Frankfort is Kentucky Distilled

Frankfort: Where Bourbon Heritage Lives On
In the heart of Kentucky sits Frankfort, the Commonwealth’s capital city. It’s a place steeped in history, surrounded by rolling hills and home to some of the most influential names in bourbon. Every September, Frankfort becomes a destination for travelers who want to experience Bourbon Heritage Month at its finest and see legacy, flavor and tradition come together in one unforgettable setting.

A Capital Legacy
Just as Frankfort is Kentucky’s political capital, it’s also a capital of bourbon culture. Bourbon isn’t just a spirit here, it’s a story woven into the city’s identity. The banks of the Kentucky River have watched centuries of distilling tradition grow and evolve and today, that story continues with tours, tastings and immersive experiences at legendary distilleries.

Legendary Distilleries
No Kentucky bourbon journey is complete without a visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. Here, visitors step back in time while learning how craftsmanship and innovation shaped the global bourbon industry. Just down the road, Castle & Key Distillery welcomes guests into a restored historic site where bold new spirits are being created in a setting that feels like a fairytale. And at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, which opened in 2023, they offer tours and tastings for visitors to learn about their innovative methods to create fine whiskies through thoughtful blending and stave finishing techniques.

Frankfort’s distilleries aren’t simply places to taste bourbon, they’re destinations where every sip is tied to heritage and hospitality.

Beyond the Barrel
Of course, bourbon culture in Frankfort extends beyond the distilleries. Local bars and eateries craft inventive cocktails that showcase Kentucky’s signature spirit in surprising ways. From smooth Old Fashioneds to modern bourbon infusions, the flavors of Frankfort are as diverse as they are authentic. Pair those drinks with regional specialties like beer cheese or bourbon-glazed dishes, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a capital-city culinary adventure.

Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month
September is Bourbon Heritage Month, a time to raise a glass to the spirit that defines Kentucky. In Frankfort, it’s more than a toast. It’s a celebration that invites visitors to connect with the culture of bourbon in meaningful ways. Whether touring the warehouses, tasting from the barrel, or walking the historic streets lined with stories, you’ll find that Frankfort offers the perfect blend of tradition and discovery.

A Weekend to Remember
Just a short drive from Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati, Frankfort is an easy and rewarding weekend escape. Spend your days touring iconic distilleries, your evenings savoring bourbon cocktails downtown and your downtime exploring the capital city’s charm. Add in riverside walks, public art and boutique shopping, and you’ll quickly see why Frankfort is more than a stop on the trail, it’s a destination in itself.

This September, celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month in Frankfort, where the spirit of Kentucky is alive in every glass. From legendary distilleries to local flavor, Frankfort is ready to welcome you with bourbon heritage, Southern hospitality and stories worth savoring.

For more information head to: visitfrankfort.com