Exploring the historic and scenic Bourbon Country region of Kentucky rewards whiskey enthusiasts with a wealth of bourbon distilleries, tours, bars, and even bourbon-focused restaurants.
But now, there’s something even more remarkable: the chance to sleep inside a giant bourbon barrel.
Bourbon Barrel Retreats, located in the rolling hills between Bardstown and Lawrenceburg—right in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country—is a standout among the region’s accommodation options. In fact, its distinctive design makes it the only rental cabin property in the U.S. featuring bourbon barrel-shaped lodging.
Step inside the curved wooden walls of your private barrel, and you’ll find 300 square feet thoughtfully outfitted with a king-size bed, a kitchenette, and a well-appointed bathroom. Seven of the nine cabins take the luxury even further, offering private outdoor hot tubs under the stars.
Sleeping Inside a Giant Barrel
Owners Tony and Christina Happeny aren’t new to creating unique stays—they previously built a geodesic dome glamping site south of Nashville. “We call the barrels modern-rustic-cozy,” Tony says. “They’re much bigger than people expect, with 10-foot ceilings.”
So how did this bourbon lover’s dream come to life?
“We wanted to elevate the experience for visitors to the region, and came up with the idea of the bourbon barrels,” says Tony. “At that point, it was just a concept—no one had done it, so we couldn’t just copy something that already existed. We built a prototype to test the dimensions and make sure it was weatherproof. I knew that if we could pull it off, people would love it—and they do. It took off fast. We’re seeing a lot of out-of-state guests coming in groups.”
Bourbon Barrel Retreats is planning to open an onsite restaurant and whiskey tasting room in summer 2025. “It’ll let guests enjoy special pours and our upcoming custom bourbon release without ever leaving the property,” Tony shares.
The location is unbeatable—within reach of more than 20 distilleries, including Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve.The retreat also offers a free concierge service, creating customized daily itineraries that can include distillery tours, tastings, dinner reservations, and even non-bourbon experiences—like visits to Kentucky’s world-famous thoroughbred farms. “We know the area and how to offer the best experiences along a route that saves our guests valuable travel time,” says Tony.