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James E. Pepper Historic Whiskey Distillery Tour
4.8
5,390 Ratings
Lexington
Discover the rich legacy of the James E. Pepper Distillery on a guided tour featuring a museum visit, live whiskey production, and a tasting of award-winning spirits
Discover the rich legacy of the James E. Pepper Distillery on a guided tour featuring a museum visit, live whiskey production, and a tasting of award-winning spirits
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Explore the history of an iconic Kentucky whiskey brand at a National Historic Landmark
- Visit the distillery museum and learn about its revitalization after 50 years of neglect
- Enjoy a guided tour of the fully restored and operational distillery, using the original 1967 recipe
- Relax with neat pours, cocktails, or tasting flights at the onsite bar
- Explore the history of an iconic Kentucky whiskey brand at a National Historic Landmark
- Visit the distillery museum and learn about its revitalization after 50 years of neglect
- Enjoy a guided tour of the fully restored and operational distillery, using the original 1967 recipe
- Relax with neat pours, cocktails, or tasting flights at the onsite bar
What's Included
- 1-hour distillery tour
- Whiskey tasting
- Engaging and knowledgeable tour guide
- 1-hour distillery tour
- Whiskey tasting
- Engaging and knowledgeable tour guide
Additional Information
- Arrive 15 minutes early for parking and check-in.
- Tours restricted to guests aged 14 and older; tastings are 21+ with valid ID.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing during the tour.
- Groups of 6+ must cancel at least 7 days prior for a refund; later cancellations are eligible for rebooking credits only.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for parking and check-in.
- Tours restricted to guests aged 14 and older; tastings are 21+ with valid ID.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing during the tour.
- Groups of 6+ must cancel at least 7 days prior for a refund; later cancellations are eligible for rebooking credits only.
Location
1228 Manchester St
Manchester Street
Cancellation Policy
Full refund for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the tour.
Full refund for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the tour.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(5390 Ratings)
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Matt
Apr 21, 2026
Our tour guide was fantastic
Review provided by Peek Pro
Bill
Apr 20, 2026
Tour Guide was great, enjoyed the craft experience. great location.
Review provided by Peek Pro
Nancy
Apr 13, 2026
Our tour guide Emma was amazing. So engaging and knowledgeable!
Review provided by Peek Pro
Julia
Apr 25, 2026
History was good.. Tasting so-so. Missed doing side-by-side tastings.
Review provided by Peek Pro
Ben
Apr 10, 2026
It was a bit lackluster. Should avoid the “moonshine” tasting. However, it was informative regarding the James E. Pepper history.
Review provided by Peek Pro
Jeff
Apr 7, 2026
The initial impression when entering the distillery and gift shop felt somewhat lacking in atmosphere. Creating a more engaging and inviting vibe—perhaps through background music or enhanced ambiance—could significantly improve the first impression. As it stands, the space felt quiet and subdued, more reminiscent of a public library than a lively distillery experience.
The tour guide was very friendly and demonstrated a strong understanding of the distillery’s history, which was appreciated. However, there were multiple mentions of “it has been a long day” during the presentation, which detracted slightly from the overall energy and guest experience.
For the tasting portion, I would recommend incorporating small snacks and offering water between samples to help cleanse the palate. This would elevate the experience and make it feel more thoughtful and complete.
Overall, while there are positive elements, the experience did not fully come across as immersive or authentic. With a few adjustments to atmosphere and presentation, it has strong potential to leave a much more lasting impression.
Review provided by Peek Pro