I'm doing some business travel to Kentucky, and have been visiting some distilleries. Although not big and flashy, Glenn's Creek was one of the best experiences I've had (visited last weekend). The distillery is a functioning distillery, and not made up to look pretty, but the spirits they produce are outstanding (based on our limited tasting). They are doing some creative things with grain bills (oats?), but my favorite was Swheat, a really drinkable wheated bourbon. But the highlight of the experience was the owner, David Meier. He's sardonic, sarcastic, and irreverent, but funny as hell! He's also a wealth of information about the mechanics, chemistry, and history of distilling in Kentucky (this one is in the former Old Crow distillery). It was entertaining and informative to hear him talk as we sampled his wares. For an out-of-the-ordinary distillery experience, but one that is truly fun and educational, I would recommend Glenn's Creek highly. read more

Great place. Most imaginative bourbon and spirits selection of any place within 50 miles. Don't come here expecting the typical bourbon tasting experience like you would have at the big guys ( I.e. Woodford, Four Roses, Wild Turkey). David gives you the breadth of his knowledge of the industry and what he has learned over his many years of experimentation. This man is a true scientist of the industry and should be recognized as such. Don't overlook this place. read more

There's an old saying: "When someone tells you who they are, believe them". I can't think of a better representation of this quote. I don't believe just anyone would enjoy this venue. Frankly it's a bit on the junky side. Most everything is covered in black (yeah I know). The tasting room is teeny tiny, itty bitty, small. The bathrooms are..... well, they're outside. You will not find a flower garden, fountain or artwork. You may see chickens or billy goats. I saw both. Our server was (Emma), a charming young gal with freckles that can clean a pot still, explain the grain bill of her product, and give you the business if so deserved. I've been to a few distilleries in the area and found the products selected for tasting conservative? Whiskeys that most people would find okay. Ha.... Not here. This distillery is where you will find your father's or grandfather's bourbon. It's in your face in the best way. I'm not going to cover the whiskeys I liked best but I will say there was absolutely no disappointment. However, the biggest surprise was the Rum. I'm not a rum guy but this deserves to be consumed neat. Being a total tourist and new to this area, I didn't discover this place till my last day. Noob mistake. After tasting I ended up purchasing several bottles here, where I walked by the competition. If you are a whiskey person and you want to taste bourbon, stop by. Dave, we never met but you did deny me on a tour this morning over the phone. I guess I shouldn't have waited till the last minute. Home run on the booze! I'll plan better next time! Keep on keeping on! read more

Go past the large & touristy Castle & Creek distillery 1/2 mile and you'll find Glenn's Creek, the opposite in so many ways. Tiny (5 employees, with an average production of 1 barrel/day), the building and grounds unkempt, and an overall vibe seemingly intended to keep visitors away. The main building was gray-painted concrete with a 1950s-style utilitarian industrial look. Weeds sprouting in the pavement cracks, the exterior walls streaked with black stains which I later learned is Baudoinia or "Whiskey Mold", a fungus that grows on old exterior walls exposed to distillery vapors. I found the visitor entrance under the sign "3501 Glenns Creek Distilling" (with the second "N" dangling diagonally (accidental or intended? Unsure). I entered the tasting room, empty except for one employee. She didn't look up or acknowledge me in any way. I looked around the tiny room briefly then approached her and asked for a sample. They are $4 each, but I believe the size was somewhat less than the 1/2 ounce typical in the area. I tried the Café Olé, a 118 proof single-barrel bourbon (all their products are single barrel). I really liked it and I told her. This lessened her sour mode somewhat but didn't lead to any conversation. I wandered around as I sipped, looking at the other bottles, wall decor, etc. I read a very condescending and unfriendly "Q&A" sign, with the answer to virtually question being "Sign up for the Visitor Experience" and you'll find out." I contemplated my bourbon as I wandered. When I finished I went back to the counter and told her again how much I liked at and would like to buy a bottle. As we completed the transaction she began talking more. Telling me more about the bourbon than was listed on the tasting notes. But listening to her was more jarring than actually helpful. Like she was reading from a script, racing to get through, or as if reading disclaimers on a law firm commercial on TV. They make several bourbons and rye, two rums, Kentuila (agave spirit can't be legally called tequila in Kentucky), and 1 or 2 specialty liqueurs. I would have tried more if I hadn't just left nearby Castle & Key distillery. Judging by the Café Olé I tried I expect the others would be very good too. Maybe I should have signed up for a "Visitor Experience" as they so strongly push in their signage. I didn't really have time though. And, as it's described not as a tour but as a 60 minute conversation with a distiller (all 5 employees are distillers), I think it could have been awkward from what I encountered and have read about their personalities. Although the 2 hour Grounds Walk would have been genuinely fascinating to me, a tour of the ruins of the Old Crow ruins that are now owned by Glenn's Creek, flashlights required. So overall a memorable 3-star experience and I'd like to come back. But please, lose the curmudgeonly attitude, it's pretty obnoxious and off-putting. read more

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After seeing the frilly, popular and cute distilleries to hear all their blah, blah, blah about what makes them so special, a visit to Glenn's Creek Distilling is exactly what my group needed the other day. Old Cranky Dave and his motto: "Bourbon Without the BS" is quite refreshing when compared to the same old talk about limestone filtered water jabber as though the founder of a brand is still stirring mash along the creek. Pretty - not a bit, but this is the reality of an actual distillery. Will Glenn's Creek Distilling try to convince you they're the "first of" anything - no sir. What this site is, is the real deal, on a small scale, and a bit rough around the edges. It's not everyone's cup of tea, and there are many sites visitors can see pretty grounds hosted by some young folks who know nothing more than a company line. While they do walk-in tastings here, BE SURE TO BOOK A TASTING EXPERIENCE at 10, Noon, 2 or 4, or plan a private experience if you have more than a half-dozen in your party. I love it, and I'll return as soon as I possibly can BOB read more

We first visited in 2021 when Glenn's Creek was the only distillery open after a long drive. We signed up for a tour that day. We had a great time with a super small group learning about the distillery and location. Visiting again in December 2025, we did not check the website- so do that, check the website. We were still able to pick up some things we were out of and wave hello before leaving, but unfortunately no repeat tour (our fault completely). Obviously, based on our first visit, we have and will visit again. While it may have changed, we were able to take our "tour/tasting" right in the distilling space. The spirits are good and experience fantastic. Make a plan to go to Glenn's Creek. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

We have been to many distilleries over the last few years and Glenns Creek Distilling is far and away the best visit. David Meier is the owner and he will go down as one of the most-engaging and entertaining people you will meet. David is the reason we will continue to return to GCD every single time. The products offered by Glenns Creek Distilling are perfectly made with the highest of standards (David's Way). The location has an interesting history and worth every minute. When you see all the major players in the bourbon game, visit the blue-collar Glenns Creek to experience a 'puffery-free' environment and a real lesson on bourbon production. Prepare for a masterclass in bourbon. read more

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The grounds walk was very interesting seeing the history of the property from the Old Crow days through the present day. The tasting was also wonderful read more

The shop is really tiny, I would say about 5-7 people max could be visiting at once. We did a tasting, it was a little overpriced but cool to be in the old crow distilling site. I wish we could have seen of the production area, I'm sure it was cool in there. It's not the most inviting but still worth the visit. read more

Very cool place. I enjoyed the 'good ole boys' vibes. Thank you for being dog friendly. read more

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Excellent bourbon and friendly atmosphere!! Definitely worth a tasting experience. Cheers! We will return for a tour. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

I've been enjoying bourbon tours and tastings for the past 15 years and this was the first time I stopped in to get the experience at Glenns Creek. My cousins had stopped in and said I needed to experience it and I'm happy to say, I'm glad I did! Go in with an open mind and leave your judgment in the car. Have fun! We enjoyed our conversation and tasting with David and we will definitely be back next time we are in town! read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Tasting menu - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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Great whiskey! Their Flippin' the Bird whiskey was one of my favorite. They have a cute small shop with friendly staff.

So...never heard of this distillery until a buddy of our son found out we were heading to the area and stated, "Go here and make sure you try Cafe Ole." So that's what we did, arranged a couple spots for a tasting and I'd like to admit that was one of the best tastings I've ever been to. We drove by the entrance because it simply didn't seem like a customer parking lot but after seeing folks walking out of the door on top of steps, we were like, 'this must be it!' As soon as you walk in the door, you do four that you are in the 'shopping area' and it's maybe the size of your kitchen at home? So I'd refer to this as quaint or unique but in an endearing way. I'd read about keeping the judgement in the car and this is a statement that truths true. It's for sure not the newest/shiniest place on the block but the folks running the place are just so nice. They treated us like family, you simply cannot say the same for other distilleries. David(our tasting guru & just so happens to own the place) is incredibly open and informative about not only the spirits he creates but can talk about everything in the area and newsworthy. He is incredibly personable. We got to try what seemed to be about everything listed and every one of them was flavorful, unique and left you thinking. Just like David. I enjoyed every minute of the tasting, the food we sat at the bar with were super nice and from all over the US. If you are planning on going to Frankfort. Plan ahead and arrange a tasting here and enjoy some decent bourbons and enjoy the history lesson. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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A great distillery. We saw signs for it the day before when we went to castle and key. We had a mixology class booked at Woodford and made a stop at Glenns Creek before that. I had a tasting and enjoyed it a lot. They really are bourbon with out the bs. I got me a bottle of their Hamilton smoke as I also love peated scotch. Will definitely be back the next time we come to Kentucky. read more

Do not let looks deceive you. Dave, the owner, purchased the abandoned Old Crow distillery and has created a unique place that is all substance over style. They make a small but growing portfolio of unique bourbons and other spirits, and our tasting (led by Dave) was a first rate combination of bourbon history, distilling science and humor. This is a must stop site for anyone interested in learning more and tasting some unique spirits. Highly recommend! read more

Sketch. I swear banjos were playing in the background... These guys do bourbon (and other booze) their way and don't give AF about what others say. I liked it so much I bought a T-shirt. Friends bought some booze. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - GCD - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

Having been to a lot of the distillery tours on the Bourbon Trail I was beginning to have concerns about my ability to discern the differences in propriety yeast. Dave straighten me out with his no BS explanations. His powerpoint presentation is very helpful. Be careful not to touch his lazy susan of bourbon bottles, he's very protective. :) Don't miss the Glenn Creek tour, it's the most informative on the trail. The bourbon is really great too. read more

Stopped in here to do a tasting. Tom on the bar was phenomenal! Friendly and had so much knowledge to share. The flight was reasonable so we got one each and tried all they had. 6 different whiskies and ryes. I kinda liked the a-maize-ing C.O.B. The most. The tasting area is full of cool stuff to browse and learn. Great stop and though it is not on the bourbon trail they will give you a stamp in the back of the book. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Offerings - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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This place is awesome. You're immersed in the distillery sampling some great spirits talking about bourbon history with David the owner. If you looking for the Disney World type of place this is not it. It's a small quaint space in the Old Crow factory. The bourbons did not disappoint either. Higher proof boutique style bourbons you can't buy at the store. read more

The wife and I went there in March to drop off a punch bowl set and left with the greatest experience ever. David and the crew welcomed us and made us feel like family. We learned alot about bourbon and rum. Tasted some absolutely fantastic products and had the greatest time. Top notch. We can't wait to go back and do the tour of the grounds and pick up a few bottles of the product. read more

I think their motto says it all - Bourbon without the BS. A very down to earth distillery. Small in scale but large in passion. Located in an old distillery itself, the ambiance is part warehouse and part old school distillery. We stopped by and had a tasting the staff was very knowledgeable and gave open opinions. Their products were all very good. We left with a bottle of their rum. read more

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Cool old distillery and property. The owner Dave did our tasting and he was hysterical. Very dry and wry sense of humor which we all loved although some people might not understand. As it was, we stayed well over our allotted time and would've stayed longer if it wasn't the last tasting of the day. Really enjoyed the bourbon, we all bought a couple of bottles. Would have bought more, but we had to fit it into our luggage on the airplane. Overall we would definitely go back again. We had a wonderful time. read more

Tiny distillery that was the surprise of our bourbon trail journey. We visited Castle and Key, located just next door, and decided to see what this tiny distillery next door was all about. It is a small rickety building. Absolutely no street draw. Tiny tasting room. Their slogan is "Bourbon without the BS". This was one of my favorite selection of bourbons on our trip! They offer an all corn bourbon "A-maize-ing Cob" which is super smooth...not complex in flavor but crazy smooth. My favorite was the "Cafe Ole" which roasts the brewers malt (technique used to make Porter and stout beer) to bring a super amazing chocolate flavor!!! Don't expect a show. Don't expect a beautiful distillery with pristinely landscaped grounds. Don't expect to pay for the opportunity to taste their bourbon to determine what you want to buy. Don't expect any BS. DO EXPECT SOME BOURNON CREATIVITY LIKE YOU RARELY FIND. Do plan to buy some bottles because you won't find this tiny distillery distributed when you go back home. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Street View - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

If you're looking for an intimate experience and perhaps a break from the craziness of the mega distilleries, I couldn't recommend this place enough. We were in a small group, sat down for a tasting with David, the owner/master distiller, and learned a lot of fascinating stories about his background, the facility, and of course his amazing bourbon. If you're reading this, ignore the haters. They obviously came in with a closed mind, no respect, and no sense of humor. Tbh, the hater's reviews on here were a big reason my wife and I visited, because to us it meant that the owner must have been passionate about his craft, and that - he was. We enjoyed David's presentation, the distillery, his product, and his jokes..ha. Go to this place! And thanks, David, for what you do. We'll be back! read more

We always this distillery. Dave is very up front. He is a great.stpryteller and the spirits are great

If you arrive and think you're in the wrong place... you're in the right place. Tiny hole in the wall tasting room in an abandoned, but repurposed facility. We did a tasting for $8 and you get to try 3 diff spirits based on what you may like. We got a bonus 4th tasting. The woman who assisted us was great and informative. This was a quick 15-min stop but it was cool because it was a personal 1 on 1 tasting. Def come by & check it out when you're on the Bourbon Trail! read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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We have yet to do a tour but we have stopped here on both our trips to the KBT and have enjoyed the tastings and bought several products. I first bought a bottle of SWHEAT to bring home and still kick myself for not grabbing the original Honey offering. This time I had to get the OCD #5 and the Staves & Barrels because I was able to try them several times. This is craft distilling and the results are fabulous. Next time a tour for sure. If you are in the area near Woodford and especially Castle & Key, drive 3 min down to the end of the road and visit the good people at Glenns Creek Distilling. read more

Heard of this place on SLB and was not disappointed. David (master distiller) was very knowledgeable and the tasting was great. I don't know how many places you can sit down with the master distiller and just talk whiskey. Do yourself a favor, stop by, and buy some great whiskey. read more

This is a must go to distillery... it's sorta sketchy looking and that's just part of the fantastic experience. This is a micro-distillery with an amazing origin story... a completely different than any of the other experiences you'll find on the bourbon trail. Their bourbons and other products are unique and really hand crafted by one of just a few people running this distillery. The Cuervito Vivo - The Crow Lives - is amazing. If you're coming from WI... bring cheese curds :) read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

Small distillery but Loved the no BS motto the lady at the desk which I failed to get her name was very pleasant and explained the history of the distillery. Enjoyed the stop!! read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

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Great little place. David was entertaining and I appreciated the fact that he didn't try to teach us how bourbon is made, instead focusing on his product and what made it special. And I loved the "PowerPoint" slides. read more

The best bourbon distillery in Frankfort! Lots of history with the location and a fabulous staff to meet!

Best tasting I had on my trip to the Bourbon Trail. David did an outstanding job communicating about his products as well as an explanation about the bourbon industry as a whole. Excited to pop my bottles and enjoy some of Kentucky's bourbon. read more

This was one of the first distilleries we visited on our trip to Kentucky. Unfortunately, it wasn't great. We just popped in for a quick tasting (not a tour). The good? It was only $10. The not-so-good? Homie pouring up the bourbon seemed completely disinterested and annoyed that we were there. Plus, the product was meh. Wasn't the best experience. Wouldn't go back. read more

I loved the experience with Glenn's Creek! A very intimate experience and a different perspective from the other mega distilleries. The owner was very kind, knowledgable and did a great job explaining the distillery's place in the industry. The ambiance of the distillery is pretty cool with the operation they run and it being kind of secluded, and we got to taste a wide variety of products they make. Overall, I definitely recommend this tour to complement your experience if you are also checking out larger and more mainstream distilleries. read more

The place is interesting from the outside. It has so much potential, but needs some serious money invested. The customer service was lacking, but she could of been having a bad day. But being a smart a, is not a good way to treat customers. We did a taste test and picked up a bottle. It will be a one time trip unless they are able to invest $$ and renovate. Good place to see lots of whiskey fungus. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Near the distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

Glenn's Creek is probably what people think of when they buy a "small batch" bourbon from one of the major distilleries. But they are the real thing. David, the master distiller and owner led our tasting. He has a wealth of bourbon knowledge served up with more than a hint of sarcasm. They have quite a selection of spirits so there is something for everyone to try. After you've been to the big distilleries stop by here to learn how it's really done. read more

A true diamond in the rough. Don't let the exterior deter you. Step right in to a very knowledgeable staff with some high-quality bourbon. This may not be as aesthetic as castle and key or Woodford reserve, but if you're in the area it's definitely worth a stop. read more

Glenns Creek Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Frankfort, Kentucky

A small operation in a very historic location. A refreshing experience to be able to sit with the founder and have an unscripted chat, while he pours prideful samples. They don't seem to desire becoming a large production distillery, as that would force them to change production concepts and techniques... would that be bad? Yes, after sampling their bourbon, I was sold, I'm thankful I found this gem. Don't pass up an opportunity to visit read more