Woodford Reserve offers guided tours of its bourbon production in Versailles, Kentucky
Woodford Reserve is a bourbon distillery located in Woodford County, Kentucky, about 10 miles northeast of Lexington. The distillery runs public tours that walk visitors through how bourbon is made, from grain to barrel to bottle. Tours include access to the production facility, barrel warehouses, and a tasting room where you sample bourbon at the end.
The distillery is open year-round, though tour schedules and availability change by season. Tours are not self-guided — you move through the facility with a guide who explains each step of production. The experience typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on which tour you choose and how many questions visitors ask.
Key Takeaways
- Woodford Reserve offers multiple tour types, including a standard production tour and a more detailed Master's Collection tour that focuses on barrel selection and aging.
- Tours include a tasting of Woodford Reserve bourbon at the end, so plan accordingly if you are driving or have other activities scheduled.
- The distillery is located in Versailles, Kentucky, and operates tours most days, but hours vary by season and day of the week.
- Reservations are required for most tours and can be made through the Woodford Reserve website or by phone.
- The tour covers the mashing, fermentation, distillation, and barrel-aging process, with stops at the production building and warehouse.
Tour types and what each one covers
Woodford Reserve offers a standard tour and a premium option. The Distillery Tour is the main offering and covers the full bourbon-making process. You walk through the grain handling area, see the copper stills where bourbon is distilled, and visit a barrel warehouse where bourbon ages in charred oak barrels. The tour ends with a tasting of Woodford Reserve bourbon in the tasting room.
The Master's Collection Tour is a longer, more detailed experience that focuses on barrel selection, aging, and the science behind flavor development. This tour is smaller and costs more than the standard tour. It includes the same production areas but with deeper explanation of how different barrel types and aging times affect the final product. Both tours end with a tasting.
Woodford Reserve occasionally offers seasonal or special-event tours, such as holiday-themed experiences or tours focused on specific bourbon releases. These are announced on the distillery website and may have different pricing and availability.
How to book a tour and what to bring
Reservations are required and must be made in advance. You can book through the Woodford Reserve website or by calling the distillery directly. Tours fill up, especially on weekends and during peak tourism seasons (spring and fall), so booking at least a few days ahead is recommended. The website shows available time slots and allows you to select your preferred date and tour type.
Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to taste bourbon — the distillery checks ID at the tasting room. Wear comfortable shoes because the tour involves walking on gravel paths between buildings and standing in the production facility. The distillery is outdoors and indoors, so dress for the weather. Bags and cameras are generally allowed, though large bags may be restricted in certain areas for safety reasons.
The tour is not suitable for young children because it involves walking distances and standing time, and the tasting room is restricted to adults 21 and older. If you have mobility concerns, contact the distillery before booking to discuss what the tour involves and whether accommodations are possible.
What happens during the production portion of the tour
The tour begins with an introduction to Woodford Reserve's history and bourbon-making basics. You then move to the grain handling area, where the guide explains how corn, rye, and barley are mixed and prepared. The next stop is the fermentation room, where yeast converts grain sugars into alcohol over several days.
The distillation building houses the copper stills where bourbon is heated and condensed. The guide explains how the distillation process separates alcohol from water and other compounds, and why copper stills are used (copper removes sulfur compounds that would make bourbon taste harsh). You see the stills in operation and learn about the "cut" — the portion of distilled liquid that becomes bourbon, as opposed to the heads and tails that are discarded or redistilled.
After distillation, you visit a barrel warehouse where bourbon ages in new charred oak barrels. The guide explains why charring matters (it caramelizes sugars in the wood and adds color and flavor), how long bourbon must age (a minimum of two years for straight bourbon), and how the Kentucky climate affects aging. You see rows of barrels stacked several high and may smell the "angel's share" — bourbon that evaporates during aging.
The tasting experience at the end of the tour
After the production tour, you move to the tasting room for a guided bourbon tasting. The guide pours a sample of Woodford Reserve bourbon and teaches you how to taste it — how to look at color, smell the aroma, and taste the flavor. You are given time to ask questions about the bourbon's taste profile and how it compares to other bourbons.
The tasting is included in the tour price. You receive one pour, which is a standard tasting size (not a full drink). If you want to purchase additional bourbon or merchandise, the distillery has a gift shop where you can buy bottles, glasses, and other items. Some tours may include a second tasting or a flight of different Woodford Reserve products, depending on the tour type.
Pricing, hours, and how to get there
Tour prices vary by tour type. The standard Distillery Tour costs less than the Master's Collection Tour. Prices are listed on the Woodford Reserve website and may change seasonally. Children under a certain age may tour for free or at a reduced price if they do not participate in the tasting.
The distillery is open for tours most days of the week, but hours vary. Tours typically run from mid-morning through late afternoon, with multiple time slots available. The distillery is closed on certain holidays, and tour schedules may be reduced in winter months. Check the website for current hours before you plan your visit.
Woodford Reserve is located at 7855 Woodford Reserve Drive in Versailles, Kentucky. From Lexington, take I-75 north and follow signs to Versailles, then follow local directions to the distillery. The drive is about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Lexington. The distillery has a parking lot for visitors. If you plan to taste bourbon, arrange a designated driver or use a ride service.
What to know before you go
Tours move at a steady pace and involve walking on uneven surfaces like gravel and concrete. If you have difficulty walking or standing for extended periods, let the distillery know when you book so they can discuss options with you. The production facility can be loud because of the machinery, and it may be warm in summer months.
The tour is educational and moves through the facility in a set order — you cannot skip sections or go at your own pace. If you have specific questions about bourbon or the distillery, the guide may have time to answer them, but the tour follows a schedule.
Photography is usually allowed in most areas of the tour, but check with your guide about restrictions in certain rooms. The distillery may ask you not to photograph in the barrel warehouse or production areas for safety or proprietary reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be 21 to take the tour?
You must be 21 to participate in the tasting portion of the tour. Younger visitors may be able to tour the production facility if accompanied by an adult, but policies vary. Contact the distillery directly to ask about bringing children on a tour.
How long does the tour take?
The standard tour takes about 90 minutes to two hours, including the tasting. The Master's Collection Tour may take longer because it includes more detailed explanation. Plan for the full time slot plus time to browse the gift shop afterward.
Can I visit without a reservation?
Reservations are required for all tours. Walk-ins are not accepted. You must book in advance through the website or by phone. Tours fill up, especially on weekends, so book as early as you can.
What if I don't drink alcohol?
You can still tour the production facility. At the tasting, you can decline the bourbon sample or ask for water or another non-alcoholic beverage instead. The tour focuses on how bourbon is made, not on convincing you to drink it.
Is there food available at the distillery?
The distillery has a tasting room but does not serve meals. Some tours may include snacks, but this varies. Bring food with you or plan to eat before or after your tour. The distillery is in a rural area, so nearby restaurants may be a short drive away.