A beautifully restored pre-Prohibition distillery with stunning stone architecture, a famous sunken garden, and one of the best cocktail bars on the trail. Their bourbon program is young but growing — the grounds alone are worth the trip.
Castle & Key is one of the most visually striking distilleries in Kentucky. The property is a restored pre-Prohibition distillery originally built by Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. in 1887 — the same Taylor who pioneered Buffalo Trace. The stone castle, sunken garden, and grounds are genuinely beautiful.
The spirits program is younger than the big names — they're known primarily for their excellent gin, with a growing bourbon program that's getting better each year. Don't come here expecting Pappy-level bourbon. Come here for the grounds, the history, the cocktails, and the experience.
The on-site cocktail bar is one of the best on the entire trail. Expertly crafted drinks using their own spirits in a setting that feels more like a destination cocktail lounge than a distillery tasting room.
Tour the restored grounds including the castle, sunken garden, and production facility. Ends with a tasting. The architecture and grounds are the stars here — bring a camera.
A more detailed tour with additional tastings and history. Smaller groups and more time in the production areas.
Castle & Key is easy to visit. Walk-ups are common, especially on weekdays. A reservation a few days ahead is all you need. Note they're only open Thursday through Sunday.
This pairs naturally with Buffalo Trace on a Frankfort day — they're about 10 minutes apart.
Smaller gift shop focused on their own products. The gin is the star and makes a great gift. Bourbon releases are limited but worth grabbing when available. The branded merchandise has a sophisticated, design-forward aesthetic that matches the property.
Castle & Key is a must-visit for the grounds alone — the restored pre-Prohibition campus is one of the most beautiful properties in bourbon country. The cocktail bar is excellent, and while the bourbon program is still maturing, the overall experience is top-tier. Pair this with Buffalo Trace for a complete Frankfort day. Come for the castle, stay for the cocktails.
Address: 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601
Hours: Thursday–Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM. Closed Mon–Wed.
Parking: Free, on-site.
The most iconic. Free tours. Hard booking.
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Castle & Key Distillery is featured in our 3-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary. See the full day-by-day route for how it fits with nearby stops.