So glad you are visiting Woodford Reserve Distillery
As you plan your trip to Versailles, KY to Woodford Reserve Distillery, we would like to make that process as easy as possible. Our Smart Trip tool allows you to find lodging, including private homes, condos, villas, cabins and of course, hotels. One place to book. One number to call if you need help. One easy place to come to learn more about the place you are visiting!
Every trip leaves a legacy
When you book your trip to visit Woodford Reserve, every trip benefits the local community. Those donations are guided by the principles of the Brown Forman Foundation. Click on the Concierge tab under MORE to learn more about the foundation.
Find lodging nearby to the Distillery, get driving directions from your home, or rent a car or buy an airline ticket. All lodging is guaranteed to be the lowest published price online and we offer a pay now or a pay when you stay model.
The Concierge feature also has some cool trip tools you will want to check out.
Our History
Woodford Reserve Distillery is a bourbon whiskey distillery located in Woodford County, Kentucky, United States. The distillery has a long and storied history that dates back to the late 1700s.
The land on which the Woodford Reserve Distillery is located was originally settled by Elijah Pepper, who began distilling whiskey in 1812. In 1838, the distillery was sold to Dr. James Crow, a Scottish immigrant who is credited with revolutionizing the bourbon-making process by introducing the concept of sour mash and using copper stills.
The distillery changed hands several times over the years and was eventually purchased by Brown-Forman Corporation, a major producer of distilled spirits, in 1941. Brown-Forman invested heavily in the distillery and renovated the buildings, adding modern equipment and technology.
Despite these upgrades, the Woodford Reserve Distillery fell into disrepair in the mid-20th century and was closed in the 1970s. In the early 1990s, Brown-Forman decided to reopen the distillery and embarked on a major renovation project that restored the historic buildings and equipment to their former glory.
In 1996, the first batch of Woodford Reserve bourbon was produced at the newly reopened distillery. The bourbon quickly gained a reputation for its high quality and unique flavor profile, which is attributed to the use of limestone-filtered water and the distillery’s unique copper pot stills.
Today, the Woodford Reserve Distillery is a popular tourist destination, offering tours and tastings to visitors from around the world. The distillery continues to produce its signature bourbon using traditional methods, and its products are widely regarded as some of the finest bourbons in the world.