There’s only one way to truly get to know real bourbon—go straight to the source to see its home for yourself. Come visit us on top of Wild Turkey Hill, in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Discover all there is to know about Wild Turkey. From our rich distilling traditions to the art of barrel aging, learn about what goes into producing this American icon. Our team is eager to share their passion and immerse visitors with our newly renovated visitor center experience.
After a long two-year closure the iconic Wild Turkey distillery has finally reopened their doors. Bourbon fans can once again experience the magic of Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the highly-anticipated reopening of the Wild Turkey visitor center. Learn about the stunning renovations, new amenities, tour options, and how to plan your visit.
Overview of Wild Turkey Distillery
Wild Turkey holds an important place in bourbon history. Since the 1800s, they’ve been crafting their signature high-rye bourbons and ryes at their picturesque Lawrenceburg distillery.
Overlooking the Kentucky River, the distillery is steeped in tradition. Their Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has over 70 years of experience there. Wild Turkey helped establish the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
To keep pace with demand and bourbon’s growth, Wild Turkey invested $160+ million into expanding their campus This included doubling production capacity.
Their visitor experience was temporarily closed for renovations from early 2022 until reopening in May 2024. Let’s look at what visitors can now experience.
Details on the Major Renovations
Wild Turkey fully transformed their outdated visitor center into a new, modern 12,000+ square foot space titled “The Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience”.
It’s named after the legendary Jimmy Russell to honor his 70 years of dedication to the brand. Here are some highlights of the renovations:
- A large outdoor terrace with stunning river views
- Cocktail lounge with a full bar and appetizers
- Multiple new tasting rooms for guided flights
- Interactive exhibits tracing Wild Turkey’s history
- Expanded distillery tours highlighting production
- Upgraded gift shop with exclusive merchandise
The new experience provides everything needed to explore Wild Turkey’s legacy, craft, and products in style and comfort.
Timeline of the Distillery Closure
Here’s a quick timeline of the closure and reopening
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Early 2022: Wild Turkey closes their visitor center experience, tours, retail shop and tastings.
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May 2021: They first tease plans for renovations with preview images.
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2022-2024: Construction is ongoing but hit delays due to COVID-19.
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May 2024: The “Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience” officially reopens!
The over two-year closure was longer than expected. But the final results are a stunning, completely reimagined destination perfect for welcoming guests.
What to Expect on a Tour at Wild Turkey
Tours resumed along with the opening. Here are some of the experiences you can book:
Classic Tour
- Overview of Wild Turkey’s history and bourbon production
- Led by expert guides
- Includes tasting of main bourbon and rye expressions
- Offered daily, $15 per person
Executive Tour
- More extensive guided tour of distillery and grounds
- Additional tastings of rare and premium Wild Turkey offerings
- Offered Fridays & Saturdays, $50 per person
other specialty tours are also available on select days, check online for full lineup and schedule.
Tours run daily, last 60-90 minutes, and require reservations booked online. Walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows.
Tasting Flights at the Distillery
The guided tasting experiences are a highlight of touring Wild Turkey. Here’s what to expect:
- Tastings include 3-5 whiskeys, depending on tour selected
- Offerings range from flagship bourbons to limited editions
- Led by expert staff who explain the flavors and process
- Enjoyed in dedicated tasting rooms with stellar views
You’ll taste the fruits of Master Distiller Eddie Russell’s labor and appreciate Wild Turkey’s bold, spicy flavor profile.
The Jimmy Russell Cocktail Experience
New for the reopening is the Jimmy Russell Cocktail Experience. This special add-on includes:
- Craft cocktails featuring Wild Turkey expressions
- Appetizer pairings curated by their chef
- Available on the outdoor terrace or in the lounge
- Cocktails crafted and served by mixologists
It’s the perfect way to unwind after a tour while soaking in the beautiful Kentucky scenery. Priced at $20 per person.
The Distillery Gift Shop
The new expansive gift shop is bourbon lover’s paradise. Offerings include:
- Exclusive Wild Turkey merchandise like barware, shirts, hats, and more
- Special bottlings and private selections you won’t find elsewhere
- A wide selection of their core whiskeys available to purchase
- Gift baskets and personalized engraving available
It’s the best spot to pick up rare finds and branded gear to commemorate your Wild Turkey visit.
How to Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the newly reopened Wild Turkey, here are some tips:
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Check the website for operating hours. Currently 9am – 3pm daily, closed Sundays and some holidays.
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Reserve tours in advance online. Walk-ins may be limited based on demand.
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Budget $15-$50 per person depending on tour selection.
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Allow at least 90 minutes to tour, taste, and shop.
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Visit their website WildTurkeyBourbon.com for full details.
The new one-of-a-kind Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey Experience brings together stunning renovations, warm hospitality, and of course phenomenal bourbon. It’s a must-visit for any bourbon fan.
Why You Should Visit Soon
Here are some reasons to put Wild Turkey at the top of your distillery road trip list:
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As a newly reopened attraction, it offers a fresh experience you can’t find anywhere else in bourbon country right now. Everything is updated and state-of-the-art.
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With momentum building, there’s an exciting energy among staff and visitors alike. It’s a great time to soak in that ambiance.
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Demand is high coming off the closure and renovations. Visiting sooner rather than later ensures you don’t miss out.
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Expanded capacity means they can welcome more guests than ever. But weekends still fill up fast.
Don’t wait to book your memorable Wild Turkey adventure. Their reinvigorated Lawrenceburg home awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Wild Turkey reopening:
When exactly did Wild Turkey reopen?
Wild Turkey formally reopened the distillery experience to the public on May 22, 2024 after 2+ years of renovations.
What are the new renovations and upgrades?
These include a new pavilion and terrace, tasting rooms, retail shop, exhibits on their history, expanded tours, and cocktail lounge.
What are the operating hours?
Currently 9am to 3pm daily, closed Sundays and some major holidays.
What are the tour options?
Classic and Executive tours available daily, plus specialty tours on certain days. Pricing ranges from $15-$50 per person.
Do you need reservations?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to demand. Book online in advance at WildTurkeyBourbon.com.
When should I visit?
Visit soon to experience the excitement of the reopening! Summer and fall weekends fill up quickly.
Raise a Glass at the New Wild Turkey Distillery
After eager anticipation, Wild Turkey has reopened their storied Lawrenceburg distillery to once again welcome bourbon lovers. The stunning new visitor experience sets the stage for the next chapter of this iconic American whiskey brand.
EXPERIENCE THE MAKING PROCESS
Here we pull back the curtain on making bourbon whiskey. Discover the complex process perfected by our Master Distillers. From the selection of our corn, barley and rye grains to the aging of our bourbon barrels, it’s a process that we love to share with enthusiasts and visitors from around the world.
DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF WILD TURKEY
A walk through our halls will unveil the compelling stories and time-honored traditions behind Wild Turkey’s unique past, with memorabilia dating back before Prohibition.