Woodford Reserve Distillery

Just eight miles from Versailles, Kentucky, stands the legendary Woodford Reserve Distillery, a site where bourbon history was born back in 1812. Originally known as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery, its main building—erected in 1838—remains one of Kentucky’s oldest distilling landmarks, honored as a National Historic Landmark for its vital role in shaping America’s bourbon tradition.

Founded by Elijah Pepper and later run by his son Oscar, the distillery became the stage for James C. Crow’s pioneering work in the mid-19th century, where he perfected the art of sour mash fermentation, pot still distillation, and barrel aging—revolutionizing bourbon forever. After decades of family stewardship and ownership changes, the Brown-Forman Corporation took control in 1941, pausing operations during Prohibition but reviving the site in 1993.

Woodford Reserve was born in 1996, embodying centuries of craftsmanship and innovation. Today, it offers a distinguished lineup—from classic Bourbon and Double Oaked to Rye and limited editions—crowned by the bold 2025 release of Chocolate Whisper Redux Bourbon, the brand’s highest-proof expression yet, a true testament to enduring passion and tradition.