The Bard Distillery
About the Distillery
The Bard Distillery is located in Graham, Kentucky, on land the family has inhabited for nearly 200 years. The distillery offers both limited-edition bourbons and a range of MUHLENBERG releases, presenting itself as a family home with open doors for visitors. On site you can participate in daily tours and tastings, and several special releases are visible on the website.
History
The Bard name has roots deep in Kentucky history: William and David Bard founded Bardstown in 1780. William Bard's son Isaac, who was ordained as a minister, settled in Muhlenberg County a few miles from the current distillery location in 1823. The family has since maintained ownership of the same parcel of land for nearly two hundred years, and the historical connection to the area is a recurring theme on the distillery's website. Contemporary references to the place include local and regional events; among them is a noted visit by the governor in April 2018 and participation in Kentucky Startup Week in May 2018.
Whiskies
The site's assortment shows both limited-edition bourbons and products under the MUHLENBERG name. Examples mentioned include 'YOU GOT GOLD 2025' labeled as a limited-edition bourbon, as well as releases referred to as John Prine Edition and several MUHLENBERG variants such as Silver, Blackberry, and Apple Pie. On the website these names appear in connection with both sales and use in recipes, indicating a portfolio consisting of both single releases as well as series and special editions.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Flavor profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| YOU GOT GOLD 2025 | Bourbon | A limited edition bourbon released in 2025 and marketed as available. | Limited |
| John Prine Edition | A special edition mentioned specifically in connection with online orders. | ||
| MUHLENBERG Silver Mühl Whiskey | Whiskey | A part of the MUHLENBERG lineup, used in recipes and cocktails. | |
| MUHLENBERG Blackberry Mühl Whiskey | Whiskey | Named in recipes as a MUHLENBERG variant used in cocktails. | |
| MUHLENBERG Apple Pie Mühl Whiskey | Whiskey | A named MUHLENBERG variant mentioned in recipes. | |
| Cinder & Smoke 2 | A designation that appears on the website as a featured release. |
Visit the Distillery
The distillery is open seven days a week from 10:00 to 17:00, with tours every hour starting at 10:00 and the last tour at 16:00. It is noted that they close on major holidays. Tours and tastings are part of the visit, and the tour-management system is listed as 'Powered by AnyRoad'. Address and phone number are listed on the website, making it convenient to contact the place for further information.
Open 7 days a week from 10:00–17:00. Tours every hour starting at 10:00, last tour at 16:00. Closed on major holidays.
Philosophy and Craftsmanship
Hospitality and local roots are central elements: the distillery is described as the family's home, and visitors are encouraged to feel welcome. The family's long-standing connection to the land and the reference to the family's historical roots come across as an intentional part of the distillery's identity.