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: Wednesday–Saturday 10:30 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM. Closed Mon–Tue.
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.