The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®
(and so much more! To explore more of Kentucky go to the
Table of Contents at the bottom of the page.) 

TOURS, TASTINGS AND COCKTAILS, PRIVATE EVENTS,
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS, GIFT SHOPS

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail we followed will take you through the beautiful state of Kentucky, where the rolling hills, enchanting towns, and world-renowned distilleries await you. As you trek through the picturesque rural landscape, you will witness the famous bluegrass fields and horse country that make this state truly special.

But your journey doesn’t end there – for bourbon lovers, Kentucky is a paradise. With its rich history in distilling some of the finest bourbons in the world, this is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore and appreciate this beloved spirit.

Imagine finding yourself in quaint historic towns, surrounded by the scent of aging whiskey barrels and hearing tales of how each distillery has its own unique way of creating their signature flavors. It’s an experience like no other – one that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

And speaking of unique flavors, that brings us to the tastings at these iconic distilleries. Each tasting room is designed to provide a private and intimate setting where you can fully immerse yourself in the art of tasting bourbon. Here, you will learn about the proper way to taste this complex spirit with STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS from experts.

As you sip on 3-5 different spirits at each tasting, take your time to savor each flavor profile and discover which one tickles your fancy. The beauty of these tastings is that while each distillery may have similarities in their techniques and processes, they all have their own distinct personalities – just like bourbon itself.

So why not come along on this journey through Kentucky’s stunning countryside? Not only will you get to enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the intricate details of bourbon-making from professionals themselves but also have a chance to indulge in some delicious tastings. Just remember to follow these steps when tasting: first nose (smell), then swirl (release aromas), next sip (hold it on your tongue), then swallow. This ensures that you fully appreciate and understand the flavors of each bourbon.

In conclusion, Kentucky’s distilleries offer a one-of-a-kind experience for any bourbon lover. So pack your bags, and get ready to embark on a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique flavors, and rich history – all in the heart of Kentucky. Cheers!

As an additional bonus, you’ll find a link in the Table of Contents below that will lead you to numerous fascinating destinations in Kentucky. These include the Corvette Museum, Mammoth Caves, Lincoln’s birthplace, Churchill Downs, Louisville Slugger Museum, Keeneland Racetrack, Kentucky Castle and many others.

9 Distilleries in 6 Days? How? Let me show you!

• Exploring the Kentucky bourbon distilleries is an experience filled with endless options.
• From basic tours to inventive tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
• Delve into their websites and discover the tour that speaks to your interests. And if you don’t have time for a formal tour, don’t worry! Each distillery has a welcoming bar where you can relax and sip a delicious cocktail.
• Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before leaving – we couldn’t resist bringing home more bottles of bourbon than we could possibly drink in our lifetime! 
• Since we were venturing on our own without a guide or designated driver, we decided to limit ourselves to two tastings per day. This allowed us to fully appreciate each unique flavor and determine our favorites. We suggest scheduling one tasting earlier in the day, perhaps before lunch or as part of an excursion, and then another in the afternoon.

For more information and recommendations, check out this detailed
Kentucky Bourbon Roadmap.

Get ready for a fun and whiskey-filled adventure with the
Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide! A must!
Whether you’re planning ahead or already on the road,
this handy guide is your go-to tool.

• Don’t forget to grab the latest passport edition at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum or online before you start your journey. With 18 participating distilleries and 24 Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Craft Tours featured, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
  
• Keep in mind that there are approximately 86 distilleries in Kentucky, so not all of them are included in the passport book. To make things easier, focus on a specific area of interest and select distilleries within that region.
• And don’t forget to book your tour and get your passport stamped at each location – some even offer special gifts! Collect all 42 stamps and receive a surprise Bourbon gift as a reward for completing the trail.
  
• When preparing for your trip, keep in mind that several distilleries don’t fully book online. If bookings online are sold out, don’t give up, some distilleries leave openings for walk-ins.

Just a friendly recommendation: even though it’s not officially part of the trail,
I highly recommend visiting Buffalo Trace during your trip! 

• Starting our bourbon trail adventure in Louisville, KY was the perfect choice.
  
• Our home base for the next 4 nights was at the GALT HOUSE, which offered great value for its amenities and was an ideal location for our itinerary. Situated by the waterfront downtown, we were able to easily walk Whiskey Row and explore multiple distilleries as well as museums and nightlife without needing transportation.
  
• The Galt House truly felt like a home away from home; our suite was spacious, immaculate, and even had a separate sitting area and desk – not to mention a wet bar (a must-have for any bourbon enthusiasts!).
  
• We also planned other point of interest site to visit outside of the city.

As each distillery has its own unique closure schedule, I have crafted an easily accessible DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY to assist in organizing your visits. These itineraries also include exciting POINTS of INTEREST to explore in between tastings.

Want to learn more about what goes into making bourbon?
GRAIN, WATER, FERMENTATION, DISTILLATION, MATURATION
Featured in many different combinations.

“For a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash
(the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled)
must contain at least 51 per cent corn.
The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less,
the distillate must be stored in charred new oak barrels
at 125 proof or less, and it must not contain any additives.”

Are you ready to have some fun?
Let’s hit the trail and explore all that awaits us!
Active military personnel and veterans, don’t forget to bring your ID so you can enjoy discounts and freebies at the distilleries.

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: FRAZIER KENTUCKY HISTORY MUSEUM

• Also known as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Welcome Center, is a must-visit spot to begin.
• You’ll find an extensive history about bourbon here with a detailed exhibit featuring the renowned Pappy Van Winkle, and bourbon tastings.
• But don’t just limit yourself to bourbon – as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum also offers collections and exhibitions showcasing various historical events on both regional and international levels. We highly recommend checking out their impressive Lewis & Clark exhibition – it’s definitely worth spending a couple of hours exploring.
• And if you’re interested in trying some of Kentucky’s finest bourbons, be sure to reserve your spot for a tasting in advance!

829 W. Main Street in Louisville, KY
Open: Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

In the vicinity of the Frazier Museum,
you’ll find four fantastic distilleries just a short stroll away.
During our visit, we had the pleasure of checking out two of them
and attempted to stop by a third,
then unfortunately ran out of time for the fourth.

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: MICHTER’S FORT NELSON DISTILLERY

• Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Frazier’s Museum sits Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery.
• This is where our bourbon tasting journey began. Despite its size, this distillery is constantly buzzing with activity, and has been around since the 1700’s in Pennsylvania. Then in the 1990s, new owners revived Michter’s legacy by relocating distillation to Kentucky.

Their mission?

• To create the finest American whiskey without worrying about cost.
  
• Proudly bearing only the Michter’s label, their quality is absolutely top-notch.
• Our tour guide was delightful and exuded an infectious enthusiasm that left us craving for more knowledge about the bourbon-making process.
  
• And after touring, if you want to continue tasting, make sure to swing by The Bar at Fort Nelson on the second floor – no reservations needed!
  

801 W. Main Street in Louisville, KY
Open: Hours vary Tuesday through Sunday (with limited daily tours), closed on Mondays.

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: EVAN WILLIAMS DISTILLERY

• Just a few blocks away from Michtner’s lies the Evan Williams Distillery, offering an exciting tour filled with technology, videos, walk-through displays, and murals. These elements transport you back to the early days of old Louisville and the birth of the bourbon industry.
  
• While it was certainly interesting, I personally would have loved to see more of the daily distilling operations and experience the aromas of yeast fermenting and other delightful scents. However, the tasting at the end of the tour definitely made up for any shortcomings.
  
• Be sure to check out their ON3 Bar on the upper level, where you can savor a hand-crafted cocktail either before or after your tour. I would suggest after the tour which includes a tasting.
  
• We are already planning our next trip to their main distillery, Heaven Hill, which is located in Bardstown.

528 W Main St, Louisville, KY
Open: 7 days/week with a variety of tours available. Be sure to check out their special events.

Did you know that beneath Kentucky lies a vast limestone shelf?
It may seem unassuming, but it plays a huge role in making that beloved
Kentucky bourbon. You see, bourbon can contain up to 60% water,
and limestone has a special ability to enrich it with essential minerals.
These minerals are vital for yeast during fermentation.
But wait, there’s more!
Limestone also acts as a natural filter, removing any impurities from the water.
This includes iron which can cause unwanted reactions with the oak barrel
and give your bourbon a less-than-pleasant flavor.
So next time you enjoy a glass of Kentucky bourbon,
remember to thank the hidden power of limestone!

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: ANGEL’S ENVY

• Continuing along Main Street, a bit further east, you’ll come across Angel’s Envy.
  
• Unfortunately, there isn’t much for me to say about this place. Despite not having a tour booked, we were hoping to drop in for a tasting or look around the lobby, maybe enjoy a drink.
  
• However, we were disappointed to find the doors closed on both attempts despite checking online and seeing their “open” sign displayed.
  
• It was a letdown as we had been eagerly anticipating trying it out. Hopefully, we will make it back one day!

500 E Main St, Louisville, KY
Open: 7 days/week with a variety of tours, and classes. (Supposedly)

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: RABBIT HOLE DISTILLERY

• Just east of Angel’s Envy lies the up-and-coming Rabbit Hole Distillery. Located in Nulu, the vibrant art and food district of Louisville, this state-of-the-art distillery boasts a unique backstory.
• Although we didn’t have a tour scheduled, peering through the glass windows gave us a glimpse into their intriguing process. For those stopping by on a whim, there is a walk-in bar offering personalized tastings and creative cocktails.
• My personal favorite was the Dareringer, and I couldn’t help but admire the stylish labels on each bottle. Each label showcases an Alice in Wonderland theme. Love them!

According to their website… The founder enjoys Bourbon so much,
he risked it all, by going down a “rabbit hole” to create a true, original, one-of-a-kind spirit that he wants to last lifetimes.

711 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY
Open: Tuesday – Saturday with limited tours.
Closed: Sunday & Monday

Whoa, hold on…
3 DISTILLERIES IN ONE DAY!?!

Looking for an exciting day trip that involves visiting 3 distilleries?
Don’t worry, you got this!
Check out the DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY to plan this adventure.

• The three distilleries are located in a straight line south of Louisville and can easily be visited in just one day.
  
• Kick off your journey at Maker’s Mark, the southernmost distillery and work your way back north.
  
• Take a step back in time stopping at the charming TALBOTT TAVERN for lunch before continuing on to Heaven Hill in Bardstown.
  
• Finally, wrap up your day by heading back north to the Jim Beam Stillhouse. If you missed lunch or find yourself needing food the Kitchen Table Restaurant at Jim Beams will satisfy that craving. 

Cheers to having a fun-filled day filled
with great spirits and amazing memories!

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®:  MAKER’S MARK
My favorite!

Journeying through the picturesque Kentucky countryside south of Louisville,
you’ll come across Maker’s Mark distillery – a true gem among the 9 we visited.

• Whether you’re traveling the trail or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, this place is a must-see. And as if the surroundings weren’t breathtaking enough, when you arrive at Star Hill Farm, a charming city in itself awaits you.
  
• At Maker’s Mark, family is at the heart of everything. It’s evident in every detail – meet Margie, one of the founder’s wives. She was the marketing genius behind the product’s iconic bottle shape and label design to the famous red wax seal and even the name itself. The farm’s overall design can be credited to Margie, and you’ll get to learn all about her on your tour.
  
• As you step into the rickhouse where the bourbon barrels are stored, you’ll be surrounded by Chihuly glass featuring beautiful angels in its ceiling.
  
• And did you know that Maker’s Mark boasts its own water source and shed? This special water is abundant in calcium and magnesium, giving their bourbon its smoothness and distinct flavor – a taste that will linger on your palate long after your visit ends.
• Yes indeed, it is my fav!

3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY
Open: 7 days/week with a variety of tours available.
Some are very unique tours and well worth checking out.

Discover the meaning behind those Angels in the Ceiling! The angels want their share!

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY

On our journey back north towards Louisville, we passed through Bardstown,
home of the famous Heaven Hill Distillery.

• Although there are currently no tours offered, the lobby is packed with interactive displays that showcase the fascinating histories and distinctive bourbon-making methods of Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig, and Larceny.
  
• Upstairs, at the Five Brothers Bar, we were treated to a delightful sampling of various bourbons. I personally opted for Larceny and was blown away by its incredible flavor. It’s definitely one of my top recommendations!
  
• The distillery also produces other well-known brands such as HENRY MCKENNA, BERNHEIM, RITTENHOUSE, OLD FITZGERALD, PARKER’S HERITAGE COLLECTION, PIKESVILLE, EVAN WILLIAMS, and MELLOW CORN.

Fun Fact: Heaven Hill has close to 70 rickhouses sitting on seven different sites holding anywhere from 10,000 to 60,000 barrels each! That’s a lot of bourbon!

Make sure to include this in your schedule!
It’s an incredibly fascinating location that you won’t want to miss!

1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY
Open: 7 days/week with a variety of tours available.

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: JIM BEAM STILLHOUSE

The James B. Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky
offers a range of programs for students
who are interested in learning about the alcohol beverage industry.
These include teaching and research programs,
as well as community outreach initiatives.
The institutes’ goal is to educate students on responsible consumption
and to support economic growth within the industry.

• Jim Beam is a family-owned business that has been thriving for over 200 years since its start in the 1780’s.
  
• It is a remarkable distillery, just like many others that have also been around for two centuries. Though each distillery has its own distinctive qualities, Jim Beam stands out with its rich history and unique character.  In fact, it all began when Jacob Beam sold his very first barrel of Old Jake Beam Sour Mash back in 1795.
  
• To make things even better, they also produce one of my all-time beloveds, Knob Creek. During the tour, you get to select your very own bottle, witness it being filled and watch it glide down the production line. And here comes the most exciting part – you can even leave your personal touch by imprinting your fingerprint onto the elegant black wax seal. How cool is that?
  
• Keep in mind that this personalized bottle does come at an additional cost, but don’t worry –
  you can also get laser etching done on your bottle at the visitor’s center.
  
• You see, Jim Beam is much more than just your average whiskey – it’s a true legacy that continues to impress for generations to come.

Brands: JAMES B. BEAM, JIM BEAM, BASIL HAYDEN, BAKERS, BOOKERS, KNOB CREEK, LITTLE BOOK, OLD GRAND DAD, OLD CROW, OLD OVERHOLT, OLD TUB, LEGENT, HARDIN’S CREEK, CLERMONT STEEP

568 Happy Hollow Rd., Clermont, KY
Open: Wednesday – Sunday with a variety of tours available.
Closed: Monday & Tuesday.

Next, In order to be in close proximity to a handful
of other renowned distilleries in the Lexington region,
we made the decision to leave Louisville and
to spend a couple of nights in Versailles.

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

You absolutely have to check out the Buffalo Trace Distillery!
They’ve dominated the distillery world,
racking up over 40 well-deserved titles since 2000.
Trust us, you won’t want to miss this place.

Personally, my experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery
can be summed up in one word: Wow!

• The Old Taylor House, built in 1792, was the first distillery constructed on this site and still stands proudly alongside the Buffalo Trace Distillery. With over two centuries of expansion and growth, the distillery has established itself as a leader among spirit makers worldwide.
  
• We arrived just 30 minutes after the visitor center opened, only to find a line comparable to those at Disney rides. This was due to their special sale that day, where a bottle of Blanton’s was being sold for just $66, a significant discount down from its usual price of $150.
  
• It was quite a sight to see – people rushing in and making a beeline for the Blanton’s display, eager to get their hands on one (and only one allowed per person).
  
• Their system even prevents people from getting back in line for another bottle. But let me tell you, it was worth the wait!
  
• We managed to snag our bottle and then happily stood in line for an hour to pay for it. Would we do it again? Absolutely!

Some of the Buffalo Trace brands include:
BUFFALO TRACE, EAGLE RARE, PAPPY VAN WINKLE, BLANTONS,  and so many more!

113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY
Open: 7 days a week, tours can be booked up to 3 months in advance.

Fun Fact: Buffalo Trace was a line that sliced through Indiana known as the “Old Buffalo Trace”. This trail was made by countless American bison as they migrated across the land. The pioneers of old discovered this path to be a true blessing, utilizing it to journey westward. Over time, it evolved into a popular stagecoach route.

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: WOODFORD RESERVE DISTILLERY

Arriving at Woodford Reserve Distillery, just a short 20-minute drive from Buffalo Trace,
our timing couldn’t have been better!

As we made our way to the lobby, a tour was just starting,
and we were lucky enough to snag two available spots.
Without hesitation, we eagerly joined in.

• Nestled among Kentucky’s picturesque bluegrass fields and blessed with limestone-filtered water, Woodford Reserve has a truly stunning location.
  
• It all began back in 1812 when Elijah Pepper founded what would later become known as the Woodford Reserve Distillery.
• Among its unique features is one of the world’s few heat-cycled barrelhouses. And if that isn’t impressive enough, this is also the only bourbon to be crafted using copper stills and triple distillation.
• Plus, with buildings dating all the way back to 1812, it’s no wonder this place has been honored as a National Historic Landmark.

7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY
Open: Wednesday – Sunday with a variety of tours available including a mixology class.
Closed: Monday & Tuesdays

LUNCH ANYONE?

There was a new distillery in town called Castle & Key that caught our attention, just a couple of miles from Woodford Reserve. So we decided to pay it a visit. With the whole day ahead of us, we thought, “why not?” As we made our way down the road, we stumbled upon Stave Restaurant & Bourbon Bar, perfectly situated between Woodford Reserve and Castle & Key. It seemed like the perfect spot for lunch. And boy, were we right! The fried chicken sandwich was absolutely amazing and paired perfectly with their wide selection of bourbons. We were grateful for the food as it helped absorb some of the alcohol before continuing to our next distillery.

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®: CASTLE & KEY DISTILLERY
(a Craft Distillery)

Just 3 ½ miles away from Woodford Reserve
is the Castle & Key Distillery,
a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

• Built in 1887 and situated on the picturesque Glenns Creek, is “The Old Taylor Distillery”, which also happens to be where E.H. Taylor Jr., mentioned in Buffalo Trace’s Old Taylor Distillery, worked.
  
• The distillery boasts a castle-like building, an old spring house, a sunken garden with a botanical trail, and other structures inspired by Scotland, England, Ireland, Greece, and Italy.
• Sadly, this enchanting site fell into disrepair for 50 years until new owners took over in 2014 and tirelessly restored it to its former glory. After finally opening its doors in 2018.
• We couldn’t believe our luck when we found out that there was a tour starting in just 15 minutes- talk about perfect timing! While it may not have been as fancy as some of the other tours we’ve been on today, seeing this unique distillery inside of a castle was still pretty awesome.
• And let’s not forget about the vodka- it was my personal favorite and I even ended up purchasing a bottle to bring home. Not only is their vodka top-notch but their bottle designs are absolutely stunning too.
• Hey, just so you know, this place has all the good stuff! Whether you’re on a tour or just hanging out, it’s the perfect spot to sip on a cocktail while listening to the calming creek and strolling through the gorgeous botanical trail and sunken gardens.

4445 McCracken Place, Frankfort, KY
Open: Thursday – Sunday with a variety of tours available.
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

POINTS-OF-INTEREST: We were thrilled to include our visits to these amazing sites in this blog. Despite our busy schedule touring the distilleries, we managed to make time for each and every one of them. “Stop by our DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARIES page to get inspiration on how you can also discover the unique wonders of Kentucky!”

• National Corvette Museum & Factory
• Mammoth Caves
• Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace & Boyhood Home
• Churchill Downs
• Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
• Historic Old Louisville
• Keeneland Race Track
• Kentucky Castle

IN SUMMARY…

Walking through the distilleries, taking in all of the sights and smells, was an unforgettable experience. The sweet scent of yeast fermenting filled the air, while the shiny copper stills gleamed in front of me. And learning about the different processes and techniques used to create some of the best bourbons in the world was absolutely captivating.

It’s amazing how something seemingly simple like water content or aging time can make such a big difference in taste. But it wasn’t just about learning – it was also about indulging in some delicious tastings along the way. Each distillery had its own unique flavors and blends, making it hard for me to pick a favorite.

And let’s not forget about those rickhouses – giant warehouses filled with rows and rows of barrels stacked several floors high. The smell of spirits aging inside was intoxicating (pun intended), and I couldn’t help but envy those lucky angels who get to taste it before anyone else. 

But it wasn’t just about bourbon – it was also about immersing myself in the rich history and culture surrounding this beloved drink. The beautiful historic buildings set against picturesque scenery made me feel like I had stepped into a land of enchantment. And driving through peaceful country roads only added to the magical experience. 

Now, I may sound like I’ve been converted into a true bourbon enthusiast (which may be partly true), but one thing is for sure – this trip has left such an impression on me that I can’t wait to go back again!

If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and add
the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to your travel bucket list.
Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Until next time, cheers to good bourbon and great adventures!

Just remember to “Sip responsibly”.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

The KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®
Kentucky Bourbon Trail ROADMAP.
Bourbon Trail DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARIES.
For those that want to know BOURBON TRIVIA.
Learn how to KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL LINGO!
What is the proper way to SAVOR BOURBON?
Exciting POINTS of INTEREST to explore.
Kentucky Bourbon Distillery PHOTO GALLERY.
Louisville Kentucky PHOTO GALLERY.
Kentucky Points-of-Interest PHOTO GALLERY.