial distilleries are larger-scale operations that produce mass quantities of spirits for distribution worldwide.

For those looking for a well-rounded experience, we recommend starting with a visit to a commercial distillery. These distilleries run large, modern production floors and well-practiced tours. You will get an in-depth look at the production process on a large scale and learn about their history and brand story.

After your visit to a commercial facility, balance out your itinerary by visiting a craft distillery next. These smaller operations offer a more intimate experience where you can interact with the owners or master distillers themselves. Craft distillers take pride in their hands-on approach and attention to detail in creating distinctive flavors. You may even get the opportunity to taste spirits straight from the still.

Custom tours typically run three stops, and we can add or subtract on your planning call, so a large distillery and a craft stop fit easily into the same day. For distilleries by driving cluster, see our Kentucky distillery directory; for smaller stops, see small Kentucky distilleries worth the drive.

To further balance out your itinerary, consider including visits to both urban and rural locations. This allows you not only to see different production methods but also experience diverse environments.

In addition to visiting different types of facilities, try incorporating various types of spirits into your itinerary as well. Some Kentucky distilleries make more than bourbon: Castle & Key makes gin and vodka alongside its bourbon and rye.

Don’t forget to mix in some non-distillery activities as well. Depending on the location of your chosen distilleries, you may be able to explore nearby attractions such as museums, local markets, or scenic nature trails.

A balanced itinerary should include visits to both craft and commercial distilleries, urban and rural locations, different types of spirits, and non-distillery activities. A balanced itinerary mixes craft and commercial distilleries, so your group sees how a small still house and a large campus each make bourbon.

Frequently asked questions