BARDSTOWN, KY (Jan. 21, 2026) – Bardstown’s 2026 is shaping up to be one for the ages. With the return of the always anticipated Bardstown Collection at its center, the next 12 months in the Bourbon Capital of the World will be packed with spirited events and experiences. Get a taste of what’s new below.
The Bardstown Collection Returns In 2026
Bourbon lovers rejoice! The next release of the Bardstown Collection will take place in November 2026, leading up to their festive holiday happenings, continuing the tradition of limited-edition bottles and unrivaled craftsmanship. The 2026 release will also see the inclusion of new distilleries, expanding the already stellar lineup of Bardstown’s finest bourbon makers. Introduced in 2022, the Bardstown Collection sees several of the destination’s best distilleries coming together to produce a highly limited, one-of-a-kind bourbon series, available only in Bardstown.
National Bourbon Week Is Back
The Bardstown Collection is just the tip of the ice cube when it comes to National Bourbon Week, which returns for its third edition June 14-21, 2026. The annual celebration brings together bourbon lovers from across the country for a spirited week of rare pours, exclusive experiences, and Southern hospitality. From behind-the-scenes tours and master distiller-led panels to curated pairing dinners and street-wide celebrations, National Bourbon Week 2026 will offer something for every kind of bourbon fan.
America 250: Red, White, & Bardstown
In 2026, America marks 250 years of independence — and Bardstown is proud to join the celebration with a series of sanctioned events from February through July. From parades and festivals to concerts, historic tours, and family-friendly gatherings, Red, White, & Bardstown blends national pride with local tradition, culminating in a Stephen Foster-centric grand finale.
The World’s First Bourbon-Infused Hotel
Opened in late 2025, The Trail Hotel is the world’s first bourbon-infused luxury hotel. Housed in a thoughtfully restored historic property, the hotel offers 95 stylish guest rooms, a signature 4-star restaurant, five bars (including a speakeasy), a state-of-the-art golf simulator, and a one-of-a-kind wellness space. Additionally, The Trail offers the services of an exclusive Bourbon Butler who crafts a curated experience that guests will find nowhere else in Kentucky.
The Revitalization of the Old SteelHouse
The historic Old SteelHouse Distillery property Bardstown has sat empty for more than 50 years. But plans are well underway to bring this classic back to life, including unique lodging, an event space, museum, and restaurant and bar that will make the Old SteelHouse an alluring destination in Bourbon Country. As of fall 2025, the distillery’s new tasting room is open to the public, offering the chance to sample its vast selection of pours.
Lofted Spirits Expands
In late 2025, Lofted Spirits (the parent company of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distilling) broke ground on a 4,000 square foot expansion of its bottling facility in Bardstown. When complete, it will double the facility’s footprint and expand annual bottling capacity from 10 million to 35 million bottles, including all sizes from 50 ml to 1.75 liters.
Heaven Hill Distillery Makes its Long-Awaited Comeback
Heaven Hill Distillery filled its first barrel at the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in the summer of 2025, nearly 30 years after a fire destroyed the original plant. The $200 million facility now holds the title of the world’s largest independent bourbon producer. Now, aficionados can go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the brand new, cutting-edge distillery, exploring the full whiskey-making process, learning about sustainability efforts, and enjoying a guided tasting.
