Bourbon has been distilled on this unique site overlooking the Kentucky River since the mid-1800’s however it wasn’t until 1940 when an Austin Nichols executive Thomas McCarthy inadvertently established the Wild Turkey Bourbon brand name. An avid sportsman, McCarthy gathered with friends each year for a wild turkey hunt on a South Carolina Estate. McCarthy, asked to supply the whiskey, pulled a sample straight from the warehouse. The following year, his friends insisted he bring more of “that Wild Turkey bourbon.” McCarthy, a businessman with a background in marketing, realized he had a winning product and soon began to market Wild Turkey Bourbon. Our bourbon has been the same ever since.

Making bourbon is a combination of art and science and Wild Turkey’s reputation rests on the product’s consistency. Wild Turkey Bourbon is distilled at a very low proof in order to seal in its flavors. Distilling at lower proofs means it’s more costly, as is maturing in deep charred white oak barrels for a minimum of six years but Wild Turkey never takes shortcuts, believing in the importance of tradition, and delivering a unique depth of taste.

Who better fitted to ensure that the time-honored practices continue than Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell?  Jimmy, to anyone who’s ever shaken his hand, has been making bourbon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky at the Austin Nichols Distillery for 54 years, with more experience than anyone else in his field.  Jimmy grew up uniquely suited to be the ambassador of bourbon country. Raised just five miles from the distillery, with a father and grandfather in the distillery business, his devotion to his craft is in his blood.   

Jimmy learned the time-honored traditions and techniques from the best in the business. He trained under Bill Hughes, Wild Turkey Bourbon’s second master distiller, and Ernest W. Ripy, Jr., the son of the original owners. It’s a small community of men who have mastered bourbon, and within this brotherhood, Jimmy Russell has gained a reputation as “the master distillers’ master distiller.”  From the first selection of grains through the entire distillation and aging process, he has fused experience and wisdom to create the finest examples of America’s spirit.

The Wild Turkey distillery is located at 1525 Tyrone Road, Lawrenceberg KY 40342, about a 30 minute drive from Lexington, and under 50 minutes from Louisville.

The Wild Turkey distillery is a fully working distillery, and our knowledgeable guides will be happy to show you through the entire process of making the finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon, from the grains to the barrel. Our tours are free of charge, and we are open year round, except Sundays & Public Holidays with tours at 9.00 am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, and 2.30pm but please call ahead at 502-839-4544 if you have any questions.

Tour Hours
Monday-Saturday 9, 10:30, 12:30,  2:30

Location
1525 Tyrone Road, Lawrenceburg, KY
(502) 839-4544

Directions from Louisville
Take I-64 East to 151 South, then US 62 East.  Right on Country Rd 1510

Directions from Lexington
Take US 60 West to Versailles, the US 62 West.  Right on Country Rd 1510