This was our group's second stop on the bourbon trail, and we were overall pleased with our experience. The tour itself was very short--I would've liked a more in-depth overview of the process. That said, our tour guide was nice and handled the incredibly disrespectful group that was touring with us very well. The facility was brand new, modern, and overall beautiful. They don't offer food (yet?), but there are many options nearby. The bourbon tasting was a little disorganized, but overall we had a great time. They offered accompaniments for each bourbon, and even had some samples for their experimental bourbons available. I would definitely recommend this stop on the bourbon trail--I'm sure all of the kinks will be worked out in no time! read more

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Great tasting experience! This should be a must stop on your bourbon tour. You can bottle your own barrel proof, from their 4 rotating barrels. read more

RD1 Spirits - Bottle your own barrel proof! Great addition! - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Being one of the newer bourbon experiences around, it took me a while to finally check out RD1. I'm really glad I did! Our group of self-proclaimed bourbon "connoisseurs" booked the Bottle-Your-Own Experience. It was such a fun and unique setup -- we got to sample straight from four experimental, barrel-strength bourbons, choose our favorite, and then fill our own 200ml bottle using a whiskey thief. We even got to name our bottle, and our awesome host printed a personalized label for us on the spot. Speaking of our host -- she was fantastic! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and even joined in on our joking around, which made the whole experience even better. To top it all off, we got to enjoy RD1's new home at The Commons, a beautiful spot on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The space is modern, inviting, and perfect for tasting bourbon with friends. One small note: there's still a lot of construction going on around the building, so watch out for heavy equipment when you visit. Not a big deal, but worth knowing ahead of time. Overall, a top-notch bourbon experience -- fun, personal, and well worth the visit. Highly recommend RD1 if you're exploring the Trail! read more

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Fantastic cocktails, unique tour experiences, gorgeous decor, and outstanding service (be sure to ask for Drew!)- what more could you want? We visited for the first time and did a tasting, followed by cocktails. I loved the apple spritz so much. It was outstanding (and I'm not a huge bourbon fan), mixed flavors perfectly for a chilly afternoon. I can't wait for warmer weather and the surrounding area to open more businesses because this will definitely be a recommended spot to anyone visiting Lex as well as a favorite for us. read more

RD1 Spirits - The Amburana apple spritz - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Jordan was such a great guide! We've been on quite a few traditional bourbon tours, so it was great that he focused on what makes RD1 unique. The tasting was amazing and it was very interesting to see a single spoon of honey as a tasting pairing. Still delicious though! Getting to try the experimental barrels for the fill your own bottle was definitely a highlight. Can't wait for the ice cream to be available! read more

RD1 Spirits - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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This was an amazing tour experience for $20! Jordan our tour guide was fun and educational. We had the whole distillery to ourselves and learned the history of the brand, making of bourbon as well how all the different machines used in the process work. The tasting was very neat. They paired 4 bourbons with a food item and then we went to the barrel room where three more tastings were pulled from barrels with antique 'whiskey thief's'. You can even fill your own bottle and name it if you like! Very cool place in an up and coming area. read more

RD1 Spirits - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Amazing Whiskey!!! Sampled this at the Minnesota Monthly Spirits Classic and loved them all. Definitely purchase one of these if you see it out at your liquor store. They do Whiskey well. read more

RD1 Spirits - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

We were in Lexington for a day to visit family and distilleries. RD1 was moving to a new location. But I read about them. I stopped by the liquor barn for a bottle. I picked up the RD1 double finished in oak and maple barrels. I like it. It is smooth and has a maple flavor if you like that in your bourbon. read more

RD1 Spirits - Smooth bourbon - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Had a very informative tour for the history of the brand. Very different bourbon for me. All had additional aging with other wood added to the barrels. French oak was mild and a little sweet. The Brazilian wood added an interesting nutty flavor. The oak and maple smelled like syrup and tasted like pecan pie to me. The atmosphere was pretty cool in its industrial modern theme. read more

RD1 Spirits - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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We went in today for what I thought was our 1:30 tour--turns out I had actually booked it for tomorrow! The staff didn't miss a beat. Their customer service was incredible--they happily accommodated us and got us in that same day. Huge kudos to them for making it such a smooth and welcoming experience. The experience itself was fantastic. We got to sample four different barrels of whiskey and learn what makes RD1 unique as a distiller. The new location is beautiful--modern, clean, and inviting. It's clear they put a lot of thought into the design, and I'm excited to see how the area expands with new restaurants coming in around them. That's going to make it an even more fun destination for guests. One of the highlights was using the whiskey thief to fill our own bottle. On other distillery tours, you usually just watch someone else do it, so it was such a treat to be able to actually try it ourselves for the first time. Definitely a memorable moment! Overall, this is an excellent experience--great whiskey, top-notch staff, and a space that feels fresh and exciting. If you're in town, I highly recommend stopping by RD1. read more

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This location is beautiful, and don't miss the swings on the first floor! Very unique! We went on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon and enjoyed sitting outside on the upper deck drinking cocktails and looking out at the world. I had two different bourbon slushy cocktails and both were delicious. The merch in the gift shop looked to be of nice quality as well read more

Stopped in during a bourbon trail visit. Did and tasting and really enjoyed it. We were so glad we stopped in and gave it a chance. Will be back on my next visit. read more

Caleb met us with friendliness and enthusiasm to do a short tour and then barrel tasting. We tasted 4 different barrels in their exclusive one of a kind barrels. These creations were presented and tasted in a way we have never experienced. Absolutely outstanding. A bourbon lovers dream experience. Followed by doing a bottling of the bourbon of our choice. So unique. Worth your time and money!! Highly recommend. read more

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The new location is gorgeous! The spaces are perfect with a beautiful bar, patio and Speakeasy with delicious curated cocktails by amazing staff. Perfect for a "Bourbon Women" event with beautiful ladies. Thank you Chris! for the tour and historic account of how it all began up to where you are now. Will definitely visit again. read more

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Very unique experience! Small craft distillery with some very unique bourbons. I definitely recommend trying this one out if you're in the area. Very classic and stylish ambiance and our tour guide was great. One of the few places where you can thieve your own whiskey. Will for sure be back if we are in the area especially once they get their new location. Our guide was super nice and attentive as well. read more

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Wonderful place you can sample or do a bottle pour on your own. The crew makes your experience... Caleb, Elaina, Sydney all made the experience great. Bourbon s are very good! read more

RD1 Spirits - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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We absolutely loved our tasting. Even though there were only two of us, they created a great experience with tastings to pair with each product. We really enjoyed all of the products they offered. We ended up buying the Amburana barrel aged bottle. We would have bought more bottles but felt they were a little over priced. They are going to open a new, larger location soon and we are looking forward to checking them out again. read more

RD1 Spirits - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Took a friend to visit during a free day on a meeting. I knew about RD1 Spirits from a guy from HS who works for them. All 4 tastings we did was really good, especially for such of small distillery. My personal favs were the Brazilian wood and the Maple Oak, both who which translated well into an Old Fashion crafted on site. A definite return visit is in the cards. read more

RD1 Spirits - Old Fashioned - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

If you're looking for an Amazing experience while visiting Lexington then RD1 Spirits is a must stop. This beautiful brand destination is an overload to all your senses from beautiful architecture to the aroma and flavors of hand crafted cocktails. Walk around and gather history and insight on how this brand came about and the future of Lexington's fastest growing company. Meet R&D Master Distiller Jarrad Gollihue and be enlightened on how much Wood impacts the flavor of whiskey. Then thief straight from the barrel and bottle your own whiskey to take home. Hit the gift shop for some pretty sweet swag or a few LTO bottles. Don't forget to grab a delicious drink from the bar and enjoy the beautiful patio and if you're lucky maybe hang out with the Co-Founder Barry Brinegar and share a tall tale or two. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the grand opening and I can truly say it was an Epic experience, that will never be forgotten. read more

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We popped in here unplanned after leaving the other 2 we had planned and I am so glad we did. It was a unique tasting and the tasting guides walked us through how they make their unique bourbon. We even got the opportunity to customize a label and thief whiskey straight from the barrel for ohr own bottle! read more

RD1 Spirits - Custom bottle - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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My group of 4 did the bottle your own experience. It was exciting to "thief" straight from the barrel, which included two experimental barrels. People were open and welcoming. However, the highlight of the tour was Ashtyn, apologies if I misspelled her name. Ashtyn was personable, The tour she provided was informative and intimate. Seemed like we were catching up with an old friend rather than being on a tasting tour. We will definitely come back!! read more

Very nice customer service. The facility is very interesting with a cool vibe. Clean bathrooms. They have all their whiskeys and a few experimental ones available for purchase. They also have decent bar. Worth a stop if you like RD1. read more

The tasting was great. Lindsey did a great job and was really patient with all of our questions. The "thieving" from the barrels was a really cool experience!! Would highly recommend RD1 to anyone! read more

RD1 Spirits - Thieving from the barrel - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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We had some time to kill before our tickets to Keeneland and found this little gem and gosh am I glad we did!!! We were walk ins and Caleb took great care of us. He is knowledgeable and incredibly welcoming. I absolutely loved my time there. We visited five distilleries in all during our time in Lexington, Bardstown and Frankfort and this by far was my favorite bourbon. The trial bourbon in the barrel with the pecan wood finish was my favorite! And you can bottle your own and finish with your own label. Great place, great people and GREAT bourbon!!! Put it on your itinerary. And yes.... I bought a few bottles! read more

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Came here for a tour after visiting a large distillery. The attention to the customer and hospitality was next level. Our guide Elaina was wonderful in sharing the products and the history of the distillery with us. We will definitely be back. Go Cayts. read more

RD1 Spirits - Distilleries Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The tasting was awesome and also got to thief a pull straight from the barrel. The service was great and highly recommend visiting this location. Also have two other distilleries in the same complex. read more

Awesome .Great pasting . Great bourbons. Great staff. Kendall was great. Helps us with everything. Ah made a great old fashioned and manhatten read more

We walked in and were treated right away. From the outside -we were very reluctant. But once inside -Kendall took care of us. We had a nice tasting experience. We got to thieve the keg. We bought a bottle. It was a great experience. We will definitely be back. read more

Visited yesterday and had a great time at this craft distillery! The whiskey is delicious, but the real highlight was the employees. Emmaline, Haylie and Katelyn were extremely knowledgeable and felt like friends as soon as we walked through the door. They not only gave us a great history lesson, but made it a really fun experience. We will definitely be back next time we get back to Kentucky. Don't miss this hidden gem on Manchester Street! read more

Lexington's FIRST federally registered distillery (RD #1) started in 1865 as the Ashland Distillery. When William Tarr took majority ownership in 1871 it became his namesake, and the rest is history! The original distillery was on Manchester Street, bound by Cox and Peter Streets. Despite having burned to the ground in the late 1870's and undergoing complete reconstruction (in brick), the only remaining building is Manchester Music Hall, which was once 'Bonded Warehouse 1' and later an administration building. The resurrected brand will have a bar, gift shop, and small still in the Pepper Rickhouse. The first release is Manchester Reserve, a blended whiskey composed of a 7-year bourbon and an 8-year rye. The second, Inheritance, is an premium 12-year bourbon. Co-founders Barry Brinegar and Jill Bakehorn are proud Lexingtonians, history buffs, and bourbon aficionados. This is an amazing addition to Lexington's burgeoning bourbon scene, specifically the distillery district. Cheers! read more

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In depth Lexington history, with ties to UK & Henry Clay's family, combined with Kentucky whiskey! Come learn about Lexington's Registered Distillery One while enjoying premium quality drinks. Founded in 1865 as the first federally registered distillery in Lexington, the brand was revived in 2020. Check them & their brand destination out! Capable of hosting private tasting events, doing private barrel tastings & more. read more