Frankfort KY Distilleries Kentucky's Capital, on the River
Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key and a riverside downtown, an hour from Louisville.
Frankfort is Kentucky's capital and a river town, wrapped in a bend of the Kentucky River. Buffalo Trace sits on the riverbank at the edge of town, and Castle & Key, a restored distillery with stone buildings, gardens and a keyhole-shaped springhouse, is a short drive out.
Downtown has good lunch spots and Rebecca Ruth Candy, where bourbon balls were first made in 1938. From here, Woodford Reserve and the Lawrenceburg distilleries are each about half an hour away.
Frankfort · FAQ Good to Know
Buffalo Trace and Castle & Key are the two big names. Woodford Reserve, Four Roses and Wild Turkey are each within about half an hour.
About an hour east on I-64.
For Buffalo Trace, Castle & Key and lunch, yes. Add a night if you want to fold in Woodford Reserve and horse country at an easy pace.
A bourbon-laced cream center dipped in chocolate and topped with a pecan. Rebecca Ruth Candy in Frankfort first made them in 1938, and they make a good gift to take home.