Get your shine on! Experience Kentucky’s distilling past and present on the Moonshine Trail! From small distilleries keeping the old-age tradition of moonshining alive to museums, natural wonders, and more, this trail celebrates Kentucky’s untamed spirit!
Barrel House Distilling Co.
Located in Lexington, Barrel House Distilling Co. crafts locally sourced, small-batch spirits with a dash of innovation and a whole lot of creativity. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process on a tour and tasting. Here, you’ll see the grand copper pot stills where they craft batches of ‘shine, their award-winning Pure Blue Vodka, bourbon and even rum! Afterward, sample spirits in the tasting room and stop by the gift shop for souvenirs, like rum caramel and bourbon pecans!
Regeneration Distilling Co.
Immerse yourself in a farm-to-bottle experience at Regeneration Distilling Co.! Dedicated to crafting spirits from locally grown ingredients on Mt. Folly Farm, this distillery is housed in the revitalized Old Williams Factory (the oldest building in Winchester). Take a tour of the only Class B distillery in Clark County and see the 100-gallon pot still in action. Witness the creation of moonshine, bourbon and whiskey. And, of course, sample the subtly sweet and earthy Sweet Potato Moonshine.
Kentucky Mountain Moonshine
If you’re looking for authentic, one-of-a-kind moonshine, visit Kentucky Mountain Moonshine. Located in the rural town of Ravenna against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, this family-owned and operated distillery serves up 100% corn moonshine. Schedule a tour and meet owner Howard for a masterclass on the distilling process. Sample the signature moonshine flavors like Smokey Apple Pie, Vanilla Bean or Cranberry and be sure to take a bottle home with you, like the original Clear.
Kentucky Mist Distillery
With a history tracing back to Prohibition and the days of distilling corn into bootleg moonshine, Kentucky Mist Distillery in Eastern Kentucky infuses over 70 years of experience into its quality spirits. Opened by the grandson of famous moonshiner Little Henry Holbrook, this unique distillery crafts bold flavors of moonshine, vodka, and whiskey. Stop in for a tasting of several flavors or sip on their back-to-back award-winning Ole Henry.
Pauley Hollow Distillery
Known as the first legal distillery in Pike County, Pauley Hollow Distillery crafts moonshine, bourbon and rye whiskey using water from a hand-dug 100-year-old spring-fed well. Take a tour and learn how this family run operation makes its pure and smooth moonshine. Put some hair on your chest with a swig of the sweet and spicy Fuel of the Feud, a triple-distilled moonshine named after the famous Hatfield-McCoy Brawl and made from the McCoy well. Or, sample spirits like Papa Nick’s Apple Brandy.
Backwoods Moonshine Museum
Discover the captivating history and methods of moonshine making at the Backwoods Moonshine Museum in Beattyville. Housed in a log cabin, this unique museum highlights the lives of moonshiners. Explore exhibits featuring vintage moonshine stills, local folk art and other moonshine-related artifacts. Meet the Beattyville Hillbillies, featured on the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, and learn more about moonshining history. Visit the local liquor store for a bottle of their huckleberry ‘shine!
Mt. Folly Farm
Tour this family-owned regenerative farm, which supplies corn, wheat, rye and blackberries to distilleries like Regeneration Distilling Co. and other local businesses in Winchester. With a passion for sustainable agriculture, this charming farm specializes in non-GMO and certified organic beef cattle, grains and oilseeds. Check out the 1790s pioneer farmhouse on the property, learn about the inner workings of farm life, or stay for a weekend in the property’s historically preserved cabin.
Loretta Lynn’s Birthplace – Butcher Hollow
As you traverse the Moonshine Trail, take a detour to Butcher Hollow in Van Lear (or Holler, if you’re a local), an old coal mining community and the birthplace of country crooner Loretta Lynn. Visit Loretta’s childhood home, the famed “cabin on a hill,” and drop into the historic Webb’s Grocery to see a collection of memorabilia from her life (and take home a t-shirt to commemorate your trip)! Nearby, visit the Country Music Highway Museum and Loretta Lynn’s Ranch.
Moonshiners Arch
Nestled in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Moonshiner’s Arch is a natural rock formation that was once a popular spot for illegal moonshine distilling. Hike from Livingston along the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Along the way, take in the stunning sights of the Appalachian Mountains as you trek through the breathtaking Kentucky wilderness. Don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy selfie at the arch to get your stamp at a neighboring trail stop!
Southern Kentucky Distillery
Uncover the magic at Southern Kentucky Distillery (SKD), nestled in the heart of the Appalachian foothills! Since 2022, SKD has been electrifying the local spirits scene with Slate Fork Moonshine, crafted from a treasured family recipe. Dive into thrilling flavors like Strawberry Lemonade, Green Apple, Peach, and the bold 100-proof Stump Water. Each sip captures the wild spirit and rich heritage of Kentucky. Plus, explore their Ancient Sun Vodka and Broadhead Bourbon. For an unforgettable taste of Appalachia, SKD is your ultimate destination!
Red River Gorge Distilled Spirits
Experience the thrill of Appalachian history at Red River Gorge Distilled Spirits! For generations, moonshiners concealed their stills, crafting “fire water” in secret to survive. Descendants of Scots-Irish settlers, these rebels turned whiskey-making into a lifeline. Now, Red River Gorge Distilled Spirits proudly brings this legendary recipe into the spotlight, honoring their daring heritage and keeping their bold legacy alive. Dive into the spirit of rebellion and tradition!
