In a move opposite from what most distilleries are doing on both sides of the Atlantic, Barton 1792 Distillery will stop giving public tours at the end of June to focus solely on distilling.

“After careful review of our brand needs, plant capacity, safety, and practicality we have made the difficult decision to make a change to our tour operations and will no longer be open for public tours at Barton 1792 Distillery,” said the distillery.

“We are not taking any new tour reservations at this time, but we are honouring any tours already scheduled through June 30th. The gift shop will be open until June 30th as well.

“Our love for the 1792 Bourbon brand and Barton family brands is stronger than ever, and it’s because we have such confidence in the potential of the portfolio that we are adjusting our strategy at Barton 1792 Distillery to focus more acutely on meeting increasing demand for our products, concentrating the distillery on what it does best: producing the world’s best whiskey.”

Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully operating distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, it boasts 29 barrel aging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring.  

It was named in honour of the year Kentucky joined the United States in 1792.