A Guide to J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

Welcome to Frankfort, KY

Beautiful historic buildings set against thick forests and rolling hills, and a culture of deep tradition and hospitality– that’s what awaits you in Frankfort, Kentucky. There are many reasons to visit Frankfort, but one of the top reasons is to tour the world-renowned distilleries that call this place home. Come with us as we explore some of the Bourbon Trail’s most iconic distilleries. Today’s deep dive is on the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.

The 1845 isn’t in the brand name for decoration; it’s a nod to a long-standing tradition of passion and innovation. The Mattingly bourbon legacy begins in 1845, when John Graves Mattingly and his brother Benjamin Franklin Mattingly started the J.G.Mattingly & Brother distillery. Officially, the distillery was registered as “Distillery No. 2” but this may have been the first distillery registered in the state of Kentucky.


Founding one of the first distilleries in a state that would become a world-leader in whiskey production isn’t the only mark J.G. left on whiskey history. He is also credited with perfecting the continuous-flow columnar still, which shaped modern bourbon production. 


Six generations later, the Mattinglys are still making whiskey. In 2010, Jeff and Melissa Mattingly founded J. Mattingly 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Today, they honor their family legacy of innovation by pioneering a custom, hands-on blending experience that enables guests to create “one hell of a pick”. 

Visiting the Distillery: What to Know

If you are looking for bourbon immersion, this is the place to find it. Located at 20 Reilly Road, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery’s 23,000-square-foot space rivals flagship distilleries. The grounds boast a tasting bar, gift shop, and a small pot still, but the cellar is where the real magic happens. In the cellar, you'll be immersed in the heart of the process, sipping straight from the barrel and soaking in the rustic, welcoming ambiance.


Hours of Operation:

Monday -  Saturday:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM


Sunday: 

Noon–6 pm 


Reservations recommended, especially for blending; walk-ins accepted.



Frequently Asked Questions:



Every distillery has its own policies and procedures. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers to help you plan your visit. 


Question: Do I need a reservation to take a tour?
Answer: Reservations are not required, but they are highly recommended as some dates may be fully booked or closed for private events.



Question: How many people can book a tour or experience?
Answer: Smaller groups of 6 are preferred, but groups of up to 35 can be accommodated. It is recommended to book a private event for larger group sizes.



Question: Is the distillery fully ADA-friendly?

Answer: Yes, the distillery is friendly for guests with mobility concerns. All visitor areas are accessible by wheelchair.

Question: Are children allowed to tour the distillery?

Answer: All ages are welcome. Only 21+ may participate in the tastings, but non-alcoholic drinks are available.

Question: Are dogs allowed?

Answer: Service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed.

Question: Does the distillery serve food?

Answer: No, there is no food on site, but there are dining options nearby.

 

Question: Are there cocktails available?

Answer: Not yet. Cocktail service is pending licensing.

Tours and Inclusions

The distillery offers a variety of packages that can be tailored to your tastes. Here are a few ways you can enjoy the J.Mattingly 1845 experience:


The Magnificent Seven Tasting

  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Includes: A tasting of 7 different bourbons and ryes
  • Cost: Approximately $20 per person

Single Barrel Tasting Event

  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Includes: Guided tour of the facility and a tasting guide through 7 barrels 
  • Cost: Approximately $60 per person


VIP JMatt Private Event

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Includes: Hands-on, guided experience in crafting your own custom bottle and label to take home.
  • Cost: Approximately $175 per person

Popular Products

A glass of whiskey is sitting inside of a wooden barrel.

Every distillery has its specialties, and J. Mattingly 1845’s is collectables and customizations. Here are a few of the top-shelf bottles you can enjoy:



  • Double‑Staved Bourbon: Matured in charred oak, then enhanced with extra staves—secret blend, deep flavor profile.

  • Rye Whiskey: Offered in blending; corn/rye/malted barley mash bill visible in booking flow.

  • Custom Bottles: Fully personalized—select bourbon style, finish, bottle, label, wax, and name.


A Day in Frankfort, KY:

If you are planning on visiting the J.Mattingly 1845 Distillery, why not make a day of it? The city of Frankfort is home to other distilleries on the bourbon trail, including the Castle & Key Distillery and Buffalo Trace. 


If you are feeling bourboned-out, you can explore Frankfort’s historic downtown to grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping. If you need some peace and quiet, check out Riverfront Park. Looking for a little culture? Visit the Capital City Museum! No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to do in Frankfort.

Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours

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Nature's Symphony

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If you are looking for the best way to experience Bourbon Country, look no further than Bourbon Barrel Cottages and Tours. 


Let our seasoned tour guides take you on the trail! We take care of the booking and transportation, so you can enjoy the tours without the stress. After a day on the trail, come back and relax in a private, luxury cottage. Each of our cottages includes a private hot tub, kitchen, a fire pit, and a front porch so you can enjoy the beautiful Kentucky sunsets.



Enjoy the best of Kentucky’s Distilleries when you book today!

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Meet the Owners!



We are Jay and Angie Ballard, parents to five and grandparents to two, lovers of music, traveling, the outdoors, and all things bourbon.


In preparation for retirement and becoming empty nesters, plans of building a tiny home on our beautiful land--Finnel Farm--led us to where we are now. We thought, how wonderful would it be for others to experience what we get to call home? Guests can immerse themselves in a serene atmosphere surrounded by wildlife and enjoy sitting by the tranquil koi ponds. We're confident you'll love the luxury accommodations that each cottage offers, and there's no doubt you'll leave feeling more relaxed!


Over the past couple of years, the bourbon market has exploded worldwide, and what we offer at Bourbon Barrel Cottages helps attract Bourbon aficionados to our beautiful town, boosting our economy. With our customizable Bourbon Trail Tours, we will provide you with the ultimate bourbon experience you're seeking