A rendering of the John G. Carlisle Cafe that's currently under construction at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort (top) and the Trial + Error cocktail bar at Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row in Louisville.
Two Kentucky Whiskey Brands Extend Their Visitor Experiences
Buffalo Trace Distillery and Pursuit United Spirits have announced the opening of on-site restaurants and bars
August 13, 2025 –––––– Whisky Advocate
Much has changed for whiskey lovers in the last 25 years, from the number of brands and expressions available to the immersive experiences offered at distilleries that were once merely production facilities. Thanks to the transformation of these places into visitor-friendly destinations, the hospitality experiences are more akin to vacations than hard-hat tours. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s stops and accommodations have continued to expand—the latest extensions coming from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort and Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row in Louisville.
Dine at Buffalo Trace
The John G. Carlisle Café is under construction in the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse on Buffalo Trace’s campus. The Clubhouse is a restored 1930s cabin that currently houses an event space and wedding venue on the second floor. In spring 2026, the first floor will be home to the distillery’s first permanent dining space: A lunch spot featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, a kids’ menu, and limited cocktails created using a selection of Buffalo Trace products; served in the cabin or on its porch. All are welcome, but access requires check-in at the distillery’s Freehouse welcome center. Hours of operation will be announced closer to opening.
Of all the notable names Buffalo Trace has in its history, why did they choose to honor a U.S. Congressman? E.H. Taylor, Jr. honored Carlisle for his support of the bourbon industry, most notably the bottled in bond act, when Taylor built a second distillery on the grounds of O.F.C. Distillery in 1879. Carlisle Distillery was renamed Kentucky River Distillery in 1898 by manager Albert Blanton. Ultimately, the distillery was demolished in 1936 for the expansion of Buffalo Trace’s current mash house.
More To Explore on Whiskey Row
Pursuit Spirits has announced the opening of its cocktail lounge, retail space, and tasting experiences on Whiskey Row’s Main Street on Thursday, August 14th. It’s now a fully restored space with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and the original elevator shaft enhanced by a glass floor. In addition to barrel picks and bottlings from the barrel, tasting experiences have been expanded to include background on the historic Mellwood Distillery in Louisville, cocktail creating, and immersive explorations with co-founders Kenny Coleman or Ryan Cecil. The retail shop and experiences operate Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The site also houses Trial + Error cocktail bar located on the basement level, and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The drinks menu is proclaimed as “bourbon-forward” and offers a variety of cocktails, including riffs of classics ($15-$18). Light bites, including charcuterie, olives, trail mix, and flourless chocolate torte, are available for purchase.
Thirsty for more whisky travel destinations? The world of whisky education and enjoyment doesn’t end in Kentucky. Check out these other whisky-focused trails around the world.
