Est. 1812 · Versailles, Kentucky

We Don't Just Age Bourbon.
We Age It With Obsession.

For over two centuries, a single thread has bound every barrel at Woodford Reserve: an uncompromising commitment to doing things the way they ought to be done — slowly, by hand, and with nothing less than absolute precision.

Schedule a Tour Discover Our Heritage
200+
Years of Continuous Distillation
100%
Small-Batch Crafted by Hand
2+ Years
Minimum Age Before Release
500K+
Visitors Annually
Historic Woodford Reserve distillery building with red brick architecture
1812 Founding Year
Our Story

Born From a Vision
That Refused to Compromise

In the rolling bluegrass hills of Versailles, Kentucky, Samuel Garmany planted the first distillery on this land in 1812. What began as a humble operation along the banks of Buck Creek has grown into one of the most recognized names in American bourbon — yet the philosophy remains unchanged.

Every batch of Woodford Reserve is distilled in small copper pot stills, aged in hand-selected white oak barrels, and finished with a triple-red-brick distillery kiln that has been firing for over two centuries. This is not a factory. This is a craft.

Today, Master Distiller Chris Morris carries forward that same relentless standard — treating each barrel not as inventory, but as a promise to the person who will eventually pour it.

Small-Batch Pot Stills Each distillation limited to 150 gallons for maximum concentration of flavor.
Triple-Kiln Brick Distillery Our iconic red brick kilns have been drying grain since 1870 — never replaced, always reliable.
Patience as a Principle We never rush a barrel. Minimum two years; typically four to seven for peak character.
The Craft

From Grain to Glass,
Every Step Is Intentional

There are no shortcuts in our process. Every stage — from mash to bottling — is guided by hands that have spent decades mastering the art of bourbon.

01
Fresh grain prepared for mashing

Mash & Ferment

Our proprietary high-grain recipe — 72% corn, 12% barley, 16% rye — is cooked in copper pot stills. The resulting wash ferments for 72 hours, developing the complex esters that define Woodford's signature profile.

02
Aging barrels in warehouse

Age in White Oak

Each barrel is filled to no more than 125 proof and placed in climate-controlled warehouses. The Kentucky temperature swings — from bitter cold to humid heat — force the spirit deeper into the charred oak, extracting vanilla, caramel, and spice.

03
Bourbon being poured from barrel

Cut, Chill & Bottle

Master distillers taste each barrel individually, selecting only those that meet our exacting standards. The spirit is cut to 90 proof, cold-filtered, and bottled — always at 90 proof, never diluted further. No shortcuts. No exceptions.

Visit Us

Come See Where
Bourbon Comes Alive

Our distillery sits on 133 acres of Kentucky bluegrass, just minutes from downtown Lexington. Whether you're a devoted collector or experiencing your first pour, we welcome you with open doors and full glasses.

Address 5799 McCracken Pike
Versailles, KY 40383-9716
Phone (859) 879-6879
Hours Tue–Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm
Mon: Closed
Parking Complimentary on-site parking for all visitors

5799 McCracken Pike
Versailles, KY 40383

Is this your business?This is my business