Bardstown, Kentucky is a city in Nelson County. The population was 11,700 in the 2010 census. Bardstown is named for the pioneering Bard brothers. David Bard obtained a 1,000 acre land grant in 1785. At that time it was then Jefferson County, Virginia. William Bard also surveyed and platted the town. Bardstown is well known for its many bourbon distilleries. Bardstown is about a 4 and a half hour drive from Ohio University and your Ohio University house.
Ohio University House
Bardstown was first settled by European Americans in 1780. It is the second oldest city in Kentucky. Bardstown hosts the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival each year. Bardstown calls itself the “bourbon capital of the world”. There are many distilleries located in Bardstown. The city of Bardstown is a nice town to live in.
Willett and Heaven Hill
Heaven Hill Distillery is located in Bardstown. Heaven Hill is a major producer of Bourbon. They have brands such as Elijah Craig and Larceny. In 1996, there was a fire at Heaven Hill destroying 7 warehouses of bourbon. The world lost 2% of all whiskey overnight. Hopefully nothing like that happens at your Ohio University house.
Willett Distillery is also located in Bardstown. It is very well known for its bourbon. Many bourbon drinkers also seek out their “purple top” bourbon. Willett also produces bourbons for other brands. The distillery houses an amazing bar and restaurant. Leave your Ohio University house sometime and head to Willett!
Lux Row and Barton
Lux Row is another distillery in Bardstown. The distillery is known for its Rebel and Ezra Brooks Bourbons. It also produces some very fine limited releases. One such release is the 12yr Double Barrel Bourbon. They also make a 10 year Rebel Single Barrel bourbon. Try Lux Row products at your Ohio University house. They have great stuff. Don’t forget to also drink water. Water will keep you hydrated while drinking.
Barton is also a distillery in Bardstown. The distillery also produces bourbon for other companies. Kroger, Costco and Total Wine are a few of these companies. They also have their 1792. This brand has never quite taken off as much as they had hoped. Try all the bourbon you can in Bardstown. Drive safely back to your Ohio University house.
