History

Bluegrass Distillers was founded in 2012 by friends with a desire to make authentic Kentucky bourbon that blends tradition and innovation. The idea began in a small Lexington facility, where they worked with small batches and mash bills in pursuit of consistency and flavor. In December 2020, the company moved to Elkwood Farm in Midway, KY, which made it possible to grow their own crops and bring the field-to-glass process closer to production. Since then, the company has received national recognition for flavor, innovation, and consistency, and in April 2025 the official opening of the Elkwood Farm distillery and visitor center was celebrated. At the same time, there is a long history rooted in Kentucky, where horse breeding and culture also play a role in the production.

Production / Manufacturing

Bluegrass Distillers works with a ground-to-glass approach: built all the way from field to barrel to glass, and they grow their own grain varieties on Elkwood Farm. On-site production means that the bourbon starts on the farm, where the grain and the quantities for mash bills are determined and processed; handmade barrels and bottles are produced on-site in Midway. A central part of their approach is the use of heirloom blue corn for their first blue corn bourbon, which gives an earthy sweetness and a pronounced finish. The company also describes its origins as a relationship between land, hands, and Kentucky's bourbon heritage.

Products / Whisky Series

• Blue Corn Bottled-in-Bond
• Mash Bill: 75% blue corn, 21% wheat, 4% malted barley
• Flavor notes: aromas of buttered croissant, banana, brown sugar, and chocolate; palate with a velvety mouthfeel, black cherry, basil, vanilla, and milk chocolate; finish with a spicy note and chocolate, brown sugar, pear, and bakery spices.
• Wheated Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond
• Mash Bill: 75% yellow corn, 21% wheat, 4% malted barley
• Flavor notes: aroma of honey, butter, toffee, nuts, and lemon zest; palate of butterscotch, brown sugar, dried apricots, vanilla frosting and charred oak; finish of toasted butterscotch and smoked oak.
• Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon
• Mash Bill: 75% corn, 21% wheat, 4% malted barley
• Flavor notes: aroma of buttered spiced cake, butterscotch, and spice; palate of warm butter, spice cake and pepper; finish with even, persistent intensity.
• Single Barrel Toasted Oak Bourbon
• Product name indicates a single-barrel toasting/charring of oak, but specific sensory notes are not listed in the content.
• Mash Bill Series: Mash Bill #1 Bourbon
• Mash Bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
• Flavor notes: aroma of fruit, cinnamon, cigar box and honeysuckle; palate of buttery nutty flavor, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper; finish with cinnamon, nutmeg, leather and mint.
• The First Blue Corn Bourbon
• The first blue corn bourbon from Kentucky, grown and distilled on Elkwood Farm. Harvesting and processing take place on-site, and the bourbon is marketed as part of a field-to-glass approach, seasonal and handcrafted.

Visits / Experiences

• Visits and tours in Midway, Kentucky: Visit the distillery, taste straight from the barrels, and take home a bottle you’ve bottled yourself. Tours are available year-round and should be booked in advance.
• Address: 158 W. Leestown Road, Midway, KY 40347
• Tours available daily | Book in advance recommended

Philosophy

• Ground-to-Glass: Small-batch, house-made mash bills and on-site grain cultivation at Elkwood Farm.
• Soft celebration of Kentucky heritage: spiritual connections to Kentucky's land and craft, and a commitment to preserving regional craftsmanship and a focus on quality.
• Community and philanthropy: The Philanthropy Barrel Program has raised over $75,000 for local nonprofit organizations, and the company contributes to other charitable causes through annual events such as the Elkwood Farm 5K run.
• Awards and recognition: Over the years, their small-batch bourbon has earned national honors and medals, including in 2024 and 2025 various awards such as Gold and Platinum at different competitions.

Notes on Vision and Identity

• Bluegrass Distillers is proud to be “Born in Kentucky. Crafted with Care.” and highlights the relationship between land, hands, and heritage as the engine of their production and flavor.