Kentucky in winter is the perfect place for a couple who enjoys a slower pace, great food, and rich history. One of the best things for couples to do is tour Willett Distillery, a family-owned bourbon producer with deep roots in Bardstown. Known worldwide for its award-winning whiskey, Willett is a highlight on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a must for bourbon enthusiasts.
Bardstown is called the Bourbon Capital of the World, with 11 distilleries spread across just 16 miles. In this welcoming city, couples can explore nearly 200 historic buildings downtown, visit museums, dine at one of the oldest bourbon bars in the nation, or enjoy live music. With so many things to do in Bardstown, it’s a great destination offering culture, history, and hospitality with bourbon at its center.
Maple Hill Manor, our Bed and Breakfast near Bardstown, completes the experience with historic lodging after a day at Willett Distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Set on peaceful bluegrass farmland in horse country, just outside of town, our Inn provides couples with a place to relax and enjoy bourbon-themed packages designed to enhance your getaway. Book your stay today!
Tour Willett Distillery and Explore More Bardstown Distilleries
Since 1936, Willett Distillery has been producing bourbon on its original estate and today welcomes 80,000 visitors each year. The distillery sits at one of the highest points in Nelson County and is known for its cult-like status, thanks to thousands of single-barrel releases aged from two to twenty-eight years. Willett Distillery tours are limited to 14 guests and last about an hour and 15 minutes. They feature history, production, and plenty of samples. Reservations are required, and guests should check in 15 minutes early.
A tour of Willett Distillery gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how Kentucky bourbon is crafted. On site, you’ll find three different types of stills: a column still, a doubler, and a pot still, along with eight aging warehouses, each capable of holding up to 6,000 barrels. Most of Willett Distillery’s bourbon begins in a column still. Also called a continuous still, it runs constantly and allows distillers to carefully control the strength and character of the spirit.
From there, the whiskey passes into a doubler, a copper vessel that gives the bourbon a second pass of distillation. This step smoothes and refines the flavors, making Willett’s bourbon rich and balanced.
Willett is also known for its signature pot still, shaped like a giant copper teardrop. Unlike the column still, a pot still works in small batches, a slower method often used for Scotch and cognac. Seeing it up close is a highlight of any visit to Willett Distillery and adds a sense of history to the tour.
After the tour, couples can enjoy small plates and bourbon-forward cocktails at The Bar at Willett, where reservations are strongly recommended. Their famous egg salad sandwich, featuring local eggs prepared three ways, even has its own Instagram account. On fair-weather days, the patio bar offers self-guided tasting flights for those who are unable to secure a spot on the popular tours.
Other Bardstown distilleries to add to your itinerary:
- Lux Row Distillers is one of the nation’s top spirits producers, capable of producing seven million gallons per year. It offers in-depth tours, barrel thieving, and a visitor center bar for tastings.
- Famous for its red wax seal, Maker’s Mark allows you to dip your own bottle and offers multiple tours on its historic property.
- Heaven Hill Distillery is the largest independent whiskey producer in the U.S. It offers tasting-only options and immersive behind-the-scenes tours.
- The Bardstown Bourbon Company is a modern distillery with unique experiences like Rickhouse Barrel Thieving and vintage library tasting. Their ultra-modern glass-fronted rickhouses face the distillery, exposing a seven-story wall of bourbon barrels is a stunning sight!
- Just 15 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast near Bardstown, Limestone Branch Distillery offers full tours, bourbon flights in the Miner’s Lounge, and a chance to craft your own bottle of whiskey.
Return to Our Bed and Breakfast near Bardstown After Bourbon Tours
After a full day of tastings at Willett Distillery and exploring the Bourbon Trail, return to our Bed and Breakfast near Bardstown for relaxation and comfort. Located about 20 minutes from downtown Bardstown and surrounded by the rolling hills of central Kentucky, our romantic Inn offers easy access to distilleries while giving guests a relaxing countryside retreat. The Inn’s historic character and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect complement for your Kentucky adventure.
Couples can choose bourbon-themed experiences such as the Bourbon Tasting and Tour Package or the Tour with Private Chauffeur, making it easy to enjoy the region without any planning stress. Additional options like a Picnic for Two or a soothing Massage at the Manor add a thoughtful touch for special occasions, letting you simply relax and focus on your time together.
Each guest room is furnished with antiques, fine linens, and modern comforts for a restful night. Whether you’re sampling bourbons at Willett Distillery, walking Bardstown’s historic streets, or dining out, our Bed and Breakfast near Bardstown ensures your trip feels both special and relaxing from start to finish. We look forward to welcoming you. Reserve your room now!
