Where is the Wild Turkey Distillery? An Inside Look at the Home of an Iconic Bourbon

Kentucky is known as the birthplace of bourbon, with over 95% of the world’s bourbon being produced in the state. And one of the most iconic distilleries calling Kentucky home is the Wild Turkey Distillery. Located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, the Wild Turkey Distillery has been crafting its signature high-rye bourbon recipes for over 75 years.

A Brief History of Wild Turkey

The Wild Turkey Distillery was founded in 1940 by the Ripy family. The Ripys were first generation bourbon distillers, focusing on quality and innovation from the start Their whiskey was even one of only a handful of bourbons that continued to be produced through Prohibition for “medicinal” purposes

In the 1950s and 60s, Wild Turkey built its reputation under the guidance of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell Jimmy Russell created the distinctive Wild Turkey flavor profile by using a higher percentage of rye in the mashbill than most bourbons. This signature high-rye recipe resulted in a robust, full-flavored bourbon that stood out from the crowd

After being acquired by Austin Nichols in 1971, Wild Turkey experienced rapid growth. Jimmy Russell was eventually joined by his son Eddie Russell, marking the first father-son Master Distilling team in history. Today, the Russell family legacy continues, with Eddie at the helm producing Wild Turkey’s iconic bourbons.

The Wild Turkey Distillery Campus

The main Wild Turkey Distillery campus sits on top of “Wild Turkey Hill” overlooking the Kentucky River in Lawrenceburg. The focal point is the towering rackhouses painted in iconic Wild Turkey green and red. Inside these rickhouses, barrel upon barrel of bourbon rests, slowly maturing during the aging process.

The campus itself serves as a timeline, with the old Ripy family home from 1869, buildings from the pre-Prohibition era, all the way to the new state-of-the-art visitors center. The contemporary visitors center was designed to resemble a tobacco barn, fitting seamlessly into the rolling Kentucky landscape.

Inside the Wild Turkey Distillery Tour

For bourbon enthusiasts, touring an iconic distillery like Wild Turkey offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The Wild Turkey distillery tour allows you to walk through the various processes that turn corn, rye, barley and water into delicious Kentucky bourbon.

The tour starts by delving into Wild Turkey’s history, with stories of the Ripy family’s pioneering distilling heritage. You’ll also learn all about Jimmy and Eddie Russell’s journey to creating Wild Turkey’s signature flavor.

Next, you’ll get to see where the magic happens – the distillery itself. Watching the mashbills being cooked and the large fermentation tanks at work brings the bourbon-making process to life. Peer into the towering stills as the bourbon is distilled to just the right proof.

A highlight of the tour is visiting the aging warehouses. Standing beneath the seven-story-tall rackhouses, you’ll learn how the weather and elevation impacts each barrel, imparting depth and character to the bourbon. Lower floors tend to produce a bolder, more mature bourbon while the upper floor barrels have more variation from temperature changes.

Finally, no distillery tour is complete without a tasting! At the end, you’ll get to sample several Wild Turkey expressions, from the classic Wild Turkey 101 to premium single barrel offerings. With the bourbon flavors still on your tongue, you can browse the gift shop for souvenirs before heading back out into the Kentucky countryside.

Planning Your Visit to Wild Turkey Distillery

If you’re planning a trip to Kentucky bourbon country, the Wild Turkey Distillery should be at the top of your list. The distillery is located at 1417 Versailles Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.

Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday. From April to October, hours are 9am to 5pm. November to March has reduced hours of 10am to 4pm. Tours generally take 60 to 90 minutes. Note that the distillery is closed on major holidays.

Tickets can be booked online in advance for $20 per person. Tour slots often fill up quickly, so reserve your spot early. Smaller groups of 10 people or less can simply show up and join the next available tour.

The Wild Turkey Distillery is around a 30 minute drive from Lexington, and about 2 hours from Louisville and Cincinnati. Many visitors make it an easy day trip from these cities.

If you’ll be visiting multiple distilleries, look into the Kentucky Bourbon Trail passport program. Visiting Wild Turkey and at least eight other distilleries on the Bourbon Trail gets you a commemorative t-shirt to proudly display your bourbon drinking accomplishments.

More than Just a Distillery

Part of what makes the Wild Turkey Distillery special is that it’s more than just a stop on the bourbon trail. You get to immerse yourself in the legacy and heritage behind one of the world’s most iconic bourbon brands. From Jimmy Russell’s pioneering distilling accomplishments to the contemporary visitor’s experience, it brings the Wild Turkey story to life.

While the distilling landscape has changed dramatically since Wild Turkey’s early days, they’ve stayed true to their roots, never compromising on quality or tradition. So for bourbon lovers looking to make a pilgrimage to an historic Kentucky distillery with an incredible legacy, the Wild Turkey Distillery is a must-visit. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for what makes this high-rye bourbon unlike any other.