Founded by a descendant of William Bard, the man who named Bardstown, this craft distillery sits in a restored 1920s schoolhouse in Graham, deep in western Kentucky's Muhlenberg County.
The Bard Distillery carries real historical weight, co-founder Thomas Bard is a direct descendant of William Bard, who founded and named Bardstown, Kentucky in 1780. But the distillery itself is nowhere near Bardstown: Thomas and Kim Bard built it in a restored 1920s schoolhouse in Graham, the small Muhlenberg County town where Thomas went to school, deep in western Kentucky. The Bard is a small craft distillery producing Cinder & Smoke Bourbon along with a line of Muhlenberg whiskeys and liqueurs. Tours are casual and personal, with the kind of access to the production process that you won't get at the bigger operations. Because it sits well off the main trail, The Bard works best paired with the other western Kentucky distilleries, Green River in Owensboro, MB Roland near Hopkinsville, or Casey Jones. The founding-family connection to Bardstown makes it a genuine conversation piece for history-minded visitors.
Tour the craft distillery and taste their bourbon lineup. Learn about the Bard family's connection to Bardstown's founding. Personal and unhurried.
The Bard rarely has booking issues in this remote corner of western Kentucky. Walk-ups are typical. Check hours before visiting.
Booking Method: Walk-up or call
Hardest Slots: Rarely an issue
Cancellation: Flexible
Walk-Up Chance: Excellent
Small selection of their craft spirits and merchandise. The Bard family heritage story makes their bottles unique conversation-starters.
The Bard Distillery is a meaningful stop for visitors who appreciate the deep connection between bourbon and place, and who don't mind the drive into western Kentucky. The founding-family heritage is genuine and the craft spirits are solid. Not a destination on its own, but a rewarding add-on to a western Kentucky day.
Address: 5080 KY-175, Graham, KY 42344
Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
Parking: Free parking.
Kids: Allowed. No tasting under 21.
Historic Owensboro distillery.
Craft distillery near Hopkinsville.
Moonshine heritage near Hopkinsville.
Near Land Between the Lakes.
Itinerary Fit: See how The Bard Distillery fits into our 3-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary and plan your day-by-day route with nearby stops.