CRAFT DISTILLERY

Stitzel-Weller Distillery

Shively,
Kentucky
— Bourbon, Rye

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏛️
Historic Landmark
Original Pappy Van Winkle distillery
🌶️
High-Rye Mashbill
More spice than typical Kentucky bourbon
🥃
Barrel Strength
Distillery-exclusive expressions not sold elsewhere
👩‍🔬
Master Distiller
Eboni Major oversees modern production
🏭
Working Distillery
Watch actual Bulleit bourbon being made
📚
Heritage Center
Interactive exhibits tell bourbon evolution story
📞 (502) 810-3800
🌐 https://www.stitzelwellerdistillery.com/
📍 3860 Fitzgerald Rd, Shively, KY 40216, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Where Pappy Started His Empire

Stitzel-Weller Distillery sits on 15 acres in Shively, Kentucky, carrying one of bourbon’s most legendary names. Originally built in 1935 by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. and Alex Farnsley, this was the home of the famous Old Fitzgerald and W.L. Weller brands for decades. After closing in 1992, Diageo restored the historic property and reopened it in 2014 as a premium visitor experience, complete with the original limestone buildings and that iconic red brick facade. Today it serves as both a working distillery producing Bulleit Bourbon and a shrine to Kentucky bourbon heritage. The restoration brought back the soul of a place that helped define American whiskey. Diageo invested millions to preserve the original architecture while adding modern production capabilities, including custom copper pot stills for small-batch releases. The property now houses the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience, complete with interactive exhibits that tell the story of both the Stitzel-Weller legacy and the Bulleit brand’s own journey. Master distiller Eboni Major oversees production here, bringing expertise from her previous work at other major Kentucky distilleries. You’ll walk through history here, from the original barrel warehouses where Pappy’s whiskey once aged to modern production areas where Bulleit’s signature high-rye bourbon comes to life. The experience feels like a cross between a working distillery and a bourbon museum, with tasting rooms that overlook the production floor and exhibits that dig deep into whiskey-making traditions. It’s tourism done right for a property that earned its place in bourbon history the hard way.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

High-Rye Bourbon From Historic Limestone Walls

This is the only place where you can taste bourbon made at the actual birthplace of Pappy Van Winkle’s empire. The building itself is a National Historic Landmark, with limestone walls and copper stills that have witnessed nearly a century of American whiskey evolution. What sets it apart is the combination of authentic bourbon heritage with Diageo’s resources to create something truly special. The Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon produced here uses a high-rye mashbill that’s distinctly different from typical Kentucky bourbons, and they’re one of the few major operations doing both column distillation and pot still work under one roof. The property’s connection to both old-school bourbon royalty and modern craft innovation makes it unique in Kentucky’s distillery landscape.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Premium Tours Without The Pretension

You’ll start in the heritage center, where interactive displays walk you through both Stitzel-Weller’s golden age and Bulleit’s modern story. The guided tours take you through the original barrel warehouses, where the smell of aging bourbon is thick enough to taste, then into the production areas where you can watch the actual distillation process. The tasting room overlooks the copper stills, and your guide will pour generous samples of Bulleit expressions while explaining how the high-rye mashbill creates those signature spicy notes. The whole experience feels premium without being pretentious, and the guides clearly know their bourbon history inside and out.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Essential For Bourbon History Buffs

If you’re serious about understanding bourbon heritage, this is essential. The combination of legitimate history, active production, and quality tastings makes it worth the trip for anyone who wants to go beyond surface-level distillery tourism. You’re not just learning about one brand here, you’re getting the story of how American whiskey evolved over decades. Casual visitors might find it a bit pricey compared to smaller distilleries, but bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate the depth and authenticity. It’s particularly valuable if you’ve never seen large-scale bourbon production, since you can watch the entire process from grain to bottle.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Book online well ahead of time, especially for weekend visits, since tour sizes are limited and this place draws serious bourbon tourists. The GPS will get you there fine, and parking is plentiful in their dedicated lot. Try to visit during weekday production hours if possible, since you’ll see more of the actual distilling process in action. Ask your guide about the differences between pot still and column distillation, since they’re doing both here. Don’t skip the premium tasting if it’s available, the higher-end Bulleit expressions really show off what this place can do. The gift shop has some distillery-exclusive bottles that you won’t find elsewhere.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stitzel-Weller Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Is this the original Pappy Van Winkle distillery?
Yes, this is the historic home of Pappy Van Winkle’s Stitzel-Weller operation from 1935 to 1992. While Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is no longer made here, you’re visiting the actual birthplace of that legendary whiskey dynasty.
Can I buy bottles that are only available at the distillery?
They offer distillery-exclusive bottles and barrel picks that you can’t find in stores. Selection varies, but there are usually small-batch releases and higher-proof expressions available only on-site.
How far ahead should I book tours?
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead, especially for weekends. They limit tour sizes to maintain quality, and this place draws serious bourbon tourists who plan their Kentucky distillery trips well in advance.

GETTING THERE

Find Stitzel-Weller Distillery

📍3860 Fitzgerald Rd, Shively, KY 40216, USA

 — 

📞 (502) 810-3800

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