3 Historic Finds in Frankfort

Castle & Key

A visit to Castle & Key will take you back in time! Formerly the Old Taylor Distillery, Castle & Key has an amazing story. We participated in The Last Stop tour experience at Castle and Key, which began at the keyhole-shaped Springhouse. Throughout the beginning of the tour we learned that the inspiration of the distillery came from European Castles.

Our tour guide provided a timeline on the distillery. The story of Castle & Key began when it was built in 1887 by Colonel E.H. Taylor. It was very successful until 1920 when prohibition forced it to close. Over the next several decades it changed ownership several times. Then, the 113 acre property sat dormant for several more decades. In 2014, it was purchased by the current owners and it opened to the public in 2018 as what is now Castle & Key.

The tour took us around the beautiful, historic grounds where we learned about the architecture and craftsmanship that sets this distillery apart. For example, the on-site bar was formerly a train station. At the conclusion of the tour, each guest was given a token for a cocktail to enjoy on premises.

Castle & Key was my favorite tour among all of the distilleries we visited along the bourbon trail! The hospitality, nature, and picturesque setting make this destination one of kind.

Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace is one of America’s oldest Bourbon producers. With over 200 years of history, the distillery is the oldest operating distillery in America. The name Buffalo Trace comes from the land where buffalo once roamed. The distillery has several brands and collections.

Several months prior to our Kentucky trip, I inquired about tour times and reservations. We were able to get tickets to the Hard Hat Tour one morning. All Buffalo Trace tours are complimentary, thus the need to get reservations well in advance.

The Hard Hat Tour takes guests through the distillation process. We went through several buildings, witnessing the behind the scenes work of the distillery. Among the numerous buildings on site is the Old Taylor House. It is a one-story house that still resides on the grounds and is used for some tours and events.

At the end of the tour, we were able to sample a few of the award-winning bourbons, along with a vodka, bourbon cream, and root beer. The Bourbon Cream was my favorite!

Buffalo Trace has a very large gift shop with a large selection of souvenirs. They will also have their special release of the day in the gift shop and each guest is limited to one bottle of the special release.

The premises at Buffalo Trace are very well-kept and beautifully decorated for the holidays. Bourbon enthusiasts along with those who enjoy history and tradition will find Buffalo Trace to be a wonderful experience!

Woodford Reserve

The Woodford Reserve distillery is located in Versailles, Kentucky, which is a short 10-15 minute drive from the city of Frankfort. Although the distillery was closed during our visit through this area, we were able to drive by and see the National Historic Landmark.

Dining

The Stave is a great local diner along the Bourbon Trail. Situated on the bank of a creek, the scenic environment is perfect! The patio is enclosed, but we opted to sit at the bar. I ordered the cheeseburger while my husband got the breakfast tacos. He also enjoyed the Woodford Reserve bourbon tasting that was on special.

The Brown Barrel & Blind Harry’s is another local dining option in downtown Frankfort. We dined inside on the Blind Harry’s section where we were seated at a bar-top table. It was quieter in this section of the restaurant. After a busy morning of tours, we were hungry! We started with the pretzel sticks and cheese dip to share. Then, we split a cheeseburger with a side of loaded brown barrels (tator tots).

For more stops along the Bourbon Trail and this part of Kentucky, visit Bardstown, Lawrenceburg, and Louisville.

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