Lexington KY Find

Barrel House Distilling Co.
1200 Manchester St.
Lexington, KY





I am a self-admitted bourbon snob.  The most American Spirit has a great history and it just tastes great.  So when I go to Kentucky I enjoy visiting different distilleries.

Thanks to the rediscovery of bourbon by America (see:  http://fortune.com/2014/02/06/the-billion-dollar-bourbon-boom/) new craft distilleries are popping up.

Unlike beer, it takes years for their product to get to market.  I decided to visit a couple before my flight Sunday.

The first was the Barrel House Distilling Co.  (http://barrelhousedistillery.com/)

This is a four person operation.  They make a very good corn based vodka, but I was disappointed that they were out of bourbon for two weeks.

It was an interesting tour and any one who is interested in home distilling can learn a great deal visiting there.

But what makes the trip worthwhile are the two craft breweries that are at the same site, and the restaurant The Middle Fork Kitchen.

It was Sunday, which means Bloody Mary time.  They make their's with green tomatoes, Hatch Chilies, and other peppers, spicy, but very good...


 The bar is outstanding.

 But their food is truly great.  Priced well too.  I like quirky and unique dishes and this place has some great variations of traditional meals.

I was there during brunch time, this is pork on top of cheese grits with a poached egg.  Damn good.  If I didn't need to run off for my tour, I would have bought the t-shirt.







Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling
401 Cross St.
Lexington, KY


Right down the street is the Lexington Brewing and Distilling company.  http://www.kentuckyale.com/

Alltech owns it, so unlike the four person craft distillery, this place is state of the art.  Note if you served in the military, you get to tour for free.  They give you five tokens, and you can use them to try their beers or spirits.

Their best beers are finished in old bourbon barrels.  It bumps the alcohol content from 5% to 8%, but it also enhances the flavors.

I only burned one token on the beer side of the tour, but it was worth it.  If you see this in the store grab it.


The only bad part of visiting Kentucky is the fact I always have to check luggage on the way home because there are just too many good bottles to try and TSA won't allow them in your carry on.

Helpful hint, get some bubble wrap at Walgreen's to protect your stuff from the violent baggage handlers...see:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU6F12S6q48

Rating:  Seriously Thought About Buying Shirt