Bourbon Country is feeling the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with several bourbon distilleries suspending tours and events until further notice. While many tours have been halted, as of now, all other facilities at the distilleries listed remain fully operational and production will continue as scheduled.
Here in Kentucky, according to Gov. Andy Beshear, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has hit 21.
Below is a list of distilleries who have decided to close to the public as a precautionary measure. We will continue to update as more closures are announced.
Angel’s Envy Distillery – Tours suspended beginning March 13 until further notice.
Downtown Louisville, Ky.
Barton 1792 Distillery – Tours suspended beginning March 16 until further notice.
Bardstown, Ky.
“Barton 1792 Distillery has been following the global spread of Covid-19 for several weeks which has allowed us to refine and progressively implement our plans as the incidence of the virus continues to ramp up.
Consistent with guidance from public health authorities to limit large gatherings, and given that our tours include elements that bring large groups together, we will be suspending all tours and visits to Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, KY beginning March 16th, 2020.
We understand this may be disappointing, and we apologize for the inconvenience. However, the health and safety of our team members and our visitors are of upmost importance to us. We look forward to resuming our tour operations in the near future and will notify the public on this [Facebook] account Barton 1792 Distillery upon reopening.”
Buffalo Trace Distillery – Tours suspended beginning March 16 until further notice.
Frankfort, Ky.
“Buffalo Trace Distillery has been following the global spread of Covid-19 for several weeks which has allowed us to refine and progressively implement our plans as the incidence of the virus continues to ramp up.
Consistent with guidance from public health authorities to limit large gatherings, and given that our tours include elements that bring large groups together, we will be suspending all tours and visits to Buffalo Trace Distillery beginning March 16th, 2020.
We understand this may be disappointing, and we apologize for the inconvenience. However, the health and safety of our team members and our visitors are of upmost importance to us. We look forward to resuming our tour operations in the near future and will notify the public on this [Facebook] account upon reopening.”
Bulleit Distillery – Tours suspended beginning March 14 until further notice.
Shelbyville, Ky.
Castle and Key Distillery – Closed to the public (including events) from March 13 – April 1.
Frankfort, Ky.
“In efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Castle & Key will be closing to the public beginning today, March 13, 2020. All booked experiences and events during this closure will be refunded and we look forward to welcoming you back to our facility soon. We appreciate your understanding as we take measures to ensure the safety and health of our team members and guests. We plan to reopen on April 1, subject to change as we monitor the situation.”
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience – Suspending tours and retail sales beginning March 14.
Downtown Louisville, Ky.
Four Roses Distillery – Suspending tours from March 14 – March 29. The gift shops will remain open until 4pm on Sunday, March 15.
Lawrenceburg, Ky
“Like many of you, Four Roses Distillery is actively monitoring updates from authorities regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Because the health of our visitors and employees, along with our commitment to do our part in containing the spread of the virus are top priorities, tours of the Four Roses Distillery and Warehouse & Bottling Facility are suspended from March 14 through March 29, 2020. Our Gift Shops will remain open until 4pm on Sunday, March 15. As the situation evolves, we will continue to provide updates.
We are taking this step out of an abundance of caution and with the health and safety of our visitors and employees in mind, and with consideration that our experiences bring people together in close proximity. Visitors who have booked a tour during the time period of March 14 – March 29 will be contacted and issued full refunds. We regret any inconvenience and are eager to host our guests in the future.
Our distillery operations and bourbon production will continue during this time, at the highest standards as always. We will provide any updates as they are available.”
Jim Beam American Stillhouse & Urban Stillhouse – Suspending tours beginning March 16.
Clermont, Ky. & Downtown Louisville, Ky.
“Beam Suntory is actively managing its response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re determined to do our part to support our communities and help contain the spread of the virus. Consistent with guidance from public health authorities to limit large gatherings, and given that our public tours include elements that bring groups together in relatively restricted spaces, we have temporarily suspended tours at our visitor experiences in Kentucky. We understand that this may be disappointing and we apologize for any inconvenience. Please be assured that we are taking this action out of an abundance of caution because the health and wellbeing of our employees and loyal brand fans is paramount. We look forward to resuming tours and welcoming you for the full experience in the future.”
Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center – Suspending tours and retail sales beginning March 14
Bardstown, Ky.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company – Retail sales and tours will be suspended beginning March 13.
Lexington, Ky.
“Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. remains committed to the health and safety of our visitors, team members and the communities in which we live and work.
In light of health concerns related to COVID-19, our visitors center will be closed beginning Friday, March 13, and it will remain closed until further notice. Retail sales and tours will be suspended during this time.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation and the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local and state officials. We hope to welcome visitors to Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. in the near future.”
Maker’s Mark Distillery – Suspending tours beginning March 16.
Loretto, Ky.
“To our bourbon drinking friends around the world: Maker’s Mark is actively managing its response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re determined to do our part to support our communities and help contain the spread of the virus. Consistent with guidance from public health authorities to limit large gatherings, and given that our public tours include elements that bring groups together in relatively restricted spaces, starting March 16th we are suspending tours at our distillery in Loretto. We understand that this may be disappointing and we apologize for any inconvenience. Please be assured that we are taking this action out of an abundance of caution because the health and wellbeing of our employees and loyal brand fans is paramount. We look forward to resuming tours and welcoming you for the full experience in the future.”
Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery – Suspending tours from March 13-31.
Downtown Louisville, Ky.
“In light of the COVID-19 coronavirus situation, Michter’s is suspending all distillery tours effective March 13th through March 31st, 2020. Anyone who has booked a tour will be issued a refund. Tours may be booked from April 1st, 2020 onwards. However, this may change given the evolving situation. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Old Forester Distillery – Suspending tours beginning March 15.
Downtown Louisville, Ky.
“To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Old Forester is temporarily suspending tours at Old Forester Distilling Co. and George’s Bar, beginning March 15, 2020. Our goal is to minimize the risk to employees and guests and help lower the probability of the spread of the virus to our employees, their families and the communities where we operate.
Existing reservations that occur before these suspension dates will be honored.
These closures will remain in place until the health emergency subsides. All tickets previously purchased during this time are refundable. We appreciate the understanding of all those who are impacted and encourage all to put their health and safety first.”
Peerless Distilling Co. Distillery – Suspending tours and tasting experiences beginning March 16 until further notice.
Downtown Louisville, Ky.
“At Kentucky Peerless, our patrons’ health and safety are our first priority. We are taking extra precautions to ensure our facility is safe for our employees and visitors. In agreement with recommendations from public health authorities, we have decided it is in the best interest of our staff and community to suspend tours and tasting experiences until further notice. We will be closed to the public starting Monday, March 16. We appreciate your understanding and support.”
Rabbit Hole Distillery – Suspending all tours and events from March 13-31.
Downtown Louisville, Ky.
The Stitzel Weller Distillery – Closed beginning March 14.
Louisville, Ky.
Wild Turkey Distillery – Visitor Center closed beginning March 14 at 5pm EST until further notice.
Lawrenceburg, Ky.
“As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of our employees, their families & our valued guests, Wild Turkey Distillery has decided to close the Wild Turkey Visitor Center to the public effective Saturday, March 14 at 5pm EST until further notice. During this closure, we will continue to produce and bottle all of our Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve bourbons and ryes while meeting our high standards of safety. Please continue to check back on this page for ongoing updates about the closure.”
Wilderness Trail Distillery – Tours suspended and Visitor Center is closed beginning March 16 until the end of March.
Danville, Ky.
“Wilderness Trail Distillery continues to monitor and enact increased safety procedures in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Under the CDC’s guidance of canceling any gatherings of 50 people or larger, Wilderness Trail has decided to close all tours for the remainder of March for enhanced safety to our employees, operations and visitors. This closure includes our Visitor Center.”
Woodford Reserve Distillery – Suspending tours beginning March 15.
Versailles, Ky.
“To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Woodford Reserve Distillery is temporarily suspending tours at the Distillery beginning March 15, 2020. Our goal is to minimize the risk to employees and guests and help lower the probability of the spread of the virus in our surrounding communities.
Existing tour reservations that occur before these suspension dates will be honored.
These closures will remain in place until the health emergency subsides. All tickets previously purchased during this time are refundable. We appreciate the understanding of all those who are impacted and encourage all to put their health and safety first.”’
If you’ve come to tour the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and are looking for things to do, click here to see our list of America’s Best Bourbon Bars in Bourbon Country.
