Bardstown Bourbon Company: Kentucky Distillery and Contract Distilling Hub
Updated: 10 minutes ago
Bardstown Bourbon Company is a Kentucky distillery that began commercial production in September 2016. It makes its own whiskey and offers contract distilling through the Lofted Spirits business.
In this guide
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Bardstown Bourbon Company at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Bardstown Bourbon Company |
Country and region | Kentucky, United States |
Owner / operator | Bardstown Bourbon Company / Lofted Spirits |
Historical background | A 2020 press release states the company was founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin. The Spirits Business reported in October 2016 that the distillery began commercial production in September 2016,… |
Whisky identity | Kentucky contract distilling and brand releases |
Visitor planning | Check the producer's official site for current tours and operating hours. |
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At a glance
Location: 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, Kentucky 40004
Founded: 2014 by Peter Loftin, per a 2020 press release
Commercial production began: September 2016
2016 investment: Constellation Brands bought a minority stake in October 2016
Parent: the official site shows it as a Lofted Spirits brand
Milestone: the 1 millionth barrel filled, announced October 2026
The story
A 2020 press release states the company was founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin. The Spirits Business reported in October 2016 that the distillery began commercial production in September 2016, led by Bourbon Hall of Fame master distiller Steve Nally, and that Constellation had taken a minority stake.
The official site describes a facility that honors traditional methods while using modern techniques, and mentions glass rickhouses and collaborations with other distillers. It also promotes custom contract distilling for whiskey and bourbon brands through Lofted Spirits.
In October 2026 a Business Wire release said Nick Smith was promoted to master distiller, with Steve Nally moving to Master Distiller Emeritus, as the company marked its one millionth barrel filled at Bardstown Bourbon Distillery.
The people
Peter Loftin: founder (2020 press release)
Steve Nally: first master distiller, now Master Distiller Emeritus
Nick Smith: master distiller from October 2026, with the company since 2016
The range
The official site lists these families of expressions. Individual bottlings and ABVs were not read.
Estate Distilled: four 6 year old, 100% estate distilled whiskies
Discovery Series: blended expressions
Barrel Finish: finishes and collaborations
Single Barrel
Distillery Reserve: rarer experimental releases
The official site also cites Double Gold medals at the 2025 and 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Visiting
Distillery tours and master distiller tastings are offered in Bardstown.
A tasting room in Louisville also takes bookings.
Prices and hours were not read. Check the official site before travelling.
What the company says about itself
Bardstown Bourbon Company describes itself as a new era of whiskey innovation in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon country, with glass rickhouses and a collaborative approach with other distillers. It also runs contract distilling for other brands through its Lofted Spirits arm.
Estate Distilled: a core line of four 6-year-old, 100% estate-distilled whiskies
Single Barrel: described as its flagship collection
Distillery Reserve: its rarest and most experimental small batch releases
Discovery Series: blended expressions
Barrel Finish: finishes and collaborations with partners
Awards and visiting
The site lists a Double Gold at the 2025 and 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Producer of the Year at the 2023 International Wine and Spirit Competition, and four consecutive years in Whisky Advocate's Most Interesting Whiskies list. Visitors can tour the Bardstown distillery or visit its Louisville tasting room. It also runs a members club called The Reserve.
Frequently asked questions
When did Bardstown Bourbon Company open?
It began commercial production in September 2016.
Who is the master distiller?
Nick Smith, from October 2026. Steve Nally is Master Distiller Emeritus.
Does it make whiskey for other brands?
Yes. The official site promotes contract distilling through Lofted Spirits.
Where is it?
At 1500 Parkway Drive, Bardstown, Kentucky.
Sources and gaps
Sources read on 20 October 2026: bardstownbourbon.com home page; search results from The Spirits Business (October 2016), PR Newswire (March 2020), BevNET (2019) and Business Wire (October 2026).
Further source read on 21 October 2026: bardstownbourbon.com home page.
What makes Bardstown Bourbon Company distinctive?
Kentucky contract distilling and brand releases
Bardstown Bourbon Company whisky bottle and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Bardstown Bourbon Discovery Series | NAS / release dependent | Check bottle | Kentucky contract distilling and brand releases |
Bardstown Bourbon Origin Series | NAS / release dependent | Check bottle | Kentucky contract distilling and brand releases |
The table records named or historical expressions. Exact availability, strength and provenance can change; consult the producer for current details.
Explore related distilleries
Frequently asked questions about Bardstown Bourbon Company
Where is Bardstown Bourbon Company located?
Kentucky, United States.
Who owns or operates Bardstown Bourbon Company?
Bardstown Bourbon Company / Lofted Spirits.
What makes Bardstown Bourbon Company distinctive?
Kentucky contract distilling and brand releases.
Which whiskies are documented for Bardstown Bourbon Company?
Bardstown Bourbon Discovery Series, Bardstown Bourbon Origin Series. Availability varies.
Can visitors tour Bardstown Bourbon Company?
Check the producer's current tour and booking information; not all sites are open to visitors.
Sources and editorial notes
The original research and reference links have been retained. Current ownership, prices, operating status and visitor arrangements should be reconfirmed.
Image note: the cover is an illustrative whisky photograph from the Whisky Clan media library, not a photograph of this distillery or its products.
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Photo and source notes
Cover photograph: Bardstown Bourbon Company's actual modern glass-fronted distillery building in Kentucky. Source: Whiskey Lore distillery guide. Reuse rights have not been independently confirmed.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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