A family-owned craft distillery in Maysville reviving a pre-Prohibition legacy — using the same water source and family recipes from the original H.E. Pogue Distillery.
Old Pogue is one of the most off-the-beaten-path stops on the entire bourbon trail, and that's part of its charm. Located in Maysville along the Ohio River in northeast Kentucky, this family-owned craft distillery sits on the same grounds as the original H.E. Pogue Distillery and draws from the same limestone water source.
The Pogue family is producing small-batch bourbon and rye following their ancestors' recipes and methods — this isn't marketing heritage, it's the real thing. The property includes the family's historic home, a small craft distillery, tasting room, grain holding, and barrel storage. Tours feel personal and authentic, often led by family members or passionate staff who clearly care about the legacy.
Maysville is a beautiful river town with a well-preserved historic downtown and stunning Ohio River views. It's the hometown of George Clooney and Rosemary Clooney, and worth exploring beyond the distillery. This is a serious detour from the main trail regions, but for bourbon history lovers doing an extended trip, it's a rewarding adventure.
Tour the family property including the historic grounds, see the craft distillery operation, and taste their small-batch bourbon and rye made from ancestral recipes. The family connection to Kentucky distilling history is genuine and fascinating.
Old Pogue is almost never crowded — Maysville's remote location means you'll likely have a near-private experience. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability since this is a small family operation. Walk-ups are often fine but don't count on it without calling first.
Booking Method: Call or website
Hardest Slots: Rarely an issue
Cancellation: Flexible
Walk-Up Chance: Call first
Very small — this is a craft operation, not a retail destination. Their bourbon and rye are available for purchase. The bottles themselves are unique souvenirs from one of the most remote trail stops.
Old Pogue is for the dedicated bourbon trail completist and history enthusiast. The remote Maysville location means most casual visitors will skip it, but those who make the trek are rewarded with an authentic family experience, genuine pre-Prohibition heritage, and a beautiful river town to explore. Pair with Boone County and New Riff if doing a Northern Kentucky day.
Address: 705 Germantown Rd, Maysville, KY 41056
Hours: Thursday–Saturday (limited hours — call ahead to confirm)
Parking: Free parking on the property.
Kids: Allowed, no tasting under 21.
Northern KY's top distillery. Long drive but worth it.
Another Northern KY craft operation near Cincinnati.
Beautiful river town. George Clooney's hometown.
Italian dining with Ohio River views. Great dinner spot.
Itinerary Fit — See how The Old Pogue Distillery fits into our 3-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary and plan your day-by-day route with nearby stops.