Thinking about Visiting the KY Bourbon Trail? Start your planning here!
You can’t come to Kentucky and not take a tour of the bourbon distilleries. It’s like going to Napa Valley and not visiting any wineries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must-do for anyone interested in learning about or tasting this iconic American whiskey. And as a local, I’m the perfect person to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about taking this trail. So sit back, grab a glass of your favorite bourbon, and get ready for a virtual tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!
SEE ALSO: Best Bourbon Distillery Gift Shops
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Taste the state’s rich bourbon history.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, why not take a tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This tour was designed to educate visitors on the state’s long-standing and unrivaled bourbon history. Along your journey, you can explore many of Kentucky’s great distilleries while tasting some of the world’s finest bourbons crafted from generations-old recipes. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers a unique opportunity to learn about America’s original craft spirit directly from the people who know it best. So whether you’re an experienced connoisseur or new to the game, there’s something for everyone on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!
Passport & Field Guide
The Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide is a must-have for any exploration of America’s native spirit. Developed by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in 1999, this handy book provides an up-to-date map of every distillery of the iconic beverage, as well as further information such as additional resources and local events of interest. Not only does the passport make matching your tour to a boozey GPS easy, but it also reveals facts about the unique history and culture behind your chosen drinking spots. With expert advice on what tasty concoctions await you at each establishment, even novices will feel like an old pro in this world of rich flavors and warm welcomes. The Bourbon Trail Passport and Field Guide provides all the tools necessary to maximize your drinking experience – be it for leisurely sipping or educational investigation – allowing you to travel through sites that have crafted some of the oldest bourbons in existence and be back for dinner with time to spare!
Bourbon Trail Map
Taking a spin around Kentucky’s famous Bourbon Trail is an experience like no other. From the distilleries in Louisville and Lexington to the “Bourbon Capital of the World” in Bardstown, you will find iconic locations with a rich history to explore. Venturing further down the trail will take you to places like Clermont, Lawrenceburg, and Henderson. Enjoy your stay with unique experiences like craft tours, whiskey tastings, special exhibits, and other attractions centered around bourbon. A trip to Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg gives you a peek of into Jimmy Russel’s bourbon lore while Bardstown’s Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center offers glimpses into The Bible Barrel Collection telling the stories of each bottle. Create lasting memories on this boozy adventure with some of Kentucky’s finest bourbons!
Distilleries
If you’re looking for a libation-filled self-guided tour through the best distilleries in Kentucky, then the Bourbon Trail is just the ticket! Jim Beam has been around since 1795 and is one of the oldest distilleries on the Trail. Its interactive exhibits will take you back to its earliest days, from where it’s come and made some of the most iconic Bourbon drinks that are enjoyed globally today. Then there’s Maker’s Mark who specialize in their famous wheated bourbon style and offer a unique experience for tourists – signing your own wax dipped bottle of Maker’s Mark as a souvenir. Heaven Hill Distillery offers guided tours on different styles of bourbon production as well as Four Roses Distillery where they highlight several expressions that incorporate small batch production. With so much to do and learn, there’s no wonder why this KY Bourbon Trail is so popular!
Louisville
- Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville
- Bulleit Frontier Experience at the Stitzel–Weller Distillery in Louisville
- Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville
- Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville
- Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery in Louisville
- Old Forester Distilling Co. in Louisville
- Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville
Lexington
- Town Branch Distillery in Lexington
- Woodford Reserve Distillery near Versailles
- Wilderness Trail in Danville
- Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg
- Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg
Bardstown
- Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown
- Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown
- Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto
- Heaven Hill Visitor Center in Bardstown
- James B. Beam in Clermont
Owensboro
- Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro
Bourbon Trail Tours & Reservations
Taking a tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list for their next trip down south! It’s an unforgettable experience filled with mouth-watering flavors, unique aromas, and plenty of history. The rich culture and hospitality found along the trail are impossible to forget. But don’t delay – book your reservation in advance as these acclaimed tours are known to sell out quickly.
Out-of-towners both near and far flock to this legendary destination, meaning that standing room won’t be available if you wait until the last minute! Step into the storied heritage of Kentucky bourbon and book yourBourbon Trail Tours well before you even make the trip! Otherwise, you may be limited to touring only the gift shop, all jokes aside.It’s no surprise that this one-of-a-kind attraction has gained popularity – after all, nothing screams ‘Kentucky’ louder than a sip of bourbon or two!
Events & Experiences
Exploring the Bourbon Trail is an experience like no other! Take part in barrel thieving, an experience involving full barrels of whiskey in the rick house, which are at various levels through their aging process. Later, join fellow spirit connoisseurs from across the globe at the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival for tasting events and hands-on distillery workshops. With fun activities throughout the trail, you’re bound for an unforgettable adventure!
Itineraries
Planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary is an adventure in itself! Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, there are endless options for exploring the art of bourbon making. A classic three-day excursion may include stops at Jim Beam and Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg, Maker’s Mark in Loretto and Woodford Reserve near Versailles. After your whiskey pilgrimage through central Kentucky, wind down with dinner and –of course–an excellent bourbon cocktail at a cozy Louisville eatery. If you’re looking to make your vacation even more unique, consider adding a Horse Country tour en route to a famous Woodford County distillery, visit a barrel cooperage, or take part in an exclusive barrel pick experience. No matter how much time you have to explore the Bourbon Trail, there is no shortage of fun and flavorsome activities to captivate your palette.
Exploring the renowned Bourbon Trail is a must for any connoisseur of fine spirits! Whether you’re looking for a toe-dipping excursion or an all-out immersion, there are plenty of itineraries to choose from. For the casual sipper, a day in Lexington entailing visits to Ethereal Brewing and Castle & Key Distillery should do the trick. Serious aficionados may opt for a two-day excursion up and down Versailles Road, making sure to include stops at Mash House on Main, Bluegrass Distillers, Labrot & Graham Visitor’s Center, Town Branch Distillery and Jadehaus Brewery. If you really want to experience it all, then consider camping out in Kentucky over the course of a week. During that time you can visit historic distilleries from Four Roses Bourbon in Lawrenceburg to Jim Beam American Stillhouse (with its Statue of Colonel James B. Beam!) in Clermont – not mentioning craft breweries from Miracle Mile Brewing Company to Lion’s Tooth Brewing Co – cheers!
Transportation
If you’re looking to embark on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, then Mint Julep Experiences and Pegasus Distillery Experiences private tours with luxury cars as well as a unique bourbon boat option down the Ohio River. Or for a more immersive journey, Central Kentucky Tours offer guided jaunts that really bring out the best of each distillery. If you are just visiting Louisville, why not try Loulift – they provide shuttles from one distillery to another so you don’t miss any of the action! Get ready for an inspirational hour of sipping bourbon while soaking up all the culture of Kentucky’s Whiskey Road!
- Mint Julep Experiences
- Pegasus Distillery Experiences
- Central Kentucky Tours
- Loulift
Hotels, Airbnbs, and Where to Stay
If you’re headed to the Bourbon Trail, then you know there are plenty of places to stay along the way! From Hotel Distil in Louisville to the Lodge at Dant Crossing, your accommodation can make all the difference for a great trip. Not into hotel living? Recently Airbnb has made it easier than ever to snag a rental wherever you’re headed, so finding something more unique or convenient is easier than ever. Wherever you end up on the Bourbon Trail, make sure you pick a place that fits your style.
Hotel Distil in Louisville, a hotel that features urban-style rooms with deluxe amenities and remote workstations, but also offers affordable rates on weekdays. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional but still economical, The Lodge at Dan Crossing is located in the heart of bourbon country and just minutes away from many attractions. Another possibility for those looking for a unique experience is Airbnb rentals near some of the major distilleries, where you can find cozy rooms nestled in local neighborhoods and establishments with all the comforts of home.Bon voyage!
Where to Eat and Drink
The Bourbon Trail is an amazing destination that allows visitors to explore the foothills of Kentucky and get a taste of all the great Bourbons they have to offer. With so much culture, history, and deliciousness concentrated in one area, it’s hard to know where to begin. If you’re looking for somewhere special to eat and drink near the Bourbon Trail, Bourbon Bistro has some of the most mouthwatering southern food you can find! For something a bit more historic, try The Old Talbott Tavern – it was established as far back as 1779! And who can ignore Gertie’s Whiskey Bar with its specialty craft Bourbons for those who want a real experience? For lunch or dinner night time drinks, Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar is a must-see. Then finish off with Justins’ House of Bourbon and Proof on Main when you want top-notch Bourbons choices mixed with some excellent cuisine. Last but not least, don’t forget Watch Hill Proper if you’re looking for the perfect spot to spend your evenings.
Planning a trip to the bourbon trail? It’s important to get your taste buds ready for the experience! Bourbons Bistro is a delicious spot to wet your whistle, featuring hundreds of Bourbons and inventive food offerings. If you’re looking for a bar-style atmosphere with homemade cocktails, keep an eye out for Gertie’s Whiskey Bar–the decor and historic building will be sure to enchant you. Justins’ House of Bourbon offers relaxed cocktails and Kentucky noshes, plus live music on weekends. Proof On Main also serves up great small plates alongside an extensive selection of Bourbons and whiskeys. Last but not least is Watch Hill Proper, boasting lively drinks inspired by local ingredients and flavors. With so many choices in the area, there’s surely something to please everyone!
Where to Shop: Distillery Gift Shops, Liquor Stores, Shop Local
If you find yourself looking for a place to shop while on the Bourbon Trail, you have several options. Distillery gift shops are great places to find limited edition bottles and apparel that celebrate the spirit. Toddy’s Liquor Store in Bardstown is an excellent choice if you can make it there; it’s known for its selection of rare bourbons. But don’t forget the smaller local shops either! Justins’ House of Bourbon in Louisville or shop local KY Supply Co products and regional souvenirs that help showcase your trip on the Bourbon Trail and support small businesses at the same time. You can even shop online prior to your trip at kysupplyco.com for the best bourbon apparel and accessories to ensure you show up in style! Several of the distillery gift shops offer the “same ole products,” but this Kentucky shop offers exclusive and unique products that you won’t find anywhere else.
A must-do for any whiskey lover.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is the ultimate travel experience for anyone who loves whiskey. Visitors will get to take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most iconic distilleries in the world and learn about the fascinating history and unique flavor profiles of their favorite liquors. Along their journey, guests can also explore artisan shops, cozy cafes and beautiful bourbon country landscapes, giving them a great insight into small town America. On top of all that fun and learning, they will receive a special souvenir to commemorate their trip – an official Kentucky Bourbon Trail passport! So what are you waiting for? Come join us on the trail and make lasting memories with true American whiskey connoisseurs!
There are many different things to do along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which makes it a great destination for any whiskey lover. With so many different distilleries, each with its own unique story and flavor profile, there is something for everyone on the trail. In addition to distillery tours and tastings, there are also many events and experiences that take place along the trail throughout the year. Whether you are looking to explore the rich history of bourbon in Kentucky or simply want to taste some of the best whiskey in the world, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must-do for any fan of this iconic American spirit.
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