A true ground-to-glass craft operation in Shelbyville using heritage Bloody Butcher corn — a mother-daughter business with one of the most authentic farm distillery experiences on the trail.
Jeptha Creed is the definition of craft bourbon. This mother-daughter operation grows their own heritage Bloody Butcher corn right on the property — a red heirloom variety that gives their bourbon a distinctive flavor profile you won't find at any major distillery.
The tour is intimate, personal, and educational. You'll likely be in a small group, and the guides (often family members) walk you through the entire ground-to-glass process with obvious passion. You can literally see the corn fields from the distillery. This is the antidote to the corporate distillery experience.
The tasting room and event spaces are well-designed for a smaller operation. They produce a range of spirits beyond bourbon — their vodka and moonshine are popular too. Located just outside Shelbyville, it pairs naturally with a Bulleit visit for a Central Kentucky day trip.
Walk through the full ground-to-glass operation including the grain handling, fermentation, distillation, and aging areas. The Bloody Butcher corn story is fascinating. Ends with a tasting of their bourbon and spirits lineup. Small groups mean real conversation.
A guided tasting without the full tour. Good option if you're short on time or pairing with a Bulleit tour the same day.
Jeptha Creed is easy to book and rarely crowded. The Shelbyville location means less foot traffic than Louisville or Bardstown. Walk-ups are frequently available, but a quick online booking ensures your spot.
Booking Method: Website
Hardest Slots: Sat midday
Cancellation: Flexible
Walk-Up Chance: Good
Small but thoughtfully curated. Their bourbon, vodka, and moonshine are available at fair prices. The Bloody Butcher corn-related products are unique souvenirs. It's a small operation so don't expect a massive selection, but what they have is quality.
Jeptha Creed offers the most authentic farm-to-bottle experience on the trail. If you want to understand what "craft" actually means in bourbon, this is where to go. Pair with Bulleit for a full Shelbyville day that shows you both ends of the spectrum — massive modern production and intimate family craft.
Address: 500 Gordon Ln, Shelbyville, KY 40065
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM – 5 PM (check website for current hours)
Parking: Free lot on-site.
Kids: Family-friendly. Great for families interested in farming and agriculture.
The modern counterpart — pair these for a great Central KY day.
Head east for the most scenic distillery in Kentucky.
Classic Kentucky dining experience in Shelbyville.
Charming small-town Kentucky. Good for a post-tour stroll.
Itinerary Fit — See how Jeptha Creed Distillery fits into our 3-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary and plan your day-by-day route with nearby stops.