Let’s Get To Know Stitzel-Weller Distillery
- Pegasus
- Oct 17
- 5 min read
Home of Blade & Bow, Orphan Barrel, and IW Harper.
Overview
Originally opening on Derby Day in 1935 and reopening to the public in 2014, the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery is one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey industry. Located only five miles from downtown Louisville, the Stitzel-Weller Experience is one of the most convenient and impressive stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Walk the hallowed grounds and taste spirits that uncover the unique contrast between traditions of the past with innovations of tomorrow, including Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel. Enjoy a cocktail and small plate in the newly opened Garden & Gun Club at Stitzel-Weller.
History
Stitzel–Weller, a distillery in Shively—a suburb of Louisville, Kentucky—opened its doors on Derby Day in 1935. The origins of Blade and Bow trace back to this renowned distillery, which became a Louisville landmark and helped shape the bourbon industry. After Prohibition ended, Stitzel–Weller was built with a dedication to craftsmanship and artistry, transforming expectations of Kentucky Bourbon until production ceased in 1992. Stitzel–Weller Distillery was eventually acquired by Diageo as part of a larger sale, and was officially reopened to the public in 2014.
The facility initially served as the home of the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Now home to Diageo brands Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel, Stitzel–Weller Distillery serves as a monument to the fathers of bourbon and an important part of Kentucky’s bourbon history.
With the opening of the Bulleit Distilling Co. Visitor Center in Shelbyville, KY, in 2019, Blade & Bow is featured prominently as a proud tribute to the renowned craftsmanship of the ever-evolving Stitzel-Weller Distillery.
Brands From Stizel-Weller
Blade and Bow
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey uses the Solera System, a unique aging and blending process to preserve the heritage of Stitzel-Weller Distillery by blending bourbon of various ages. A historic method in other categories, it is an uncommon practice found in the bourbon industry.
Learn more here.
I.W. Harper
Beginning with a subtle nose, I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey leaves hints of caramel and vanilla then melts into velvety bursts of wood and spice. The finish is sweet and pleasant with subtle fruit notes.
Orphan Barrel
Orphan Barrel was started to share barrels of delicious and rare whiskey. The stories of these exquisite expressions are captured in their artful labels. Our goal is to bottle these limited, small offerings for the world to try and for you to add to your whiskey collection.
Every Orphan Barrel is meticulously bottled, to ensure that these standout whiskeys are treated with the care they deserve – because some of them will only be available once. And once they're gone, they're gone forever. Learn more here.
Things to Do At The Distillery
Enjoy the Garden & Gun Club
Intimate and inviting, the Garden & Gun Club at Stitzel-Weller Distillery writes a new chapter in Southern hospitality. Their premier cocktail bar and lounge brings the defining Southern lifestyle brand to life with a curated menu of elevated cocktails and a modern take on some of your favorite classic Southern dishes. No Membership Required & No Reservations.
Check out their menu.
Walk the Grounds/Take a Tour
The Stitzel-Weller Experience
Experience the Past, Celebrate the Future.
Learn about the past, present and future of bourbon at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery. It’s a distillery drenched in the rich history of Bourbon’s past that’s pushing the boundaries with innovations for the future. Walk in the footsteps of bourbon legends, as you step into an active barrel house, cooper shop and micro still-house. Your journey ends with a tasting of Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Single Barrel, I.W. Harper Cask and Blade and Bow.
Learn more.
A Taste of History | Tasting Only Experience
Experience the past, celebrate the future.
Learn about the past, present and future of bourbon in this in-depth tasting at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Your journey includes a tasting of Blade and Bow, the new I.W. Harper Cask, Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Single Barrel and Bulleit 10-Year. Learn more.
Progressive Walking Tour & Taste
Unlock the History of Stitzel-Weller
Learn about the past, present and future of bourbon at the historic Stitzel- Weller Distillery with our Progressive Walking & Tasting Tour! Over the course of the tour, guests will taste an Orphan Barrel, IW Harper Cabernet Cask, Bulleit 10-Year and Blade and Bow.*
Guests will walk in the footsteps of bourbon legends as they step into the old fill house, pass by the old boiler room and get a glimpse inside the old Tax House. Our micro still-house will give an inside look at our grains, process and current production. Guests will take in the sights and smells of the rick house and step inside the last standing Cooperage in Kentucky. Finally, the group will visit our 5 Keys Club room where they taste our flagship, Blade and Bow. Each guest will receive their own keepsake Stitzel-Weller Glencairn glass for tasting four liquids along the tour. Learn more.
Bourbon & Chocolate Sensory Experience
Discover Unique Flavor Notes with a Sensory Experience.
Learn how to pick up flavor nuances between bourbon and chocolate with a guided tasting flight. Enjoy Stitzel-Weller products paired specifically with chocolates created for us by local chocolatier, Art Eatables. Create your own mini cocktail with the information learned from the class and walk home with recipes to make your own bourbon and chocolate creations. Each chocolate will accentuate certain characteristics of 3 liquids: IW Harper, Blade & Bow and Espresso Baileys. Learn more.
Shop in Their Merchandise Store
Pick up your keepsake Stitzel-Weller Glencairn glass at their store and much more including shirts, ornaments, golf accessories, etc. and of course spirits! See what merchandise you can shop here.
Address
Hours
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Closed on Wednesdays from December 1 – March 31
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Conclusion
This distillery is one of the amazing locales that Pegasus Tours includes in their Bourbon Social™: Angels & Outlaws Tour.
Interested in other Bourbon Social™ Tours? Click here to find more exciting options!
DID YOU KNOW?
Pegasus Tours offers both private and group bourbon tours! And they have special rates with The Galt House Hotel.
Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not represent any endorsement by Pegasus.
Pegasus is an Official Partner
Only Pegasus offers an unmatched blend of luxury and elegance in chauffeured & chartered services, personalized tours, and exclusive Kentucky Bourbon Trail's™ distillery experiences, all backed by 5-star reviews. We excel in providing top-tier transportation for distinguished events like Bourbon and Beyond, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and Louder Than Life, ensuring a memorable journey every time.
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