Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co

In the heart of Kentucky's horse country, where bourbon flows as freely as thoroughbred bloodlines, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. stands as something of an anomaly: a craft operation that refuses to choose between hops and corn. This dual-purpose facility has carved out its niche by mastering both arts, earning recognition as the 7th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail while simultaneously brewing what many consider the world's finest bourbon barrel ale.

History & Heritage

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. operates from Lexington, Kentucky, where the limestone-filtered water that makes Kentucky whiskey legendary flows beneath bluegrass pastures. The company built its reputation on the marriage of brewing and distilling traditions, creating a rare hybrid operation in a state known for choosing sides. Their Town Branch Distillery name pays homage to the waterway that once powered mills throughout the region.

The Whiskey

The distillery produces Town Branch Bourbon through multiple production methods, crafting High-Malt Pot-Still Kentucky Bourbon alongside Traditional Column-Still and Wheated Column-Still expressions. This technical versatility allows them to explore different flavor profiles within the bourbon category. Their Single Barrel Reserve program offers cask-strength expressions available exclusively at the distillery, where visitors can participate in a "Fill Your Own Bottle" experience that connects drinkers directly to the barrel.

Why It Matters

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. represents the new Kentucky distillery model: serious about tradition but unafraid of innovation. Their mastery of both pot-still and column-still production demonstrates technical competence beyond their years, while their brewery heritage brings a maltster's understanding of grain that informs their bourbon. For those who appreciate good whiskey, Town Branch represents Kentucky craftsmanship without the tourist trap theatrics that plague some Bourbon Trail stops.