Kentucky Cooperage Bourbon Barrel Factory Tour — Lebanon, Kentucky

Discover the Kentucky Cooperage Factory Tour in Kentucky

The Kentucky Cooperage Factory Tour in Lebanon, Kentucky offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important yet least-seen parts of the bourbon industry: barrel making. This guided factory tour takes visitors inside a working cooperage where white oak barrels are crafted for some of the world’s most famous bourbon and whiskey brands. Ideal for bourbon fans, craftsmanship enthusiasts, and industrial history lovers, the experience reveals how barrels shape flavor long before whiskey reaches the bottle.
Why it’s special:
Barrels account for the majority of bourbon’s flavor. Visitors tour a real, operating cooperage and see every step of traditional barrel-making performed at industrial scale using time-honored techniques.

History & Story of Kentucky Cooperage

Kentucky Cooperage, operated by Independent Stave Company, has been producing oak barrels in Lebanon for decades and is part of the largest barrel-making group in the world. The cooperage draws on Kentucky’s deep oak forests and bourbon heritage, supplying barrels to distilleries across Kentucky and internationally. Despite modern equipment, much of the process still relies on skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations.

What You’ll See & Do on the Kentucky Cooperage Factory Tour

• Tour an active bourbon barrel cooperage

• Learn how white oak logs are milled into staves

• See staves shaped, dried, and assembled into barrels

• Watch charring and toasting processes that affect flavor

• Learn why barrels are used only once for bourbon

• Understand quality control and barrel grading

Hands-On Elements: Live production observation and expert explanations.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography is restricted inside production areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Limited merchandise may be available; no retail shop on-site.

Pricing of the Kentucky Cooperage Factory Tour

• Guided factory tour admission

• Adult price: $0 per adult (free)

• Advance reservation required

Visiting information

Tours last approximately 60–75 minutes and are offered as guided experiences on weekdays only. The tour is intended for visitors 12 years and older due to noise and industrial conditions. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and safety instructions must be followed at all times. Accessibility is limited due to stairs, uneven floors, and industrial layouts.

Exact Factory & Tour Hours:

• Tours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (by appointment only)

• Closed: Saturday & Sunday

Nearby

• Downtown Lebanon

• Maker’s Mark Distillery (short drive)

• Kentucky Bourbon Trail attractions

FAQs About Visiting the Kentucky Cooperage Factory Tour

Do I need to book the cooperage tour in advance?
Yes, tours are by appointment only and must be scheduled ahead of time.

Is this a real working barrel factory?
Yes, this is an active cooperage producing barrels daily for bourbon and whiskey producers.

Will I see barrels being charred?
Yes, charring and toasting are often visible during active production periods.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for visitors aged 12 and older due to safety considerations.

Why are bourbon barrels only used once?
Kentucky law requires new, charred oak barrels for bourbon, which is explained during the tour.