13 Best Bourbon Trail Tours: A Regional Travel Guide to Kentucky’s Distilleries

Bourbon Trail Distillery Tour Woodford Reserve

Table of Contents

“whiskey row”, stitzel-weller distillery tour, maker’s mark distillery, james b. beam distilling co. (jim beam), willett distillery, heaven hill distillery, woodford reserve distillery, four roses distillery, buffalo trace distillery, wild turkey distillery, final thoughts.

Ready to sip your way through the best bourbon trail tours in Kentucky?

This in-depth bourbon distillery tour guide will take you through the best Kentucky distillery tours like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Evan Williams, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, and more.

The Kentucky Bourbon distilleries listed below are grouped within each region and then ranked for their tour and bourbon quality.   The majority of the bourbon distilleries are spread throughout the regions of:

  • Loretto, Clermont, & Bardstown
  • Versailles, Lawrenceburg, & Franklin

Due to the distance between these regions and potentially conflicting tour times, it might be difficult to tour 2 to 3 of your favorite bourbon distilleries in one day. So here are my top three tips for planning your bourbon trail trip.

1. When you are planning, ask yourself: What is my favorite bourbon brand (or the one I’d like to know more about)?

Once you settle on those favorites, see what other distilleries are located nearby that you might enjoy touring and tasting then reserve those to fill in the rest of the day.

2. RESERVE IN ADVANCE.

As soon as you know that you’re taking this trip, start reserving bourbon distillery tours immediately . The best tours book up fast, particularly on the weekends. On my most recent trip in July of 2023, I had to adjust my trip to a day earlier because so many of the tours I wanted to take were already booked.

That being said, if there’s a distillery tour you would like to take that’s located on “Whiskey Row” in downtown Louisville but you can’t book it online, my advice is to go in person and talk to one of the guides at the reservation desk. They might not be able to get you in on a specialty tour, but they can typically get you a space on the regular tour.

*Also note that most distilleries in July (and for some in December as well) close their fermentation facilities for maintenance, meaning you won’t be able to tour those areas.

3. Base yourself in Louisville in a hotel on or near Whiskey Row.

From here, you can easily walk or Uber / Lyft to 4+ amazing distilleries, which is a great option if the time on your trip is limited. I most recently stayed at Hotel Distil on Whiskey Row, and I would gladly stay there again. It’s an ideal location for walking to all major downtown attractions and distilleries. Plus the Hotel Distil also houses one of Louisville’s best restaurants, Repeal .

Now, time to talk about the distilleries…

Region: Louisville Bourbon Distilleries

Evan williams experience.

Evan Williams Bourbon Glass Feature Fountain Louisville

The  Evan Williams Experience  is located in downtown Louisville on historic “Whiskey Row.”

The seamless tour features state-of-the-art films and interactive elements to relay the history of Evan Williams and the art of distilling bourbon. All tours conclude with a bourbon tasting in one of the upstairs rooms on the recreated street of “Whiskey Row.”

One tasting room is a “speakeasy” that once stood on that site with Prohibition-era replica tables where the bourbon could be hidden inside. An easy lift on the tabletop in front of you reveals the inner compartment that contains pre-filled bourbon glasses.

Although it’s one of the lower-priced bourbons, Evan Williams  is remarkably good in its flavor profile, smoothness, and complexity, and Evan Williams Single Barrel is excellent. Whenever I’ve done a blind bourbon-tasting flight, their Single Barrel always ranks in my top 3.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

  •  Traditional Tour & Tasting: $18

Evan Williams offers several more extensive tours as well as seasonal tasting experiences, so check their website for the most recent offerings.

Old Forester Distillery

Old Forester Distillery Copper Column Bourbon Still

The Old Forester Distillery Tour & Visitor Center opened on “Whiskey Row” in the summer of 2018. Although it’s a relative newcomer to Louisville’s historic downtown district, Old Forester is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company before, during, and after Prohibition.

But that’s not the bourbon’s only claim to historic fame. In 1870, George Garvin Brown ensured his bourbon’s consistent quality by becoming the first distiller to sell the bourbon in a sealed glass bottle.

The general tour is a top-quality experience with one of the most memorable aspects being that you can see the meticulous barrel-making process first-hand. It’s one thing to look at a charred American white oak barrel stave, but it’s something else to see (and feel the heat) of that charring in person.

A worker at Old Forester hand making a Bourbon Barrel

The Old Forester Distillery tour ends as most tours do in a private room with four bourbons to taste.

Paired with the tasting is Old Forester’s chocolate-dipped bourbon modjeskas, which are marshmallows wrapped in caramel and then dipped in bourbon dark chocolate, topped off with smoked sea salt. If you love them, you can buy a bag in the gift shop which is filled with loads of other great gifts.

If you’re in a hurry and can’t find the time to tour Old Forester, you can pay a visit to George’s Bar which is a cozy cocktail lounge offering cocktails and flights in the visitor center.

General Tour Information

  • Old Forester Tour: $32
  • Nothing Better In The Market Tour: $70

Angel’s Envy Distillery Tour

The Angel's Envy sign outside the Bourbon distillery in Louisville, Kentucky

While I prefer both the Evan Williams Experience and Old Forester Distillery tours over this one, Angel’s Envy is still well worth the visit. The gift shop is large and well-stocked, and the facility is interesting to tour.

The standard tour is exactly that, “standard,” with not a lot of extras to experience, but you will learn the intricate process of making bourbon and why all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

Angels Envy Bourbon Tasting

What makes Angel’s Envy a standout from other bourbons and ryes is their emphasis on “finishing” the bourbon.

In addition to meeting the bourbon standard aging process (a minimum of two years in a new charred American oak barrel), Angel’s Envy then places its bourbon in port barrels and its rye in rum barrels to finish, lending each one a more distinctive flavor profile which you’ll explore during the tasting at the end of the tour.

500 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

STANDARD TOUR INFORMATION

  • The Signature Tour: $25
  • Private Select Tour: $45

Angel’s Envy offers several experiences and classes, so check their website for the most up-to-date offerings.

Michter’s Distillery

Richter's Bourbon Distillery Copper Pot Stills

Also located on Louisville’s historic “Whiskey Row,” Michter’s Distillery is a great option for those who prefer a tour that doesn’t involve a lot of walking, given that the entire tour takes place in one large room.

Situated across the street from the iconic Louisville Slugger Museum , Michter’s is a smaller facility with limited space, but the tasting is where the tour shines. The guide places an emphasis on tasting notes and the role that smell plays in how we perceive flavors.

801 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

Tour Information

  • The Discovery Tour: $25
  • The Founder’s Tour: $50
  • The Legacy Tour: $100

The 2nd floor features The Bar at Fort Nelson which is a relaxed space filled with leather club chairs where you can enjoy classic and creative cocktails. Click here for more information on the Bar at Fort Nelson.

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery Visitor's Center Building

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Louisville, making it one of the most convenient and historic outlying distillery stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Originally opened on Derby Day in 1935 and reopened to the public in 2014, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery is one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey industry. 

Bulleit Bourbon (and their Rye) has long been one of my favorite Kentucky bourbons. It’s hard to miss that orange label, tilted just slightly as it curves around the lower half of the bottle. 

In the past few years, I’ve enjoyed the Stitzel-Weller standard tour which guides you around the historic property and buildings, ending with a tasting of these four bourbons in a private tasting room:

  • Bulleit Bourbon
  • Bulleit 10 Year
  • I.W. Harper
  • Blade and Bow

Most recently, I booked their new progressive walking tour which combines the tasting with the tour. I really enjoyed this different take on the standard tour where periodically you pause, pull out the provided glass cairn (which is yours to keep as part of the tour), and sip the various bourbons and whiskeys offered along the way. The setting is also picturesque as you stroll from building to building.

3860 Fitzgerald Road, Louisville, KY 40216

  • The Stitzel-Weller Experience: $25
  • Progressive Walking Tour & Taste: $65

Stitzel-Weller offers a variety of additional classes and experiences, so check their website for the most up-to-date offerings.

Stitzel-Weller is also home to the Garden & Gun Club, located on the 2nd floor of their visitor’s center. Here you can rest your feet while enjoying a light bite and one of their curated cocktails. Click here for the Garden & Gun Club.

Region: Loretto, Clermont, & Bardstown

The Maker's Mark Bourbon Distillery Visitor's Center

The road to  Maker’s Mark bourbon distillery in Loretto, KY, can be a little confusing. On my first visit here, the route guidance told me that I had arrived, and there was nothing but fields, barns, and a small house or two scattered about. 

To avoid potential confusion and arrive in time for your tour, Maker’s Mark provides these instructions for getting to their distillery from Louisville:

Star Hill Farm is located at 3350 Burks Spring Rd., Loretto, KY, 40037. From Louisville: Driving time: Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes. 

• Take I-65 South from Louisville to exit #112, Clermont/Bernheim Forest exit. At ramp turn left onto Hwy. 245 South to Bardstown. 

• Take Hwy. 245 to intersection of Hwy. 62, turning right, and continue on Hwy. 62 east for approx. 2 miles. Hwy. 62 runs into Hwy. 150 where you will turn left and continue approx. 2 miles and drive past My Old Kentucky Home State Park. 

• At intersection of Hwy. 150 and 49, turn right onto Hwy. 49 South and follow the brown historical landmark signs to Holy Cross, which will direct you to go left onto Hwy. 49. 

• Follow Hwy. 49 where you will turn left onto Hwy. 52 East into Loretto. Continue on through Loretto. 

• Turn left onto Bill Samuels Jr. Rd. and historic Maker’s Mark® Distillery is straight ahead. 

Regardless of which tour you reserve (they offer a wide variety and actively update them), you’re in for a great experience. Plus, Maker’s Mark is just a beautiful place. The grounds, house, and distillery buildings are picture-perfect. 

Maker's Mark Bourbon Distillery Louisville Kentucky

At the end of each tour, you’ll have an opportunity to taste a selection of their bourbon.  

I’ve had the opportunity to experience 2 of Maker’s Mark Distillery Tours, and if you only have time to tour 1 Kentucky bourbon distillery, make it this one. It was the hands-down favorite (on currently my 3rd trip) along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. 

Glasses of bourbon at the Maker's Mark Tasting Room

General Distillery Tour Bourbon Tasting

  • Maker’s White (which is basically moonshine or “white dog”)
  • Regular Maker’s Mark (the kind you can buy anywhere)
  • Maker’s 46 (which is made by inserting seasoned French Oak staves into the bourbon barrels to add additional rich flavor)
  • Maker’s Cask Strength (bourbon derived from a single barrel and my favorite of the 4).

After the tasting, you’re given a decadent bourbon chocolate to savor before you walk under the Chihuly glass ceiling of the hallway to the Maker’s Mark gift shop. 

If you like, you can dip your own bottle of Maker’s Mark in their iconic red wax or buy an exclusive bottle of the Maker’s Private Select.

Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon Barrel filled with charred Oak staves

The distillery address is technically: 3350 Burks Spring Road, Loretto, KY 40037.

GPS will try to take you to the Business Office, but the Historic Distillery is more directly accessed using Bill Samuels Jr Road.    

TOUR INFORMATION

  • General Distillery Tour: $ 24
  • Behind the Bourbon: $65

Be sure to check the Maker’s Mark website for the most up-to-date tours and experiences.

White Building James Beam Rick House Bourbon

It doesn’t get much more iconic than Jim Beam bourbon . With its instantly recognizable name and its best-selling brands including Booker’s, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, Old Grandad, and, of course, Jim Beam, the distillery is an impressive one to visit.

Located 30 minutes from Louisville by car, it’s an accessible distillery to visit if you don’t want to drive too far afield. Due to the fermentation tanks, rickhouses, and bottling facility being situated fairly far apart, this tour involves riding a large comfortable bus to a couple of the locations, but it’s a quick trip each time.

Quite a lot of thought has been put into the design and aesthetics of the tour experience, with the first building of the tour featuring an indoor waterfall illustrating Kentucky’s natural limestone filtration which makes the whiskey taste better.

Jim Beam Distillery Waterfall Feature

Towards the end of the distillery tour, you’ll walk the Knob Creek bottling line where you can hand pick and purchase a Single Barrel bottle and customize the warm wax seal with your thumbprint.

Finally, you return to the Visitor’s Center where you’ll be able to taste four of their most popular bourbons before being set loose in their two-story gift shop.

I really enjoyed this tour, and I would happily do it again. Due to the popularity of this bourbon brand, I feel it’s a great place to start, but the tours fill up fast.

568 Happy Hollow Rd. Clermont, KY 40110

  • Bourbon The Beam Way – Distillery Tour & Tasting: $28

Jim Beam Distillery offers several more tasting options and experiences that you can book, so check the website for the most up-to-date listings.

Another great feature of Jim Beam Distillery is their onsite restaurant, The Kitchen Table. Here you can order appetizers, salads, burgers, pizzas, brisket, fried chicken, and even dessert. The large cocktail bar in the center shakes and stirs up some great bourbon cocktails, or just order your favorite bourbon to sip neat.

If you’d like to make a reservation for The Kitchen Table, it’s available on Resy.

Whiskey Sour at Jim Beam

Located about 30 minutes from Maker’s Mark is the  Willett Distillery , perched on top of a hill overlooking the green valleys of Bardstown, KY.

One of the most recognizable aspects of Willett bourbon is their striking pot still bottle design.

Bottle of Willett Bourbon on a barrel

This rustic family-owned distillery is beautiful and well-maintained from its photo-filled visitor waiting area to the final tasting room.

Because Willett Distillery functions on a smaller scale, only 1 tour experience is offered at this time, so if touring Willett Distillery is at the top of your wishlist, reserve early. They accept bookings 90 days in advance.

1869 Loretto Road, Bardstown, KY 40004.

  • Distillery Production Tour with Tasting: $25

Willett Distillery also features “The Bar at Willett” where you can order up-scale small plates alongside classic and inventive cocktails. Reservations are required, so click this link if you’re interested in reserving The Bar at Willett.

Wall of Bourbon barrels on shelves at Heaven Hill Distillery Visitor Center

An official member of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, Heaven Hill Distillery is also located in Bardstown near the Willett Distillery. 

While their gift shop and visitor center are top-notch with self-guided exhibits and an informative film in their 1935 Distillery Theatre, the actual general tour is not that exciting or enticing, especially when compared to the quality of tours offered by Maker’s Mark & Jim Beam. 

Heaven Hill might not be a familiar name to you, but most likely, you’ve heard of some of their bourbon brands:

  • Rittenhouse Rye
  • Elijah Craig
  • Evan Williams

While the website calls it a “tour,” it’s actually an informed tasting inside a room with a guide. You won’t be walking through rickhouses or seeing yellow bubbling mash unless you pay more for their “Bottled & Bond Tour & Tasting” for $35.

If you’re looking to sample more varieties of bourbon while giving your feet a rest from touring distilleries, or if you’re looking for a more “indoor” experience, Heaven Hill is a great option. 

1311 Gilkey Run, Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004

  • Magic of the Mashbill: $18
  • Whiskey Connoisseur Experience: $25
  • Bottled-in-Bond Tour and Tasting: $35

Heaven Hill also offers a bar experience on the 2nd floor of the visitor’s center called Five Brothers Bar which features bourbon flights and cocktails.

Dining Tip: Eat Lunch in Historic Bardstown

Tables inside Talbott Tavern's dining room in Bardstown, Kentucky

In between touring the many Kentucky distilleries, you’re going to want some lunch or dinner, and Bardstown has a lot to offer. 

Perfect for lunch or dinner,  Talbott Tavern , built in 1779, is a site steeped in history.

“The Talbott Tavern is a uniquely well-crafted early American stone building and as a young boy Abraham Lincoln and his family stayed here. .. There are noticeable bullet holes in the now faded paintings where legend Jesse James shot them.” | Dry Stone Masonry Institute of America

In keeping with the theme of the bourbon trail, Talbott Tavern offers a customized flight where you choose your tasting made up of the wide variety of bourbon and rye they serve sourced from the surrounding distilleries. 

Another great option is the Scout & Scholar Brewing Company offering classic pub food and plenty of beer on tap if you’re looking for a break from all that bourbon. But if you’re not, they also offer Private Select Bourbon flights to expand your tasting profile.

Region: Versailles, Lawrenceburg, Franklin

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Stills

The Woodford Reserve tour is charming in every aspect—from the old barrel railway used to move the freshly filled barrels to the rickhouse to the on-site bottling facility and visitor/tasting center. This tour was one of the most memorable I have ever been on over the years I’ve been touring Kentucky’s distilleries.

The Private Select Bourbon room at Woodford Reserve Distillery

The Woodford tour ends, as all do, with the bourbon tasting. The tasting room is located on the other side of the fireplace wall of the visitor center, with a rectangular bar facing the fire. The guide stands in the middle, offering tasting note tips.

The see through fireplace inside the stone wall of the Woodford Reserve Distillery Visitor's Center

We were able to taste the  regular Woodford Reserve  and the Cask Strength  (or dessert bourbon as they call it) combined with a chocolate bourbon truffle. 

Bourbon Barrels inside the Woodford Reserve Distillery

7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383

  • Woodford Reserve’s Path To Flavor Tour: $32

Woodford Reserve offers several additional tours and specialty experiences, so click the link below to see their current offerings.

Four Roses Bourbon Distillery entrance sign

Situated on top of a breezy hill is the most romantic of the Kentucky distilleries along the Bourbon Trail:  Four Roses .

Established in 1888 originally on “Whiskey Row” by Paul Jones, a Louisville businessman, the Four Roses label is rooted in the story of his proposal to a Southern belle named Mary. After courting her for a number of years, Jones asked Mary to respond to his “final” marriage proposal by wearing a corsage of four red roses to a cotillion dance.  This time she accepted and entered the ballroom wearing the corsage.

While Four Roses bourbon is smooth and the distillery, with its Spanish Mission style architecture, has a unique and interesting story from 1888 to the present, the tour itself can still use some work. It’s more of a “Cliff’s Notes” brief summary version of how they make their bourbon.

Their bottling facility is located at a different location as well, so that element of the process can’t be witnessed on-site. If you have the time, you can take your distillery tour ticket stub and visit the bottling facility for free if you’re interested.

You will be given four bourbons to taste:  The Standard Yellow Lable Four Roses, The Small Batch, Single Barrel, and The Cask Strength.

Four Roses Bourbon Tasting with four glasses

Before or after your tour, browse the large gift shop fittingly accented throughout with roses or you can enjoy a cocktail or bourbon tasting in Bar 1888.

1224 Bonds Mill Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

  • Distillery Legacy Tour: $22

Four Roses Distillery offers several additional tasting experiences as well as seasonal offerings, so check their website for the most up-to-date tours.

Green grass field leading to Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a juggernaut in the world of bourbon.

Consider the brands they make; in addition to the standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon, they are also responsible for crafting Eagle Rare, Blanton’s (John Wick’s bourbon of choice), Pappy Van Winkle, E.H. Taylor, Stagg, Sazerac Rye, and Weller to name a few.   

What sets Buffalo Trace Distillery even further apart from the competition is that they never charge for their tours. They are always complementary. That being said, you still have to reserve in advance, particularly if you want to go on a specialty experience like: The Buffalo Trace Hard Hat Tour .

Even if you’re not overly into bourbon, the grounds are beautiful, not to mention they have one of the largest and most interesting gift shops of the distilleries. The tours are also highly detailed and informative.

That being said, the bourbon tasting experience at the end of the tour leaves a little to be desired. Due to limited quantities, Buffalo Trace only offers a few brands for tasting and purchasing in the Visitor Center. 

113 Great Buffalo Trace, Franklin County, Frankfort, KY 40601

  • All Buffalo Trace tours are complimentary including tours for large groups or tours that require reservations.
  • The Trace Tour
  • The Hard Hat Tour
  • The Expansion Tour
  • Old Taylor Tour

Additional Tours are available focusing on the gardens and historic landmarks, so check their website for current offerings.

Vaulted Cathedral Hallway at Wild Turkey Bourbon Distillery Visitor's Center

The  Wild Turkey Tour  is as industrial as it gets. Not that it makes the tour less interesting, but I prefer the smaller distilleries along the Bourbon Trail as opposed to the mass conglomerate operations. 

The tour lasts about one hour, and you get to see where they make the bourbon as well as where they bottle the various vodka brands that they own. An impressive operation, to say the least. 

The Visitor Center is a fun place to look around and learn a bit more about the history of the distillery location and the origin of the name. Currently, Wild Turkey is closed to visitors and tours as they refresh the visitor’s center, so I’m looking forward to see what updates they have in store.

1417 Versailles Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

Every year, I look forward to more Kentucky bourbon trail tours and tastes, so check back for updates.

The next two bourbon distilleries on my hit list include:

  • Bulleit Distilling Company Visitor Experience
  • Castle & Key Distillery

While I did a tour and tasting of Bulleit when it was located at the Stitzel-Weller facility, I have yet to visit their new Visitor Center experience that opened in 2019 in Shelbyville, KY. Click here for more information.

And finally, the distillery that is currently intriguing me the most is Castle & Key, which I saw from a distance when I was driving to Lexington. It actually looks like a castle, and in addition to their distillery and grounds tours, they offer a rotating calendar of events. Click here for more information.

Everyone’s taste is unique and preferences differ, but hopefully, this guide helps you discover your go-to bourbon as you forge your own path along Kentucky’s bourbon trail.

If you’re planning on staying in Louisville, then be sure to check out the Go-To Louisville KY Guide for Best Hotels, Attractions, & Dining .

Exterior of Hotel Distil in Louisville, Kentucky at night

Leave a Comment

7 thoughts on “13 best bourbon trail tours: a regional travel guide to kentucky’s distilleries”.

You’re welcome, and I’m glad you found the information helpful. Enjoy your trip this summer!

Thank you for posting all of the information with tour prices and your opinion. I am looking forward to visiting Kentucky this summer 2023.

Hi Terri, I would recommend checking out the Pegasus Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Packages. They are rated really well and offer several packages to choose from with a driver to take you to the distillery region of your choice for the tours. My personal favorite region is the South / Bardstown Distilleries which includes Maker’s Mark (my favorite tour).

https://www.takepegasusdistilled.com/distillery-packages

Hope this helps!

I want to find a package tour that goes to several distilleries/breweries, one inclusive price, and transportation. Is there such a thing?

I would recommend checking out the Pegasus Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Packages. They are rated really well and offer several packages to choose from with a driver to take you to the distillery region of your choice for the tours. My personal favorite region is the South / Bardstown Distilleries which includes Maker’s Mark (my favorite tour).

Here is the link: https://www.takepegasusdistilled.com/distillery-packages

If you’re staying in Louisville, The Brown Hotel is my favorite, but there are lots of great hotels along 3rd street between W Broadway and the Riverwalk which put you right in the middle of Louisville’s downtown scene where you can walk to restaurants and other attractions.

Hope these suggestions help, and I hope you have a great trip!

Want to schedule a tour for three and set up a driver to visit 2 top rated distillery’s Also will need accommodations for 2 nites. .any suggestions.

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post. I’ll be sure to check out your site as well!

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Complete Guide

travel kentucky bourbon trail

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

A combination of ideal weather, limestone water sources, and a long history of the craft make Central Kentucky the bourbon capital of the world. Visiting the winding trail of bourbon distilleries here (now officially called the Kentucky Bourbon Trail) has become a main draw to the area, and a whole tourism industry itself. 

The distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are deeply rooted in history, many beginning operations in the 18th or 19th centuries that are still operated by the same families generations later. Today, bourbon’s popularity is at an all-time high, and in the past 20 years or so, many new distilleries have popped up among old favorites. These newer operations often restore the beautiful, historical properties of Kentucky’s original stills—centuries-old distilleries that either never reopened after prohibition or closed for other reasons. Take the history and the gorgeous natural settings, and add delicious, often entertaining whiskey tours and tastings, and you'll see why traveling along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is such a special experience. 

With so many great distilleries spread across the rolling hills of Kentucky, planning a trip on the Bourbon Trail can feel a bit overwhelming. Make the most of your time by including a diverse mix of ones to visit, from big names in the industry, to up-and-coming, smaller-batch operations. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail website includes a map of all area distilleries , general exploring tips, and a calendar of upcoming distillery events .

Consider Lexington and Louisville as practical bases for your trip: most distilleries are within these cities, or in the small towns orbiting them, and both cities have vibrant downtowns full of hotels, restaurants, and notable sights. 

Explore our guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for suggested routes, can’t-miss spots, and other tips for having the best experience in bourbon country. 

How to Experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

A long weekend is a good amount of time to spend on the Bourbon Trail, but if you plan to combine your trip with other area activities, a week is definitely doable. Traveling directly between Louisville and Lexington (when you aren’t stopping at distilleries) takes less than an hour, and both cities have convenient airports. 

With the many distilleries within its city limits, Louisville is a good jumping-off point on the trail. Spend the next day slowly heading out of Louisville to visit a few distilleries on the city’s outskirts, and then use Lexington as a homebase for the next couple of days. 

Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore, but it's not necessary. Ride sharing services are abundant in the area, and there are many guided tour options as well. Here's a sample itinerary to follow for your visit.

Day 1: Downtown Louisville 

In Louisville, stay downtown at the Brown Hotel , a city landmark full of history and romance. From the Brown, you can walk (or call a rideshare) to distilleries along the city’s historic Whiskey Row by the Ohio River, such as Angel’s Envy , Old Forester Distilling Co. , and the modern Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville’s artsy NULU district. For a lesson on the wild and crazy tales of the Prohibition Era, book a tour at Prohibition Craft Spirits . 

Have a classic, refined dinner at the hotel restaurant , or opt for a more funky choice in town ( Latin farm-to-table , asian fusion , or BBQ and oysters ). 

Day 2: Louisville to Lexington: Clermont, Shelbyville, and Loretto

After a hearty breakfast of biscuits , it’s time to hit the trail! You have the choice to head southeast out of Louisville to explore the Jim Beam facilities. Then it’s on to Maker’s Mark , one of the farther distilleries (about an hour out of the way in Loretto, Kentucky) but a favorite for the hand-dipped bottles, gorgeous 1,000-acre farm, and onsite restaurant. Alternatively, and on a more direct route into Lexington, you can head to Bulleit Distilling Co.'s new state-of-the-art facility in Shelbyville. 

A stay at the boutique 21C Hotel makes a great homebase in Lexington; this artsy, modern hotel is located right downtown, and the lobby also functions as a contemporary art gallery. 

Take the evening to explore downtown Lexington. Make sure to stop for a drink at the Bluegrass Tavern , a Lexington classic that boasts the largest bourbon collection in the state. If you need a break from bourbon, a fine margarita at Corto Lima will do the trick. For dinner, opt for classic and refined , or hip and casual . 

Day 3: Lexington, Frankfort, Versailles, and Lawrenceburg

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s a 30-minute drive to the Frankfort area, where touring the new distillery at Castle & Key is a true gem. The repurposed stone castle and the rest of the historical property are breathtaking, and the distillery’s chic branding (with plenty of merchandise to take home from the gift shop) adds to the overall charm of the location. 

Woodford Reserve (a seven-minute drive from Castle & Key) has its own restaurant and is a great mid-day stop for lunch and a tour of its beautiful grounds. 

Twenty minutes northwest of Woodford Reserve, you’ll find Buffalo Trace Distillery ; 25 minutes southwest is Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, home to the Four Roses and Wild Turkey distilleries. 

Before heading out of Lexington, check out the city’s historic Distillery District, home to the recently revived James E. Pepper Distiller (and several other restaurants, bars, and breweries), one of Kentucky’s first bourbon brands originally created during the American Revolution. 

Distillery Information and Rules 

  • Most tours cost $10 to $15 (including tastings), and are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some distilleries are closed on Mondays. Tours typically run every hour, and it’s usually best to reserve online ahead of time. 
  • Children under 21 are welcome on tours, for free or at a discounted cost (and no sampling whiskey for them, of course).
  • For more distillery rules and Kentucky Liquor laws, check out Kentucky Liquor Laws and The Bourbon Trail. 

Transportation Options

You’ll need a designated driver along the trail, as you’ll be sipping and tasting whiskeys. Even if there is a sober one among the group, it can be a good idea to arrange a local driver for navigating the winding country roads. Uber and Lyft are also all good choices, and if you've managed to stay sober, biking can also be a fun option. 

Where to Eat

Lexington or Louisville aren’t the only places to eat well in bourbon country. Everything from five-star restaurants to delicious sandwich stands can be found in the small towns along the way between distilleries.

Beyond the Trail

If time allows, consider the area’s other great export: thoroughbred horses. Races at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington take place in October and April, and at Churchill Downs in Louisville in November, May, and June . There are tours and special events at both facilities year round.

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A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Everything you need to know to sample your way round the land of wild turkey and maker’s mark..

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The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is among the many attractions on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is among the many attractions on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Courtesy of @GoToLouisville

For whiskey lovers, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket-list trip, full of opportunities to visit distilleries and learn about bourbon—plus, of course, plenty of sampling along the way.

Kentucky is the spiritual home of bourbon, an American whiskey made with at least 51 percent corn and aged in charred new American oak barrels. That said, many Kentucky distilleries also make other types of whiskey (like rye or American single malts) or other types of spirits. But if you’re headed to Kentucky, it’s a safe bet that you’ll find plenty of bourbon, first and foremost—including some pours you can’t find anywhere else. Here’s how to navigate the world of Kentucky bourbon.

What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

The official “ Kentucky Bourbon Trail ” exists under the auspices of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (they have literally trademarked the phrase), and it includes 18 distilleries, as well as 23 smaller distilleries designated as the “Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.” This official trail doesn’t necessarily include every bourbon producer in the state. But it’s still a pretty comprehensive overview, and the KBT provides a useful way to organize a visit—including a website with plenty of maps and links. Those who prefer a hard-copy guide can purchase a Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide ($15) with similar info.

Where to start

Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries are sprawled across the state, with most of them within about 100 miles from Louisville , the logical starting point for the journey.

How long to spend

It’s possible to visit a good number of the best-known distilleries within three or four days . Most visitors use Louisville as a home base, spending a day or two exploring the city’s “Whiskey Row” and other distilleries within city limits. From there, it makes sense to drive a few hours east toward Lexington, perhaps visiting Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and Woodford Reserve, then return to Louisville. The following day, head southbound toward Loretto, home of Maker’s Mark, stopping at Bardstown and its distilleries along the way. Expect to spend an hour or two at each distillery; visiting two or three distilleries a day is a realistic pace.

Yet quite a few are located further afield, in more rural areas, meaning more travel time is necessary to get there. (Green River, in Owensboro, is furthest removed; it’s even in a different time zone—but it’s only about 100 miles from Louisville.)

For people who want to visit all 18 distilleries, the KBT recommends at least five days. However, a week to nine days might make for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, particularly for those who want to visit craft distilleries along the way or make a detour to explore surrounding areas.

In addition, the KBT recommends at least six days to visit the Kentucky Craft Distillery circuit; many of the facilities are near the core KBT distilleries or en route. It’s worth doing a little advance planning and mapping to maximize visits.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail comprises numerous well known distilleries—and plenty of lesser known spots equally worth a visit.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail comprises numerous well known distilleries—and plenty of lesser known spots equally worth a visit.

Courtesy of @GoToLouisville@GoToLouisville

Which distilleries are on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

There are 18 KBT distilleries —it’s essentially a who’s who of the bourbon names you’ll spot at a well-stocked bar or liquor store:

  • Angel’s Envy
  • Bardstown Bourbon
  • Evan Williams
  • Four Roses Distillery; Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling (two different locations)
  • Green River
  • Heaven Hill
  • James B. Beam
  • Maker’s Mark
  • Old Forester
  • Rabbit Hole
  • Stitzel-Weller
  • Town Branch
  • Wild Turkey
  • Wilderness Trail
  • Woodford Reserve

How to get around

Within Louisville, it’s easy to reach distilleries on foot or via taxis or rideshares. Beyond city limits, you need a car to get around; particularly in more rural areas, ridesharing isn’t always available. To delegate the transportation and/or planning, consider booking tours with a company like the famous Mint Julep or Pegasus Distillery Tours . They’ll shuttle you or your group around; many of the tours focus on specific interests, like culinary or horse farm tours, or offer VIP access to tastings or other experiences. However you’re getting around, don’t drink and drive.

How to plan a distillery visit

Planning ahead is strongly encouraged. Many distilleries are closed during the week (most often Monday and/or Tuesday), and hours may vary, so check a distillery’s website before heading out. (Also: Note that part of Kentucky is in the Central time zone, so you may need to factor that in.) For those traveling with kids: Some places welcome all ages, while others are limited to those 21 years old and over.

Do you need reservations for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Not always, but it helps, particularly during the peak summer and fall tourist seasons. That said, many tours are reservation only and charge a fee (around $20, usually, but that can range much higher when special bottlings, cocktails, etc. are involved). Often those guided tours come with special behind-the-scenes views and tastings. Most run about 60 to 90 minutes and land in the gift shop, which is usually available without taking a tour.

In general, visiting two or three distilleries in a day is plenty. Most tours cover the same “how-bourbon-is-made” info, and especially if you’re sampling, it all starts to add up. But it’s well worth it for bourbon fans looking to learn about America’s native whiskey and snap up hard-to-find bottles to add to a collection.

Start in Louisville

Louisville is ideal as home base for a bourbon tour: In addition to distillery experiences available within city limits, it’s also relatively central to Lexington, Clermont, and Bardstown and has plenty of appealing bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Start with “Whiskey Row,” including Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery (and its top-notch bar), Old Forester Distilling (keep an eye out for special whiskey drops here, such as the annual Birthday Bourbon), and Angel’s Envy. From there, the NuLu district offers the modern design of Rabbit Hole Distillery (and its second-floor Overlook bar, with drinks designed by the Death & Co team). Grab a rideshare for the five-mile drive to West Louisville to tour the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery , which opened in 1935 but had been closed to the public for many years. (Attention horse fans: The Kentucky Derby Museum is nearby.)

Among the smaller Craft Trail distilleries nearby: Kentucky Peerless Distilling and Copper & Kings, an industrial-chic space that started as a brandy facility and has only recently begun producing bourbon. Look for the monarch butterfly garden out front and the rooftop restaurant/bar with sweeping waterfront views.

When the distilleries close, continue bourbon tasting at Louisville bars like the Silver Dollar , a honky-tonk-themed bar owned by Larry Rice; Justins’ House of Bourbon (it’s a bottle shop too—ask about the hidden whiskey tasting room, behind a wall of bourbons); or the 1920s-inspired Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop .

Where to stay in Louisville

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Consider a stay at Hotel Distil , a bourbon-themed hotel located in a historic building on Louisville’s “Whiskey Row”; the boutique-y 21c Museum Hotel is also home to stellar restaurant Proof on Main.

You could also try Galt House Hotel , a much larger venue with views of the Ohio River, or the genteel Brown Hotel , which dates back to 1923 (check out the city skyline from the restored rooftop garden).

Day trip options from Louisville

Visit a couple of distilleries during each of these day trips with Louisville as a convenient home base, or combine them for a longer road trip. Here are a few potential options to build an itinerary.

1. Clermont

From Louisville, it’s about a 40-minute dive south to Clermont to reach James B. Beam Distilling—known for making Jim Beam, Knob Creek, and Basil Hayden, among others. They’ve been busy over at Beam: in May, the distillery cut the ribbon on a new $45 million “homestead experience.” The relaunch of the distillery and visitor center had been planned for 2020—Beam’s 225th anniversary year—but the pandemic set that back to spring 2022. The new space includes the Kitchen Table , a 5,000-square-foot restaurant and bar, and the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery, a facility to explore new fermentation and distillation techniques.

2. Bardstown

Either starting out from Louisville or continuing on from Beam, head to Heaven Hill, the family-owned distillery that makes such legendary brands as Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna, among many others. While there’s a new $135 million distillery planned for the site, coming in 2024, this remains a fine place to learn about bourbon production and snap up exclusive bottles.

See also two sleek, state-of-the-art newcomers: Lux Row Distillers and Bardtown Bourbon Company (the latter focuses on elaborate bourbon blends).

3. Lebanon/Loretto

Maker’s Mark is on many a bourbon lover’s must-see list. Visit the distillery and tour the grounds—but don’t leave without dipping your own bottle in the iconic red wax.

This might be the endpoint of a route heading south through Clermont and/or Bardstown. Since the distillery is fairly remote from Louisville, plan to stay overnight—if possible, at the Samuels House , an Airbnb-style house rental owned by the family behind Maker’s Mark, stocked with a collection of whiskey memorabilia.

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Add on a tour of Independent Stave Company to learn how barrels are made, and see firsthand how they’re charred with a burst of flame—a key part of the bourbon-making process. (Note: You can also go directly from Louisville to Maker’s Mark by helicopter .)

4. Frankfort/Lexington

From Louisville, it’s also about an hour east to Frankfort, home of Buffalo Trace. The already-sprawling facility is currently expanding (they’ve even turned it into the subject of a complimentary “ expansion tour ”). For now, enjoy a stroll through the botanical “bourbon gardens” and plan to return in 2023, when the new dining and tourism destination is unveiled. Continue on to Four Roses in Lawrenceburg, housed in a 1910 mission-style building, or Woodford Reserve in Versailles (pronounced “ver-sales”). Of note, Lexington, the “Horse Capital of the World,” is home to multitudes of thoroughbreds, so consider adding a horse farm tour to your itinerary.

5. Danville

About an hour south of Lexington, the picturesque Wilderness Trail Distillery is in the heart of Bluegrass territory. The distillery is a relative newcomer, having opened in 2013 and releasing its first bourbon in 2018. Yet it has garnered plenty of attention and is already expanding capacity. Starting with 44 acres, the distillery purchased another 124 acres in 2021, adding six new fermentation tanks and six new barrel houses. No wonder the distillery recently was switched from “craft distillery” to “distillery” by the KBT, the whiskey equivalent of moving up from the minor to the major leagues.

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I've Lived in Kentucky for Decades and Finally Took a Road Trip on the Bourbon Trail — Here's Why It Was Worth It

A historian uncovers the complex story of her home state’s famous spirit, one strong sip at a time.

Ashley Camper

Growing up in Louisville,  I knew about bourbon. I played my first game of spin the bottle with a grade-school classmate who was named after his family’s brand, Very Old Barton. Yet, by the time I started drinking hard alcohol (too young), my idea of a delectable cocktail was a very strong vodka tonic with two wedges of lime.

It turned out I wasn’t alone. In the early 1970s, sales of vodka surpassed those of America’s native spirit for the first time. Facing a shrinking market, bourbon makers of the 1970s and 80s wandered into other industries. My friend’s family, along with many other distillers, cashed out to conglomerates. By the early 90s, the unimaginable had occurred. “Even Kentuckians had stopped drinking it,” Susan Reigler, who has authored six books on the spirit and has been called the “headmistress of bourbon,” told me.

Bourbon’s course through the body, from lips to throat to chest to belly, can feel like lava, an effect known as a “Kentucky hug.” Even Rob Samuels, managing director of Maker’s Mark, has conceded, “You almost had to work hard to like it.” And for many, the spirit’s classic cocktail — the aromatic and potent Old-Fashioned — came with too strong a whiff of the Old South. As a graduate student in history during the late 1980s, I watched white men use bourbon as a way of brandishing their power. At an academic conference, an eminent scholar informed his junior colleague — Catherine Clinton, now a prestigious historian in her own right — that to fit in she needed to drink bourbon. Not a fan? Not a problem, he said. She would get used to it if she brushed her teeth with the stuff for a week.

But tastes change. Today the bourbon business is booming. There are more than 11 million barrels aging across the state. Between 2009 and 2021, the number of whiskey-distilling operations in Kentucky soared from 19 to 95, and a new premium craft brand seems to crop up every few months. On weekends, a stream of bachelor and bachelorette parties pours into Lexington and Louisville; couples are even tying the knot at stylish distilleries.

Bourbon’s course through the body, from lips to throat to chest to belly, can feel like lava, an effect known as a “Kentucky hug.”

I’ve spent most of my life in the Bluegrass State, so tradition dictated that I drink mint juleps annually at Derby parties, when everybody else did. But even last year, I couldn’t have told you the difference between a mash bill and a duck bill. I’m a historian who has studied Southern writers and Southern families. I have even written a book about the troubling origins of the song “My Old Kentucky Home.” But I had virtually ignored the bourbon comeback. How did this spirit reverse its course? My historian’s bag in hand, I set off on a chilly winter ride along the bourbon trail.

At the start of my first full day as a bourbon tourist, I ducked out of Hotel Distil i n Louisville, where I’d spent the night, for a jog across the Big Four Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that spans the Ohio River and connects Kentucky to Indiana. I was almost back at the Distil when I fell in with a line of people stretching down a block of West Main Street known as Whiskey Row. Apparently, they were bourbon hunters waiting for a special release from the Old Forester Distillery. It was on this street that, in the years after the Civil War, bourbon was hauled from the countryside — where it was made as a means of using up surplus corn and grain — and then sold or stored.

I had my first official tasting later at Hermitage Farm , an easy 30-minute drive northeast of Louisville. This Thoroughbred horse farm combines bourbon tastings from distilleries around the state with hyperlocal food (cast-iron corn bread with sorghum brown butter; whole trout with butter beans), all in a single agritourism package. Seated at the Barn8 bar, bathed in whiskey-gold light, I sipped an Old-Fashioned made with foraged-hickory-nut syrup. I tasted more forest than fire, and my hesitation about the spirit began to fade.

Bourbon making is “gloriously inefficient,” Reid Mitenbuler noted in his seminal text,  Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey . The mixture must be at least 51 percent corn and should contain wheat, rye, and malted barley. It also takes time: for bourbon to be designated “straight bourbon whiskey,” it must have aged in new charred white-oak barrels for a period of at least two years. (Another thing to know: don’t believe anyone who tells you with certainty who invented the spirit or how it got its name. That much is lost to time.)

Variables like where in the warehouse a barrel is stored (hotter up high, cooler below) can also produce vastly different results. As the barrels expand and contract with the temperature, the charred-wood flavors press into the liquid, turning the clear “white dog” into a golden-brown mix. One of my guides called that microscopic motion “the heartbeat of Kentucky.”

That afternoon, heading south out of Louisville, I drove along Jefferson Memorial Forest and into the part of the state known as the “Knobs”: miles of undulating, isolated hills, which at that time of year bristled with winter trees like a stubbly beard. I passed by knob after knob until eventually I noticed a billboard informing me I’d entered Jim Beam Country — a reminder that I had four distilleries to visit in the next 36 hours.

I picked up the basics from my time at Heaven Hill Distillery , Bardstown Bourbon Co. , Castle & Key, and Log Still Distillery . I learned about “mash bills”: the proportion of corn, barley, and rye used in the bourbon. Brands used to hold these measurements closer than Colonel Sanders kept the fried-chicken recipe; now transparency is generally the rule, with percentages available on company websites.

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At each distillery, I could smell before I saw the vats, or “cookers,” each one typically containing 12,000 gallons, burping with warm, yeasty fermenting grains. (This beery odor is affectionately known as “Kentucky cologne.”) The mash is pushed through stills, a process that extracts vaporized alcohol from the residue, which can then be fed to livestock. Aside from witnessing the processing and taking part in a tasting, visitors might get to peer into a fire-toasted barrel ready for filling, walk through barrel storage sheds called rickhouses, or peek at the bottling area. Some distilleries have hands-on experiences: a mixology class or the chance to “thieve” a taste, a term for sampling bourbon straight from a barrel.

The touring-tasting-dining trend may be most fully realized at Bardstown Bourbon Co. , founded in 2014. It appears almost like a campus, with a glass-walled visitors’ center, grain labs, a tasting lounge, a library with more than 400 bourbons and ryes dating back as far as 1892, and a thieving room. The airy and cheerful Bardstown Bourbon Kitchen & Bar attracts an industry crowd at lunchtime, though first-timers are welcome, too: the distillery offers 10 different tours and experiences, including a VIP fill-your-own-bottle tour and, on some summer Friday evenings, live music on the patio. BBC produces its own bourbon, as well as spirits on contract for more than 30 other brands. Though now almost a decade old, its sleek, multistory rickhouses don’t yet smell of “barrel candy,” the sticky drippings that accumulate from generations of stacked casks.

Age and masculinity have long characterized bourbon branding. It was right there in the names: Old Sport, Old Fitzgerald, Old Grand-Dad, Old Rip Van Winkle, Old Crow. A patina of longevity communicated stature. It all spoke of a troubling past that, in recent years, the industry has begun to reckon with. Rebel Yell, a brand that launched in the 1960s in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, took its name from the Confederate battle cry and was marketed only in Southern states. (The brand has since dropped the “Yell.”)

Many drinkers may not know that an enslaved Tennessean, Nathan “Nearest” Green, taught the biggest name in American whiskey, Jasper “Jack” Daniel, how to make the stuff. In 2016, Jack Daniel's began to embrace this story by offering tours highlighting Green’s contributions. Three years later, Fawn Weaver, the author who discovered Green’s story and decided to resurrect his legacy, opened the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Victoria Eady Butler, a descendant of Green’s, now holds the title of master blender there. That’s Tennessee whiskey , but who knows how many Uncle Nearests have been excluded from the Kentucky bourbon story?

Many drinkers may not know that an enslaved Tennessean, Nathan “Nearest” Green, taught the biggest name in American whiskey, Jasper “Jack” Daniels, how to make the stuff. In 2016, Jack Daniels began to embrace this story by offering tours highlighting Green’s contributions. Three years later, Fawn Weaver, the author who discovered Green’s story and decided to resurrect his legacy, opened the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Victoria Eady Butler, a descendant of Green’s, now holds the title of master blender there. That’s Tennessee whiskey, but who knows how many Uncle Nearests have been excluded from the Kentucky bourbon story?

The Frazier History Museum , in Louisville, offers a tour called “The Unfiltered Truth: Black Americans in Bourbon.” Visitors learn about Elmer Lucille Allen, the first African-American chemist at Brown-Forman distillery, and the contributions of other Black Kentuckians to the bourbon industry. Currently, however, Kentucky has only two Black-owned bourbon distilleries: Brough Brothers, founded in 2021, and Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co., founded in 2020.

Bourbon also has a reputation as being a man’s drink, but it was women who created the modern bourbon trail. One of them, Peggy Noe Stevens, was running Woodford Reserve’s visitors’ center in 1999 when she and two female peers from other distilleries proposed cross-marketing their tours. They produced a brochure that listed the seven places where visitors could see the spirit in the making (today there are 46). Now an author and consultant, Stevens also founded the Bourbon Women Association in 2011.

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One intriguing female-led brand is Pinhook , which produces ryes and bourbons in annual vintages, much like wine. “This gives it a natural crossover appeal for women who drink wine,” said Alice Peterson, Pinhook’s CEO. “I love that we no longer have to market solely to the leather-sofa-and-cigars crowd.”

I found a similar ethos at Trouble Bar , a tavern in Louisville’s Shelby Park neighborhood. I ordered the Galactic Diamond — bourbon, plum, green-tea syrup, and lime — and sat down with co-owner Kaitlyn Soligan Owens, who moved to Louisville from New York City in 2013. She founded a bourbon tour agency, Matson & Gilman, with her best friend, Nicole Stipp. By 2019 they wanted a brick-and-mortar place where they could hold tastings; eventually, a bar followed. Owens and Stipp aim to disrupt bourbon’s perceived “bro culture” by intentionally welcoming LGBTQ patrons and young, progressive customers. The bar’s music tends toward Sam Cooke and Lizzo, and photos of social-justice “troublemakers” — including Alberta Odell Jones, one of Kentucky’s first Black female lawyers, who was murdered in a still-unsolved case — cover one of the walls.

Trouble Bar offers special flights chosen by notable women in bourbon — Stevens and Weaver both contributed, as have female distillers around the state. Owens pointed out that one of the spirit’s greatest innovators was Margie Samuels, who cofounded Maker’s Mark with her husband, Bill, in 1953. Margie was responsible for both the name and the literal mark — she used her home fryer to melt red wax, into which she hand-dipped the bottles to seal them.

Some of the trees at Castle & Key distillery have a witchy look. That’s because they’re blackened with a fungus called  Baudoinia compniacensis,  which thrives on the “angel’s share” of ethanol that evaporates from the bourbon barrels (because the vapor floats away in the air, it’s described as being consumed by angels). Some distillers have been sued because the fungus discolored nearby homes, patios, and automobiles, though there is not sufficient evidence to say that the growth harms people or animals.

Reached by a narrow, steep road outside Frankfort, the state capital, Castle & Key shows how today’s bourbon tourism sometimes builds atop existing foundations. The “castle” is a crenellated 1887 showpiece built by whiskey maker Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr., who is often seen as the father of the modern bourbon industry. The train tracks that Taylor laid to move his product also carried Victorian-era visitors to what was perhaps the first bourbon-tourism experience: people could stroll and picnic in the gardens and admire the grounds and structures, like the “key,” a lock-shaped pool beneath an elaborate pergola. Prohibition forced the closing of the distillery in 1920, and the property fell into ruin as it passed through multiple owners, before finally reopening in 2018. While the bourbon products age — the inaugural small-batch Kentucky Straight wasn’t released until March 2022 — head blender Brett Connors uses juniper berries and other plants to flavor the four gins that are also on offer.

Bourbon also has a reputation as being a man’s drink, but it was women who created the modern bourbon trail.

Castle & Key has reenvisioned Taylor’s fairy-tale buildings and grounds as a place for locals and tourists to listen to live music, drink cocktails like a Bourbon Highball, with spiced honey, yuzu, and lemon, and eat pulled-pork sandwiches from food trucks like BubbyQ. “It’s about how you create a sense of place,” Connors said. “That’s what people remember more than tasting or even tours.”

Lately, bourbon seekers are also after something that has long eluded them: a place to stay after a day of tastings. One of the few places that make that possible is Dant Crossing , a 300-acre destination in Gethsemane, about an hour south of Louisville. There you’ll find 23 rooms spread across a handsome farmhouse building, a Georgian-style home, two cottages, and an exclusive-use lodge. (A farm-to-table restaurant is projected to open next year.) Next door is Log Still Distillery, which has a bar and tasting room, plus a 2,300-seat amphitheater for (mostly) country music performances.

Three cousins — Wally, Lynne, and Charles Dant — inspired by their forebear’s pre-Prohibition bourbon operation — reunited to create the new distillery. (The well-known J. W. Dant bourbon brand, owned by Heaven Hill, is separate.) For the Dants, the journey home has been long like a country mile, which was, fittingly, the name of the cocktail, made with wheated bourbon and dusted with fennel, that I sipped before dinner. Each course — my favorite was the fried game hen with compressed gin watermelon squares and hot honey — had its own cocktail pairing. When it was over I gladly accepted a golf-cart ride back to my room.

The story of bourbon, I found, does not end with the drink itself. The liquor has also become part of the arc of Kentucky’s cuisine. Chef Ouita Michel, who has racked up eight James Beard Award nominations and built a 10-restaurant mini empire throughout the state, uses the spirit as an ingredient, but even more as a narrative device. “Bourbon is a fantastic pillar for Kentucky,” she said, “but how do we enrich that story and make it about our people, our places?” She named one of her Lexington restaurants, Honeywood , after Honeywood Parrish Rouse, a legendary Southern hostess who paused at 4 p.m. every day to pour herself a glass of Old Fitzgerald. (I also think of the late Black feminist bell hooks, a Kentuckian who paired “brutal honesty with bourbon.”)

When Michel did her culinary training in the late 1980s and early 90s, she told me, bourbon was not on most people’s radar. Then, 20 years ago, she entered a cooking contest organized by Woodford Reserve and took home the prize for a sea-scallop dish with bourbon in the sauce. That led to 11 years as chef-in-residence at Woodford’s distillery in Versailles. Michel’s first restaurant, Holly Hill Inn, which opened in the town of Midway in 2001, is still one of the best places to get regional specialties like spoon-bread soufflé.

Thanks to the bourbon touring boom, Holly Hill is no longer under the radar. Michel has now counted license plates from all 50 states in the parking lot of Wallace Station , her sandwich shop on Old Frankfort Pike, a National Scenic Byway just outside Lexington. “It’s a sea change,” she said.

I could never distill the essence of Kentucky, a name with a rough beauty that conjures images of green grass and mountain hollers, of icons like Muhammad Ali and Loretta Lynn. Our spirit makers would like you to think that essence is bourbon. I was reminded time and again of its hold.

Journeying along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail showed me just how big a business my state’s signature spirit has become. To experience it fully, go slowly and trace the path of history, knowing that myth is always close behind. Along the way, be sure to stop often for the surprises. Bourbon itself was mine. The heat that comes with each sip is a reminder of Kentucky’s complexity and depth. Give it to me straight, with a single cube of clarifying ice.

Where to Stay

Bardstown Motor Lodge: A restored 1950s property with retro rooms and a poolside bar serving bourbon slushies.

Dant Crossing: Lodgings at this pastoral escape near Log Still Distillery in Gethsemane range from single rooms to a four-bedroom home. Breakfast is delivered to your door.

Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection : An urban Louisville retreat that leans in to bourbon history: its lobby features stoneware jugs once used for whiskey storage, and every night at 7:33 p.m. there’s a toast to the 1933 repeal of Prohibition.  

Origin Lexington: A sophisticated stay in the heart of the city. The hotel also partners with Knob Creek Distillery on a private-label bourbon, available at its restaurant, 33 Staves.

Where to Eat and Drink

Holly Hill Inn: Chef Ouita Michel’s original Midway restaurant remains the region’s most elegant night out.

Honeywood: For a more casual meal, Michel also operates this Lexington hot spot with inventive dishes like sweet-potato beignets and smoked-catfish dip.

Nami: Tired of fried chicken? Celebrity chef Ed Lee’s new Louisville restaurant serves bibimbap, hand-cut noodles, and Korean barbecue with all the fixings.

Trouble Bar: Try bourbon you’ve never heard of at this cheeky Louisville watering hole, where the 17-page menu is an education in itself.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. : A modern, Napa Valley–style approach to bourbon tourism, with sleek tasting facilities and a fantastic restaurant and bar.

Castle & Key: This distillery’s serene gardens are perfect for a midday stroll between tastings.

Frazier History Museum: A Louisville institution with comprehensive exhibits on Kentucky history, the Civil War, and the bourbon industry.

Heaven Hill: Founded in 1935, this remains America’s largest independent family-owned bourbon distillery.

Hermitage Farm: The best of Kentucky in one 700-acre package: bourbon from around the state, horses, and country cooking.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2023 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Still Life ."

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Six Tips for Visiting the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky

A whiskey glass with barrels of whiskey in the background.

The Bourbon Trail in Kentucky is a bucket list trip for whiskey lovers around the world. Kentucky is home to some of the most famous whiskey distilleries on the planet, and touring them is a treat. But there are some things to know before visiting the Bourbon Trail that will make your trip hiccup-free.

I finally visited the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky for my annual birthday trip. It’s a little ironic that I’d been to distilleries in Scotland , Ireland , and even Belgium before going practically down the street to Kentucky! So it was long overdue that I visit the best concentration of whiskey distilleries in my own country.

Before I set out on my trip I did a ton of research, and even still learned a few things once I arrived. I’m sharing them here so you can learn from my mistakes. Here are the best tips for visiting the Bourbon Trail.

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1. The Bourbon Trail isn’t a singular trail, so plan accordingly.

The Bourbon Trail may sound like a singular, simple road connecting all of Kentucky’s distilleries, but the distilleries are actually quite spread out . They are loosely categorized into four regions: Central (Louisville and Bardstown), Bluegrass (Lexington), Western (near Tennessee) and Northern (near Cincinnati). It’s best to organize your itinerary into those regions as well, focusing on one region (or partial region) a day.

The Central and Bluegrass regions are the most popular, consisting of the most well-known whiskey brands. We stayed in downtown Louisville, which has several distilleries within walking distance, then drove to one region a day. Which leads me to my next point…

travel kentucky bourbon trail

2. The best way to get around the Bourbon Trail is a car — or a tour.

Because the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky is so spread out, the only way to get from region to region — and even distillery to distillery — is a car . Ubers and carshares are unreliable or nonexistent in the small towns, and many distilleries are an hour’s drive or more from main areas like Louisville.

That leaves you with three options. Renting a car and convincing one of your friends to be the designated driver, hiring a driver, or taking a guided tour. There are several companies that will drive — and even organize — your distillery tour. This half-day tour departs from Bardstown, while this full day distillery tour departs from Louisville. Or book a guided tour for your whole group , including transportation from throughout Kentucky (and even Indiana!).

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3. Plan your distillery tours early and carefully.

Distillery tours must be booked in advance. And a word of warning: they fill up fast, so book early ! Organize the distilleries based on the area you’ll be in, and keep an eye on the travel times between each one. Some are farther away than you think! Also, most require visitors to check in 15-20 minutes before the tour starts, so make sure to plan extra time into your day.

If you’re planning to cover a lot of ground, divide your distilleries into different areas on different days. We started with downtown Louisville, home to Michter’s, Angel’s Envy, Old Forester, and Copper & Kings. Then we did one day near Bardstown (Willett, Barton 1792, Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Maker’s Mark, and Bardstown). Another day we did the Frankfort Area (Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, Castle & Key).

Related :: The Can’t Miss Distilleries in Kentucky

travel kentucky bourbon trail

4. Don’t forget to eat!

When planning your distillery tours, don’t forget to schedule time for lunch . You don’t want to spend an entire distillery tour with your stomach growling, and it’s always best not to drink on an empty stomach!

Some distilleries have on-site cafés or restaurants. Many were temporarily closed during our trip because of Covid, so check distillery websites beforehand. One place I’ll highly recommend is The Bar at Willett . It’s a beautiful place for a great cocktail and some food. But it’s no secret, so make reservations in advance.

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5. Don’t overbook yourself.

Obviously you want to see all your favorite distilleries while you’re in Kentucky, but don’t overbook yourself. It’s tough to visit more than two distilleries a day because of the tour times (which tend to be earlier in the day) and the distance between them.

Plus distillery fatigue is real! While distillery tours are definitely fun, they require paying careful attention and some even require a lot of walking. Plus you’ll be drinking at each one. All that adds up to an exhausting day, so give yourself some down time to reflect on your adventures.

And know that it will probably take more than one trip to see all the distilleries you want.

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6. There’s more to Kentucky than just whiskey!

For us whiskey nerds, it’s easy to forget that Kentucky contains more than just whiskey distilleries ! Louisville is also home to Churchill Downs, the home of the famous Kentucky Derby horse race. If there’s not a race while you’re in town, you can also tour the racetrack. Or check out the Kentucky Derby museum .

Speaking of museums, there are dozens in Louisville, including the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center . There’s plenty of history in Kentucky, so seek out some historical spots in between distillery tours.

As for food, Kentucky is home to more than just fried chicken (although don’t miss that while you’re there!). It’s famous for the Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich topped with Mornay sauce. And the Derby Pie, a chocolate and walnut tart.

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Not only are there hundreds of distilleries in Kentucky, there’s plenty to do and to eat. So take your time, enjoy your trip, and keep a running list of what to do on your next visit — because your first trip likely won’t be your last!

Related :: Five Surprising Things About the Bourbon Trail and Can’t Miss Distilleries in Kentucky  

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive a commission if you make a purchase from them. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Whiskied Wanderlust.

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Ultimate Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

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travel kentucky bourbon trail

Did you know that 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky ? In fact, you may be surprised to learn there are roughly eleven million barrels of bourbon aging at distilleries in Kentucky right now—which is more than double the state’s population of 4,500,000 people! 

If you’re a bourbon aficionado, or even if you’d just like to learn more about the history of bourbon, you can’t miss the chance to embark on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in Louisville, KY. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to sip, savor, and learn about how bourbon is made and distributed worldwide right here, in Kentucky! 

However, embarking on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail isn’t as easy as you might think. There are several logistics you need to think about when planning your trip. This ultimate guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail includes everything you need to know, including our best Kentucky Bourbon Trail tips so that you can plan the adventure of a lifetime! 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!

What Is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?  

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a road trip experience to the bourbon distilleries across the state of Kentucky. It was created in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in an attempt to bring more tourism to Kentucky—and boy, has it been a success! In 2019, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail set an attendance record of 1.7 million visitors . 

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What Are the Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ?

These are currently the bourbon distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: 

  • Angel’s Envy Distillery 
  • Bardstown Bourbon Co. 
  • Bulleit Distilling Co. 
  • Evan Williams Bourbon Experience 
  • Four Roses Distillery 
  • Green River Distilling Co. 
  • Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience 
  • James B. Beam Distilling Co. 
  • Lux Row Distillers 
  • Maker’s Mark Distillery 
  • Michter’s Distillery 
  • Old Forester Distilling Co. 
  • Rabbit Hote Distillery 
  • Stitzel-Weller Distillery 
  • Town Branch Distillery 
  • Wild Turkey Distillery 
  • Wilderness Trail Distillery 
  • Woodford Reserve 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tips - Maker's Mark Distillery - Travel by Brit

Where Does the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Start?  

Although you can technically “start” the bourbon trail at any distillery you would like, the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is the Welcome Center of the Frazier History Museum —one of the best museums in Louisville . The Frazier History Museum is a great place to pick up a map and the “ Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport .” 

While you’re at the Frazier History Museum, you should also take some time to explore the “Spirit of Kentucky” bourbon exhibit and find the secret speakeasy. Tickets to the Frazier History Museum are just $14, and it’s a great spot to learn more about the history of Kentucky. 

The Frazier History Museum is within walking distance of multiple distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in Downtown Louisville, including Old Forester, Michter’s, and Evan Williams. One of our best Kentucky Bourbon Trail tips is to start (and end!) your trip in Louisville, KY. 

What Is the Best Time of Year to Do the Bourbon Trail?  

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is open year-round except for a few weeks in the late summer (usually August) when the distilleries close for routine maintenance. Plan your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail around this routine closure. 

Here’s a breakdown of visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail during each season: 

  • Winter: Winter is a great time to visit the distilleries if you’d like to dodge the crowds and don’t mind the cooler weather. However, if you’re planning on doing a self-guided driving tour, be prepared to potentially drive in rain, ice, and snow. 
  • Spring: Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail because the crowds are still slim, and the weather is nice. However, remember that the Kentucky Derby takes place in May, and hotels will book up quickly. Early spring is the ideal time to visit! 
  • Summer: Summer is one of the busiest (and least pleasant) times to embark on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. If you can handle the heat and humidity, it may be tolerable. However, keep in mind the distilleries close in late August, so plan your trip accordingly. 
  • Fall: Thanks to the beautiful weather, fall is the most popular season to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. If you’re planning an autumn distillery trip, tours will book out quickly, so book the tours you want to go on a month or so in advance. 

Personally, we visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in early August. While the heat was tolerable, I can see why visiting in the spring or fall is preferable . I wouldn’t opt for a winter trip since many of the roads to the distilleries are narrow, and I wouldn’t want to drive in winter conditions. However, if you book a tour, you can avoid this problem entirely! 

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What Is the Best Way to Get Around the Bourbon Trail?  

Speaking of driving, the best way to get around the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is either by car or guided tour . As we mentioned earlier, the distilleries are separated into regions, and the only way to move between the regions (or the distilleries themselves) is with a vehicle. 

It’s important to note that Uber and Lyft aren’t reliable options for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—most distilleries are in rural areas and are at least an hour away from major cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Cincinnati. 

If you’re planning to do a self-guided driving tour , it’s important to plan in advance to make the most of your experience. I would recommend planning no more than two to three distillery tours per day. Tours are typically at least an hour long, and when you add drive time between distilleries and a stop for lunch—you’re looking at an eight-hour day. 

However, many visitors prefer to book a distillery tour for a hassle-free experience. You’re genuinely able to kick back, relax, and enjoy the experience with a distillery tour since you won’t need to worry about planning the logistics or finding a designated driver.

These are a few of the most popular distillery tours of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We personally opted for a self-guided tour of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and did not take these tours. However, they either have excellent reviews or seem like unique experiences that are worth checking out:

  • Kentucky Bourbon Weekend Getaway with Tastings —If you’re truly looking for a hassle-free experience, this tour from Bardstown is perfect for you! It includes a two-night stay at a four-star bed & breakfast, tours at Willett, Heaven Hill, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and the Blind Pig, pre-arranged tastings & cocktails, locally-sourced meals, high-end transportation, and more. All you need to purchase is your plane ticket to Kentucky!
  • Louisville Half-Day Bourbon Tour —This half-day trip from Louisville allows you to choose three distilleries (from a list of 15!) on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, including Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, and Jim Beam. You will be able to go on a tour of each distillery and sample bourbons from each brand at the end of the tour. This tour is a great value!
  • Bourbon Distillery & Horse Farms Tour —This highly-rated full-day tour allows you to make several stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail complete with tours and tastings, and they even stop at a horse farm along the way!

How Long Does It Take to Do the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky?  

Well, this is a loaded question because it really depends on you! If you want to hit every stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for a tour or tasting, and you plan to visit three distilleries per day , you’ll need to spend at least a week in Kentucky. 

However, spending a few days on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is much more realistic. For example, on the first day, you may visit a few distilleries near your hotel in Louisville, then the next day, you can check out a few more on a guided tour, and on the last day, you can plan a day trip to the distillery that makes your favorite bourbon. 

If you’re only in Louisville for a few days, I recommend spending one day at the distilleries near Louisville (Evan Williams, Angel’s Envy, Old Forester, Mitcher’s, Rabbit Hole, and Stitzel-Weller). If you stay in Downtown Louisville, you can walk to all these distilleries (and other cool things to do in Downtown Louisville !), which is very convenient. 

On the second day, visit Maker’s Mark Distillery (about a 1.5-hour drive from Louisville) and another distillery nearby, like Heaven Hill or Jim Beam. If you have a third day, head toward Lexington, where you can visit Four Roses, Wild Turkey, or Woodford Reserve. 

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?  

It technically doesn’t cost anything to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. However, each distillery will have prices for their tours, tasting, drinks, etc., that you will need to purchase. 

Typically, tours range from $15–30 per person . If you plan to visit three distilleries per day, you should plan to spend $50–100 per person . This usually would include a one-hour tour and tasting at three distilleries. However, it’s important to note that specialty tours may cost more. 

For reference, most guided tours of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail cost between $150–200 per person and include tours and tastings at two or three distilleries, as well as lunch and transportation. When you factor in all the costs—these tours are often a great deal! 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tips - Maker's Mark Distillery - Travel by Brit

Do I Need to Make Reservations for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?  

I highly recommend making reservations for the distillery tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. During the popular seasons (fall & summer), it’s common for popular tours to book out months in advance. It’s also a huge bummer if you have your heart set on touring a certain distillery, and when you arrive in Kentucky, the tour is booked out. 

It’s also important to plan to arrive for your distillery tour at least 15 minutes in advance. Distillery tours typically begin promptly on the hour, and if you run into a traffic jam or can’t find parking, you may miss the entire tour. 

Where Should I Stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?  

Although you can stay in Bardstown or Lexington during your visit to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I highly recommend staying in Louisville, Kentucky . It’s one of my top Kentucky Bourbon Trail tips. Louisville is not only the starting point of the bourbon trail, but 25% of the distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are in Downtown Louisville! 

During my trip to Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I stayed at Hotel Distil, an Autograph Collection Hotel . This luxury hotel is within walking distance of Old Forester, Evan Williams, Angel’s Envy, and other popular distilleries—but it has a unique bourbon experience! The entire hotel is themed around bourbon, so it’s a great place to stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 

These are my top hotel recommendations on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. These hotels are all within walking distance (or a very short drive) from the distilleries in Downtown Louisville. 

  • Hotel Distil —Hotel Distil is my top pick for where to stay in Louisville! This hotel has an awesome restaurant, Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse, and has a nightly toast with complimentary drinks to celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition! 
  • 21c Museum Hotel —21c Museum Hotel in Louisville is an art-lovers dream. Not only is this boutique hotel filled with tons of interesting artwork, but it’s also home to one of the best restaurants in Louisville , Proof on Main. 
  • The Brown Hotel —The Brown Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Louisville, with tons of unique history. You will be “wowed” by the stunning architecture and décor in the lobby, and the rooms are just as beautiful! 

Best Things to Do on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Okay, now that we have all the logistics out of the way, here’s the fun part—the bourbon experiences! These are some of the top places to visit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: 

Maker’s Mark Distillery  

  • Cost: $20 per person 
  • Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM 

I don’t think I’m alone in saying the Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour is the best on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail . The grounds are stunning, the tour is informative, and you truly get to see lots—like the “mash” up-close and personal and the rickhouses where the barrels are stored. 

Personally, I loved that the business idea behind Maker’s Mark was the founder’s wife, Margie. She was a genius! I also loved that the tasting included five bourbons, including a rare bourbon that Maker’s Mark doesn’t even sell (which is a bummer because it was tasty). 

Marker’s Mark Distillery also has a restaurant, Star Hill Provisions, where you can enjoy a cocktail after your tour. I got a bourbon slushie with blackberry, and it was a nice, sweet treat on a hot, humid summer day! 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tips - Maker's Mark Distillery - Travel by Brit

Angel’s Envy Tour  

  • Cost: $25 
  • Hours: Friday – Saturday, 10 AM – 8 PM; Sunday, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM; Monday & Wednesday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Tuesday, 12 PM – 5 PM; Thursday, 10 AM – 7 PM 

Although I didn’t have time to do the Angel’s Envy Tour, I’ve heard great things about it, so I wanted to include it on this list. Angel’s Envy offers a few specialty experiences, like the Bottle Your Own Tour, for $150, but the Signature Tour is the most popular. 

During the Signature Tour , you’ll embark on a one-hour tour of the distillery that ends with a tasting of two bourbons—the Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Casks, and Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks. When your tour is over, you can purchase and enjoy a cocktail in the Finishing Room Bar. 

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience  

  • Cost: $18 or $25 per person 
  • Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 11 AM – 5 PM; Friday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Sunday, 1 PM – 5 PM 

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a must-do tour during your time in Louisville. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the history of bourbon, the bourbon-making process, the impact of Prohibition on the bourbon industry, and more. I recommend making this your first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! 

The Traditional Tour & Tasting is an awesome tour with four bourbon tastings. You’ll get to walk through a recreation of the wharf in Louisville in the 1700s, watch a video about the bourbon-making process, and see a recreation of Whiskey Row during Prohibition. Then, you’ll walk into a themed bar where you can enjoy your four bourbon samples (and a chocolate ball!). 

On Saturday and Sunday, Evan Williams offers a fun Speakeasy Tasting Experience for $25 per person. You’ll be able to sample five bourbons and learn about the history of Prohibition while hanging out in a hidden speakeasy. 

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Four Roses Distillery  

  • Cost: $16 or $22 per person 
  • Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM; Sunday, 12 PM – 4 PM 

Four Roses Distillery is another spot I never had the chance to visit, but I’ve heard great things, so I wanted to include it on this list. 

Four Roses Distillery has three tour options, but the A Taste of History Tour is the most popular (and more affordable) at just $16 per person. This is a guided tasting of four of the distilleries’ bourbons in addition to a brief history of the distillery. The Distillery Legacy Tour is a bit more expensive at $22 a person, but this also includes a tour of the grounds. 

Get a Taste of Kentucky with These Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tips  

I hope these Kentucky Bourbon Trail tips help you to plan a fun, safe trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Now tell me— which of these distilleries would you visit first ? 

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Save These Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tips for Your Vacation!

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Did you love these Kentucky Bourbon Trail tips? Check out these other posts about Louisville, KY, to plan the perfect vacation:

  • 14 Cool Things to Do in Downtown Louisville (+ Restaurants & Hotels)
  • Hotel Distil: Luxury Stay on Louisville’s Whiskey Row
  • 17 Unique Places to Eat in Louisville, KY
  • 14 Interesting Museums in Louisville, KY
  • 3-Day Louisville Weekend Itinerary

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About the Author

Brittany Sawyer

Hi, I'm Brit! I'm a writer from Phoenix, AZ who loves coffee, golden retriever puppies, and obviously, travel! I help ordinary women (like me!) dream, plan, and do extraordinary travel experiences.

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Our Wander-Filled Life

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Tips for Planning Your Trip

Last Updated on May 24, 2023 by Grant

Kentucky is undoubtedly bourbon country. In fact, the spirit gets its name from Bourbon County, KY and the state produces 95% of the world’s bourbon. And there’s no better place to enjoy a few sips than along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We’re here to share our Bourbon Trail tips and help you figure out exactly how to do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

We’ve traveled through Kentucky many times but only over the past couple of years have we really spent any significant time there. Our first visit was in 2021 to check out Mammoth Cave National Park and the other national park sites in the state. We made a quick stop at a random distillery and hit up a restaurant with a nice bourbon menu but did not have time to really “do” the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Read my article on visiting Mammoth Cave National Park.

Just before Thanksgiving 2022, we joined our friends Billy & Shannon to officially check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We were just there for a weekend, so didn’t have time to visit everything but definitely learned a lot even in just a short visit. While we had a great time, there were a few things that we could have done differently to have an even better experience. 

So, let’s take a look at our Kentucky Bourbon Trail tips to help you plan the perfect trip!

(Disclaimer: When we link to places you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes which earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

What to Expect Along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

First, I want to clarify that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is not a trail for hiking! While that might be fun, it would be very inconvenient for buying bourbon to take home. Instead, the Bourbon Trail is a program that some Kentucky distilleries participate in. Essentially, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail drives visitation and supports tourism.

Each distillery along the Bourbon Trail provides its own experience. All of them offer a tour of the production process and/or a guided tasting, with many providing several different options. Additionally, you’ll generally find a gift shop for buying bottles of bourbon along with a variety of bourbon-related gear and gadgets.

Many distilleries offer a bar where you can get a 1- or 2-ounce pour or a bourbon flight. Some also offer bourbon cocktails or distillery-only items. A few offer a full bar, in the event you have someone with you who is not a bourbon fan. That said, not all bars are open to the general public and some are very small.

Finally, a few distilleries have an exhibit area where you can learn about the history and production of bourbon without an organized tour. 

If you are visiting specifically to complete the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you’ll want to get the Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide. You can get this at any distillery along the trail or you can purchase one ahead of time from the official online store . 

This guide provides information about each distillery and allows you to record your visit with a passport stamp. If you complete the entire trail, you can earn a surprise bourbon gift.

Tips for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Whether you are visiting Kentucky specifically for the Bourbon Trail or just happen to be stopping at a couple of distilleries while you’re in the state, there’s plenty of fun to be had when bourbon is involved! Our tips will help you plan a great trip that you’ll remember for years to come.

Tip #1: Start Planning Early 

We only planned our visit to Kentucky about one month in advance. And we really didn’t start doing research on the distilleries until about two weeks ahead of time. We quickly realized that we had waited too late for many of the tours and tastings. 

To be fair, you don’t necessarily need to do an organized tour or tasting at every single distillery. Still, if there’s somewhere specific that you know you want a reservation, you probably want to plan at least 1-2 months in advance. Some places indicated that you should plan at least 3 months in advance.

Even with limited options, we still had a great experience but we did a bit of scrambling at the last minute. And we missed out on a couple of distilleries and experiences we wish we had been able to do.

As I mentioned previously, many distilleries do have a “public” bar where you can just purchase whatever you want without any reservation. At others, though, there’s not much of anything you can do without a reservation. We had both great and not-so-great experiences without reservations.

At Heaven Hill, we were able to enjoy a large exhibit area, short film, fantastic bar and large gift shop all without any sort of reservation. That was fantastic! On the other hand, at Lux Row we were able to purchase a drink at a small bar in the gift shop but the experience was definitely underwhelming. Finally, at Angel’s Envy, we couldn’t do anything other than browse the gift shop without a reservation. 

Do your research before you arrive to make sure you know what’s available and what kind of experience to expect. 

Tip #2: Choose a Variety of Experiences

Let’s be honest, you really don’t need to do a “how we make bourbon” tour at every single distillery. The basic distillation process is the same regardless of where you are. And there are some very specific rules that a spirit must meet to legally be called bourbon. Thus, doing a tour of every single distillery would be quite repetitive.

Many distilleries offer other experiences, though. Skip the tour part and go straight to a guided tasting. Let’s be honest, that’s probably what you care most about anyway, right?

Or, choose a tour that includes a bourbon thieving, which is when you take the bourbon straight out of the barrel. Some distilleries will offer a mixology class or even the opportunity to fill your own bottle. All of these allow you to mix it up and try something different at each distillery.

And, if the distillery offers a public bar, you can skip the reservation altogether and just hit the bar and order whatever you want. You’ll often find a wide variety of bourbons, often including distillery-exclusive choices.

We particularly enjoyed the small bar at Willet that serves a wide variety of bourbons, cocktails and small plates. And, I was able to make a same-day reservation at the bar even though tours were sold out several weeks in advance.

Tip #3: Pace Yourself and Plan Your Time Thoughtfully

Currently, there are 18 “signature” distilleries and 24 “craft” distilleries that are members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. These 42 distilleries are spread all over the state. There simply isn’t enough time to visit even just the “main” 18 distilleries in one weekend. And, you really should include at least one “craft” distillery on your itinerary.

I would suggest that you plan to visit no more than three or maybe four distilleries in one day. For starters, you really don’t want to overdo it on the bourbon and end up drinking more than you should. Second, many of the distilleries are only open from about 11 am – 5 pm, so you really can’t fit in more than about four without really rushing through. Also, keep an eye out for Sundays. Many distilleries are closed on Sundays.

At this rate, you need about a week to fit in all of the “signature” distilleries.

Honestly, though, we’d suggest splitting your experience up into several different visits to Kentucky, if possible. While we love bourbon, visiting distilleries for 5-6 days in a row would likely lose its luster after the first few days. It just gets repetitive, even for the most dedicated bourbon lover. 

Tip #4: Limit Your Tasting/Tour Radius

Deciding where to stay is one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when planning your Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary. If you’re trying to complete the entire trail at one time, you’ll likely want to stay in several different cities over the course of a week (or however long you take to finish the trail). 

If you’re only going to focus on a few distilleries, we suggest focusing on one specific area. By keeping your tour radius small, you limit the amount of time you spend driving. 

For those wanting to visit a specific distillery, I suggest that you secure your tour/tasting reservation, then find somewhere to stay close by. From there, you can build your itinerary to include other nearby distilleries.

If you’re not picky about which distilleries you visit, simply choose a city to stay in and build your itinerary from there. While there are distilleries scattered all over the state, most of the major ones are located in or near Lexington, Louisville or Bardstown. 

We stayed in Shelbyville, which ended up being fairly centrally located. Still, there are only two distilleries in Shelbyville, so it meant driving 30 minutes to an hour to get to all the others. And, Shelbyville is relatively small with limited restaurants and other things to do. That was fine for one weekend but not ideal for much longer than 2-3 nights.

Tip #5: Don’t Limit Yourself to the Official Kentucky Bourbon Trail

A quick internet search found that there are about 75-100 bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. Of course, this number changes quite often with new distilleries popping up or old ones closing. Still, there are definitely a good number of distilleries that do not participate in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

In fact, one of our favorite distilleries, Buffalo Trace, is not a member of the Bourbon Trail. And they are a large, well-known and well-respected brand. Alas, we could not get a reservation for this trip.

So, if there is something off the trail that you want to visit, go for it! Just because they aren’t part of the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting. It simply means they don’t pay into the association that manages the tourist trail.

Tip #6: Budget Carefully

Everyone knows that good bourbon isn’t necessarily cheap and it certainly isn’t free! Unfortunately, in many places, neither are the tours or tastings. Even moderate prices add up quickly when visiting several distilleries.

We only paid for one tour (at the Stitzel-Weller distillery) which was $30 per person. In all of our other searching, that seemed to be the average rate for a basic tour, which typically includes a tasting of 3-4 different bourbons. Of course, some distilleries offer special tours that cost more and you’ll certainly pay more for any sort of special experience.

Even just a guided tasting will probably cost a minimum of $20-30 each, depending on which bourbons are included in the tasting. In fact, we only found one distillery that offered a free tasting, which was Jeptha Creed. Yes, we were a bit surprised by this. 

Planning to just hit up the bar on your own? That’s not free either! A single pour at the bar will typically cost $10-15 for a basic bourbon. And a tasting flight will probably run you $20-30. Of course, these prices can rise seemingly without end for special releases or other limited-quantity bourbons. 

Now, consider that you’re potentially visiting three to four distilleries a day. You also have to factor in food, lodging and gas. And, that doesn’t count any bottles or other merchandise that you want to purchase to take home with you. 

Yes, we felt like we bled money for two straight days! Still, it was a great experience… just be ready for the cost.

How We Did the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

As mentioned previously, we threw our trip together in just a couple of weeks. So, we definitely did not get to do everything that we would have liked to. Still, we stayed busy for two full days and had a great time. 

I don’t know that our itinerary is a perfect one to follow (or even that good) but I’ll outline it below to give you an idea of what you can do in two days and what is available at the distilleries and restaurants that we visited.

As a reminder, we stayed in Shelbyville. The AirBnB that we stayed at was ok but not necessarily nice enough for me to recommend it specifically. And while Shelbyville was fairly centrally located, we still had to do a bit of driving. Were we to do it over again, we would likely stay in Bardstown, which had a great downtown and plenty of excellent restaurants.

Day 1 – Bardstown

We spent our first day in Bardstown, which is considered the “bourbon capital of the world.” Indeed, the small town boasts 11 distilleries within a 16-mile radius. 

First Stop: Heaven Hill Distillery

Our first stop was the Heaven Hill Distillery, which is home to many different brands. A few of those are Heaven Hill, Larceny, Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. We quickly realized that many of the large distilleries distribute several different brands of bourbon.

Heaven Hill claims to be the largest independent, family-owned bourbon distillery in the world. Their visitor facility certainly makes that claim easy to believe.

This was by far our best experience without a reservation. We really enjoyed the wide range of exhibits that cover the history of the distillery and its founders, the Shapira brothers and much more. Along the way, you’ll learn about the distilling process, just what Bottled-in-Bond means and about Elijah Craig, the “father of bourbon.” Additionally, an 11-minute film shares more about the history of the distillery.

Both the gift shop and public bar, Five Brothers Bar, were the largest and nicest that we saw over our two-day trip. We headed up to the bar, where we purchased a single pour of a special release.

I’ll be honest, the “You Do Bourbon” tour, which allows you to sample, bottle and personalize it sounds like a great experience. Still, this is one distillery where you can easily have a great time even without a reservation.

Lunch: Scout & Scholar Brewing Co.

Our second stop was at Scout & Scholar right in the heart of Bardstown for lunch. This brewery offers a wide variety of interesting beers on tap, including several bourbon barrel-aged options. There is also a full bar, offering a variety of wine, spirits and cocktails. Additionally, there are several private select barrel picked bourbons. 

Finally, the food menu is a nice mix of traditional (fried chicken sandwich, beef burger) and unique (short rib poutine, smoked bologna sandwich).

This was a great find for our entire group!

Second Stop: Lux Row Distillers

From there, we stopped at Lux Row. Again, we did not have a reservation, so we just popped in to see what we could find.

This was a moderate experience for us. We were able to get a drink at the “cocktail bar” but that was really just a cart in their gift shop. And that gift shop was underwhelming compared to what we saw at Heaven Hill. 

The facility at Lux Row was really nice, though. I would definitely suggest doing a tour or tasting here, though. If we return, I’ve got my eye on the Premium Tasting, in which you sample four of their top brands and visit a rickhouse (the barrel storage facility) and thieve right out of an aging barrel. 

While you technically can enjoy a drink and a fairly nice patio on your own, the experience was underwhelming without a reservation.

Third Stop: Willett Distillery

The next stop was the Willett Distillery, which technically is on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. Even though Willett is considered “craft,” it is still a large facility, with several different brands under its umbrella. Some of their other brands include Old Bardstown and Rowan’s Creek, a personal favorite. Still, driving through the field of rickhouses to reach the main building made the property feel smaller and more intimate than the other distilleries. 

Here, we had a reservation for The Bar at Willett, where you can get a wide range of bourbon, a cocktail or a small plate. Having already enjoyed several straight bourbons and beer at lunch, we all opted for a cocktail along with the trout dip. Everything was absolutely fantastic!

I have to say, though, I was really tempted by their extensive menu of random barrel bourbons. Seriously, the menu included several pages of listings such as “Barrel No. 2871” along with the age, proof and price. By the way, that particular barrel was 27 years,132.4 proof and cost $300 for a 1-ounce pour. Yes, they had some that were less expensive and others that were more expensive!

Overall, we really enjoyed our experience at Willett but were very glad we had the reservation for the bar. I don’t think we would have gotten seated without that reservation. And, without that, I’m not sure there would have been much to do. 

Dinner: the Rickhouse Restaurant and Lounge

For dinner, we made one last stop in Bardstown at the Rickhouse Restaurant. Housed in a historic building, the Rickhouse offers a nice selection of steak, chicken, seafood and pasta. And, of course, there is a hefty bourbon selection.

Grant finally got to sample Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon. We’ve seen this on the shelves at liquor stores for a while and have been tempted by it many times. But, at about $70-80/bottle, we wanted to sample it before buying an entire bottle. So, will it be joining our liquor cabinet at home? Definitely! 

Oh yea, there was food involved too! We both got a steak… as per usual, I chose the sirloin and Grant opted for the New York Strip. Both were cooked to perfection and had fantastic flavor. Exactly what you want for a steak dinner.

The Rickhouse really was a great way to end our first day on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We enjoyed the setting of the restaurant, the food and the drinks!

Day 2 – Louisville and Shelbyville

We spent much of our second day in Louisville, which has a very high concentration of distilleries. If you’re looking to have several distilleries close together, Louisville is a great option. That said, we found that many of them were closed on Sunday, which was a bit surprising to us.

Brunch: Copper & Kings

We started our second day with brunch at Copper & Kings, which is actually a brandy distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. They do offer a couple of different tours, but we opted to check out the rooftop bar instead.

Wow, did we make a great decision!

First, the location overlooking the city was great. But even that was overshadowed by the food. Seriously, that was an absolutely fantastic meal!

I opted for the Breakfast Plate, which included two eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage and toast. Grant chose the Pimento Cheese Pancakes, which were topped with pork, kimchi and BBQ sauce. We also had an order of pimento cheese & housemate chips as an appetizer. Everything on the table was absolute perfection!

In terms of drinks, I went for a Brandy tasting flight, which included two “regular” brandies and two apple brandies. Grant chose their version of a Negroni, made with orange gin. Our friend Billy opted for the cocktail flight, which was a really nice surprise to find on the menu. That included three roughly half-sized cocktails (Negroni, Sidecar, Margarita), all made with either brandy or gin.

After our meal, we walked down to the gift shop and tasting area and did a little shopping. We came home with a bottle of their American Brandy.

This really was a nice little hidden gem that had some great outdoor spaces for a downtown location! We would definitely return here for a tour to learn more about their brand and brandy in general.

First Stop: Stitzel-Weller Distillery

Finally, it was time for our one and only tour at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Our tour guide took us on a short walk about the property, sharing the history of the distillery and a little bit about the distilling process. We walked through a small experimental distilling area with an attached lab, into a rickhouse and the cooper shop (where barrels are repaired).

Of course, the tour ended with a guided tasting of four different bourbons: two varieties of Bulleit (bourbon and rye), the I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve and the signature Blade & Bow. This really was a nice experience and we definitely enjoyed the tasting. 

This is also one distillery that you could easily visit without a tour or any sort of reservation. They have a small but nice exhibit area on the history of bourbon and information about the distillery. There is also a small bar on the first floor, along with a bigger bar upstairs. Both are open to the public without a reservation.

Finally, the gift shop offered a nice variety of bottled bourbon, bar accessories and other bourbon-related gifts.

Second Stop: Angel’s Envy

We had a couple of hours to kill between our tour at Stitzel-Weller and our next reservation, so we tried to visit a couple of other distilleries on a whim. The only one that ended up being open was Angel’s Envy. But, without a reservation, it was a complete bust.

They have a very large gift shop, so if you’re looking to do some shopping, you can certainly do that. But, they did not even have a makeshift bar to purchase a drink or sample the bourbon.

It looked like a nice enough facility, but make sure you have a reservation before you arrive.

Third Stop: Jeptha Creed Distillery 

Our final stop along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail was Jeptha Creed. This craft distillery is located right off the interstate in Shelbyville. If you’re looking for a “mom and pop” distillery, you’ll find it here! 

We were pleased to be able to book a free tasting, though it is important to note that you do need an advance reservation. During the tasting, our guide shared about the history of the distillery, the family who runs it and the “bloody butcher corn” (red corn) that they use in all of their bourbons. 

If you have anyone in your group who isn’t a bourbon fan (or has just had their fill of bourbon), there is a bar that serves beer, wine and cocktails. They also have pizza and a few other small bites.

Finally, the outdoor space is quite nice with a large patio overlooking the rest of the property and farm. 

As long as Jeptha Creed offers the free tasting, I would certainly recommend that. The whiskey was quite good and the brand is just coming into its own. Even if you can’t do a tasting, you could still have a great visit by just ordering from the bar and enjoying their outdoor patio.

Final Thoughts on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

There are many options for how to do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Have a week? Visit them all! Only have a day or two? Pick one small area and visit what you can. Or, choose your favorite distilleries and choose the experiences that best suit your interests. 

Of course, you can also add on a visit to many other attractions in Kentucky, like Mammoth Cave National Park or any of the other park sites .

Read Grant’s article on visiting the Kentucky national parks.

Whatever you do, we urge you to plan ahead! Supposedly, we were visiting during the low season. And many tours were booked up at least two weeks in advance. That’s just how popular the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has become! 

We’ve talked about doing a Bourbon Trail vacation for several years. I’m glad we finally took the plunge! The only problem is that now we’re ready to go back for more!

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you just can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

2 thoughts on “Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Tips for Planning Your Trip”

Thank you for the advice to arrange bourbon trips in advance. This might offer you enough time for researching distilleries, as you stated. My cousin has been considering attending one, so I’ll be sure to let her know about this and remind her to make plans at least three months in advance, as you mentioned. I’ll definitely look into any services that could assist us with the reservations.

Thanks Victoria!

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Kentucky Bourbon Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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After 25 years, there are more than 45 distilleries on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Here's an expert's guide to navigating eight standout stops.

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The reports of bourbon’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Recently it’s been reported that agave spirits sales are outpacing American whiskey, likely due in part to the glut of celebrity-backed brands like 818 and Teremana. But make no mistake, America’s native spirit (or “distinctive product of the U.S.” as Congress much more blandly labeled it in 1964) is still incredibly popular. Unicorn bottles from brands like Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, and Michter’s continue to command exorbitant prices on the secondary market, and overall the category remains a fan favorite.

Judging by legacy brands’ recent expansions and the ever-growing number of craft distilleries, the people still want their bourbon. Kentucky is, of course, the boozy beating heart of the industry. Although bourbon can be produced anywhere in America, about 95% is made in the Bluegrass State. So it makes sense that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail would be an excellent place to start for curious tourists and whiskey aficionados looking to expand their knowledge, explore a few centuries of liquid history, and drink a whole lot of bourbon.

According to Mandy Ryan, director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences, when the Bourbon Trail was founded in 1999 there were just seven inaugural members: Four Roses, Heaven Hill, James B. Beam Distilling Co. (aka Jim Beam), Maker’s Mark , Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace (this last distillery is no longer a member). There are now 46 distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, including 28 that are part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour representing smaller operations like Willett, Kentucky Peerless, and Copper & Kings. Last year, four new members were added to the Craft Tour — Augusta Distillery, Pensive Distilling Co., Fresh Bourbon, and RD1 Spirits — and Ryan says that even more are set to join this year.

A lot has changed over the 25 years since the Bourbon Trail’s creation, according to Ryan. “In 2016, we got a monumental piece of legislation passed that allowed for distilleries to have cocktail bars and restaurants on site,” she says. “Now…visitors can enjoy cocktail classes, barrel thieving experiences, world class dining, vintage spirits, and more.” All this has helped the bourbon industry to become a key component of Kentucky's economy. According to recent data, it contributes $9 billion to the state annually, employs more than 23,000 people, and is a vital source of income for local farmers with 21 million bushels of corn and grain purchased by distillers in 2023. There are now nearly three barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky per resident (the equivalent of 12.6 million casks), so clearly the industry is feeling bullish about the future.

The Bourbon Trail has become more popular as a travel destination every year, with 2.5 million people visiting in 2023 to tour distilleries and sip whiskey. Lexington is the “official gateway” to the Bourbon Trail due to its close proximity to many distilleries, but Louisville works as a good home base as well. Wherever you choose to embark from, there are some highlights that should not be missed.

Can't-miss Kentucky bourbon distilleries

Maker’s Mark stands out as one of the trail’s most beautiful distilleries, with a fantastic restaurant onsite called Star Hill Provisions and a tour that culminates with the option to hand dip your own bottle. Wild Turkey is another legacy distillery worth visiting, and you might just run into legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell at the gift shop signing bottles.

In Louisville, Angel’s Envy is a thoroughly modern operation that is walking distance from many hotels and has a beautiful bar that offers cocktail classes. Other Whiskey Row distilleries include Old Forester and the Evan Williams Experience, which features a working microdistillery. The Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery offers a comprehensive tasting of the entire lineup as well as one "mystery bottle." And if you're staying in Lexington, it's just a short drive to Castle & Key and Four Roses, which has a new visitor center and an in-depth tour of the distillery from fermentation to distillation.

There are many other distilleries to visit on the Bourbon Trail, each offering its own take on this distinctly American whiskey category. Whether you want to take a deep dive into production, from milling to maturation, or just tuck into a bourbon tasting flight, there’s a distillery experience perfect for you. Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail however you like and in whatever order you choose, but consider coming back for a repeat visit because this icon of whiskey tourism is growing every year.

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Wander With Wonder

Exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Written by teresa bitler, destinations | kentucky | north america | united states | wines and spirits.

What's in This Article:

Considering a visit to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? Here’s what to expect and a few tips for a great visit to the distillery.

Since I began drinking bourbon cocktails a decade ago, I’ve wanted to visit the distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail . I don’t consider myself a connoisseur by any means, but something about visiting the distilleries and learning about the nuisances of bourbon appealed to me. When I finally suggested we go, my bourbon-loving husband (Jerry) didn’t resist too much. We spent a week exploring northern Kentucky, including Lexington and Louisville. Although we didn’t stop at distilleries every day, we hit quite a few. Here’s what we found along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, plus some tips at the end for making the most of your trip.

Bourbon barrel in doorway at Buffalo Trace Distillery

A barrel at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Because we wanted a direct flight from Phoenix, we landed at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron. If we had taken a slightly earlier flight, we would have had time to visit at least one of the area’s distilleries: New Riff Distilling in Newport, Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow, or Boone County Distilling in Independence.

Instead, we had just enough time for dinner at Agave & Rye , which has a fairly extensive list of bourbons to kick off your trip. Then, we checked into the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter . A full day would not have been enough time to explore Covington , its connection to Prohibition, and the nearby distilleries . I plan to come back.

A sip of bourbon in a tiny glass at Glenn's Creek Distillery

A sample at Glenn’s Creek Distillery. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Plan to spend at least two full days in the Frankfort area. Our first stop: Glenn’s Creek Distillery , formerly the Old Crow Distillery. By far, Glenn’s Creek was Jerry’s favorite distillery because it’s small and you can’t find its bourbons outside the state. I preferred Castle & Key Distillery next door, though. It’s a little more corporate, but I enjoyed ordering a cocktail and sipping it near the river.

That afternoon, we boarded a boat for the Kentucky River Bourbon History Tour . Not only did we learn about Kentucky bourbon and local distilleries, we learned how Kentucky became a state, how “Frank’s Ford” became Frankfort, and about the role Daniel Boone played in the area. We also sampled Rebecca Ruth bourbon balls, made in Frankfort.

Although we visited the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop when we drove through Frankfort later in the week, we missed several other big names in the area: Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Wild Turkey Distillery in Versailles, and Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg.

Antique truck with bourbon barrels at Jeptha Creed Distillery

We made a stop at Jeptha Creed Distillery on the way to the airport. Photo by Teresa Bitler

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The Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown is home to Bardstown Bourbon Company , Barton 1792 Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery , Willet Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, and Preservation Distillery . Our first tasting was at Willett Distillery , and it was one of my favorite tastings of the trip. That’s because instead of specific pours, you got to choose what you wanted to sample for three of your four tastes.

After lunch, we had enough time to visit the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History . I expected to learn about the history of bourbon in the area, but the museum basically showcases Getz’s whiskey memorabilia. It’s interesting and free, but if you’re short on time, you could skip it without missing out on the Bourbon Trail experience.

Glass of Lux Row bourbon

Some distilleries, like Lux Row Distillery, have bars onsite. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Not far from downtown, Barton 1792 Distillery was also a disappointment. Visitors have to park on a substantial incline in front of the tasting room, and our tasting lasted only 15 to 20 minutes. It also wasn’t very informative. That’s why I was glad we drove to Lux Row Distillers next. Even without an appointment, Jerry could order a flight and I could sip an Old Fashioned on a patio facing a red barn.

More Kentucky Bourbon Trail

We spent the night in Bardstown at the Bourbon Manor Inn . If you have the chance, stay here. This is probably one of the best bed and breakfasts I’ve stayed at, thanks to the hospitality, spacious rooms, and great food. Best of all, you can purchase bourbon samples—including some hard-to-find labels—and cocktails in the evening at the inn’s bar. (Just to be clear, I paid for my room here, and I would pay again.)

Bardstown makes a great base for exploring nearby distilleries, and when I return, I plan to spend an extra night doing just that. Nearby, you can visit Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont, Log Still Distillery in New Haven, and Old Samuels Distillery in Cox Creek.

Lux Row Distillery building

Lux Row Distillery in Bardstown. Photo by Teresa Bitler

In Lexington , we focused more on horses than bourbon, but we did tour the James E. Pepper Distillery . Having opted for tastings over tours the entire trip, this tour gave us a good overview of the distillery’s history—it holds the state’s fifth bourbon distillery license—and the process of making bourbon. Jerry says this is a close second to Glenn’s Creek and bought a hat in addition to two bottles here.

Pepper isn’t the only distillery in Lexington, so we plan to come back. When we do, we’ll visit Barrel House Distillery , Town Branch Distillery , and Bluegrass Distillers . Lexington also has a number of excellent bourbon bars and even tours that combine bourbon and horse farms.

Tasting room at James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington

James E. Pepper Distillery in Lexington. Photo by Teresa Bitler

For more information on Lexington, check out my Wander article that is the Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Lexington .

If you want to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail without a lot of driving, stay in Louisville . The city has seven bourbon distilleries, a brandy distillery , and a craft spirits distillery . We visited Michter’s Fort Nelson , and even though we didn’t have an appointment, Jerry sampled a flight while I enjoyed a cocktail at The Bar at Fort Nelson upstairs.

During our visit to Michter’s, we learned the distillery offers a bottle-your-own-bourbon experience on a first-come, first-served basis. So, the following day, Jerry stood in line waiting for the opportunity. Turns out, everyone else was there for the first tour of the day, so he easily made the cut and got to bottle his own bourbon. Even Jerry admits all he did was fill out his bottle’s label and pull a level, but it was the highlight of the trip for him.

Jerry Bittler with his custom bottle

Jerry bottled his own bourbon at Michter’s Fort Nelson in Louisville. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Later that day, we had what I thought was the best tasting of the trip at the Evans Williams Bourbon Experience . The 45-minute Ideal Bartender Experience begins in the distillery’s speakeasy, where you meet Tom Bullock, the first Black American to write and publish a cocktail book. In addition to several tastings, the actor who portrays Tom makes a classic Old Fashioned and does a great job staying in character.

Between distilleries, we visited the Frazier History Museum , which serves as the Kentucky Bourbon Welcome Center, and one evening, we had drinks in the Old Seelbach Bar at The Seelbach Hilton . I highly recommend a visit to the Seelbach just because it’s such a beautiful, historic hotel.

Tom Bullock, storyteller

Tom Bullock shares his story as a Prohibition-era mixologist at the Evans Williams Experience in Louisville. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Tips for the Bourbon Trail

  • Book early. I began booking tours six weeks before our trip, and even then, many of the more popular distilleries, like Buffalo Trace, had no openings for the date of our visit.
  • Drop by anyway. Even if you can’t book a tour, you can usually visit the gift shop. Some distilleries sell flights in their gift shop or bar, so you can get a similar experience without the tour.
  • Limit the tours. If you’ve toured wineries or breweries, you know one looks pretty much like the next. Save the tours for one or two distilleries you’re really interested in, and opt for tastings at most distilleries instead.
  • Plan two distilleries per day. It’s possible to squeeze in a third distillery, but even if you’re not tasting bourbon, it takes time to drive from one to the next. Don’t overdo it.
  • Stay put. We zigzagged through northern Kentucky trying to hit all the area’s highlights. I’d recommend picking one area and focusing on that part of the trail rather than trying to hit it all.
  • Enjoy other attractions. The distilleries are great but don’t miss out on the area’s other great attractions, tours, and museums.
  • Check your bag. If you plan to bring bourbon home, you’ll need to check a bag. Most distilleries don’t ship your purchases, and you can’t mail alcohol to yourself (as we found out).

Wander With Wonder Articles Related to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

  • 7 Craft Distilleries to Visit This Year
  • Sip Like a Star: Must-Have Celebrity Spirits
  • Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Celebrate the Season
  • Wonderful Women Wine Makers of Maryland Wineries
  • Our Favorite Cocktail Recipes
  • Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Lexington
  • The Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Louisville, KY

Why I’ll Visit the Bourbon Trail Again

I could go on and on about the restaurants and bourbon bars in Louisville. The city even has its own Urban Bourbon Trail dedicated solely to them. And of course, we barely made a dent in Louisville’s distilleries. We’ll be back to visit Angel’s Envy , Rabbit Hole Distillery , Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. , Old Forester Distillery , and Stitzel-Weller Distillery .

For more information on Louisville, watch for my upcoming article on how to spend two days in Louisville.

Mint julep

A mint julep at the Old Seelbach Bar at The Seelbach Hilton in Louisville. Photo by Teresa Bitler

But I think the biggest lesson I learned on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is just how much there is to do in this part of the state. We didn’t have time to visit history museums or spend a day watching horse racing at Keeneland or even make the trek to Colonel Harland Sanders’ grave. Of course, we’ll be back for the bourbon, but we’ll be back for so much more.

Considering a visit to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? Here's what to expect and a few tips for a great visit to the distillery. Explore Northern Kentucky and the cities of Lexington and Louisville as you discover the bourbon trail.

Distilleries | Lexington | Whiskey

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Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail – A Great RV Tour

Looking for a fascinating and fun rv road trip camp and taste your way along bourbon trail.

  • 1 Looking for a fascinating and fun RV road trip? Camp and taste your way along Bourbon Trail!
  • 2 The History of the Bourbon Trail and the Beam family
  • 3 Your central campground on the Bourbon Trail: Bardstown, KY
  • 4 The Heaven Hill Distillery on the Bourbon Trail
  • 5 The Makers Mark Distillery on the Bourbon Trail
  • 6 Red Roses Distillery on the Bourbon Trail
  • 7 Bardstown Brewing Company on the Bourbon Trail
  • 8 Can't make the trip just yet? Check out a virtual tour
  • 9 Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon – for the true connoisseur
  • 10 Budget a week to fully experience the Bourbon Trail

In the heart of central Kentucky – not far from its famed bluegrass country – is an area known as the Bourbon Trail , a confluence of numerous distilleries that produce the bulk of the world’s Bourbon. 

The distilleries are roughly in a circle between Lexington on the east and Louisville on the west with the town of Bardstown, KY smack dab in the middle.

Formally designated by Congress as “America’s Official Native Spirit.”  The distilleries offer tours and tastings and offer a perfect RV getaway.

Here's a video we did when we did an RV trip to the Bourbon Trail a while back.

The History of the Bourbon Trail and the Beam family

Kentucky Bourbon has a rich history and proud tradition that dates back to the late 1700s.

For more than two centuries, no family has influenced bourbon-making more deeply than the Beam family, maker of the world’s best-selling bourbon.

The tour of the Jim Beam distillery near Clermont, KY offers an up-close look at how they make the world’s best-selling bourbon–from grain to barrel to bottle and beyond.

Kentucky's Bourbon Trail - A Great RV Tour 1

Here, you learn that bourbon is unique among whiskeys because, by law, it must be at least 51% corn. Why is it called Bourbon?

Well, one of Kentucky’s original counties was Bourbon County, which was established in 1785 when Kentucky was still part of Virginia.

Farmers shipped their whiskey in oak barrels — stamped from Bourbon County — down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans.

The long trip aged the whiskey, with the oak wood giving it the distinct mellow flavor and amber color. Pretty soon, whiskey from Bourbon County grew in popularity and became known as Bourbon whiskey.

photos of empty boubon bottles on the Bourbon Trail

Allow at least three hours for the Beam tour, which always ends in the tasting room, where visitors can sample some of the 12 different brands the company makes.

But remember, the Beam operation is just one of seven distilleries on the Bourbon Trail.

Your central campground on the Bourbon Trail: Bardstown, KY

Photo of Bardstown, KY on the Bourbon Trail

  A great place to use as your RVing base while touring the Bourbon Trail is Bardstown, KY , recently designated by USA Today as America's most beautiful small town.

It's a delightful town, steeped in history. Abraham Lincoln walked its streets. So did Daniel Boone. Upstairs at the Old Talbott Inn, built in 1779, are bullet holes reportedly fired by Jesse James.  Bardstown has museums and quaint shops.

What the Napa Valley is to California wine, Bardstown is to the Bourbon Trail.

bt2

Just outside of town, we used the My Old Kentucky Home State Park as our camping base,  named after the famous Steven Foster song celebrating the mansion the state park is home to.

photo of my old kentucky home state park on the bourbon trail

The Heaven Hill Distillery on the Bourbon Trail

Just down the road from the State Park is the Heaven Hill distillery .

It, too, offers great tours and lots of history. Oh yeah, they have tastings, too.

It was founded by the Heavenhill family. One word. Heavenhill.

But rumor has it that when a teetotaler's daughter saw a typo referring to the place as Heaven Hill  – two words – she let the mistake stay so as to distance the family name from the whiskey business.

The Makers Mark Distillery on the Bourbon Trail

About a half-hour drive from Bardstown is the Makers Mark distillery .

Situated on gorgeous grounds with Whiskey Creek running right through it and providing the pure water used in making of its bourbon, I was offered a tin cup sip straight out of a distilling tank before the product had aged.

My tongue burned.

Jennifer got no further than a sniff.

At Maker’s Mark, visitors have the opportunity to hand dip a bottle themselves… sealing it with the brand's distinctive melted red wax.

Each distillery is unique. Each distillery has a story.

Red Roses Distillery on the Bourbon Trail

Take Red Roses Bourbon , for example. Seems its founder was smitten by a beautiful young lady.

He asked her to marry him. She refused to answer immediately but said, if the next time he saw her she was wearing a corsage, the answer was yes.

The next time he saw her she was wearing a corsage of four red roses. Thus a bourbon brand was born.

Bardstown Brewing Company on the Bourbon Trail

The Bardstown Brewing Company bills itself as the most sophisticated and technically flexible distillery in the nation.

Touring this new distillery is very easy. Everything is in the open, all processes are done in open spaces behind clear glass.

This distillery makes private-label bourbons for a number of different brands, including J efferson’s, High West, Belle Meade, Hirsch,  Calumet, James E. Pepper, Cyrus Noble. as well as its own in-house brand , Bardstown Brewing Co.

Can't make the trip just yet? Check out a virtual tour

Over in Frankfort, the Buffalo Trace Distillery has put together an awesome app that features a virtual reality tour of its historic distillery.

Here's a preview of the app:

But if you can visit the actual distillery, it's well worth the trip. It sits on 400 acres of beautiful Kentucky countryside and is a National Historic Site.

Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon – for the true connoisseur 

alt photo of the pappy van winkle lanbel on the bourbon trail

They make many different brands here, including the infamous Pappy Van Winkle, a brand that is aged from 10 to 23 years and is considered a very rare, limited edition bourbon. It commands a very high price. 

The folks who own the brand and bottle it at Buffalo Trace – the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery – sell a 15-year-old aged bottle for $119. The 20-year-old reserve is $199.  The 23-year-old is $299.

The distillery all that demand has caused tome profiteering on the brand.

Says the distillery: “Unfortunately, some retailers choose to use this demand as a reason to increase their pricing. We know it’s often sold for far beyond our suggested retail prices, which you can find on the product pages of this site.”

Check online and you'll see some folks trying to get thousands of dollars for a bottle of Pappy's.

By the way, there really was a namesake for the brand. His was is Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle who was a traveling whiskey salesman who wanted to make a decent bourbon so he started distilling his own over 100 years ago,

The business has been passed on through the generations to family members.

Budget a week to fully experience the Bourbon Trail

Even if you don't drink alcohol or bourbon is not your thing, the bourbon trail is a fascinating look at history in some of the most beautiful country you can find.

If you decide to visit Kentucky's Bourbon Trail, allow at least a week to really take it all in.

There are lots of campgrounds servicing the area.

We can't stress how much fun we had on The Bourbon Trail and we think you, too, will find it one of the most enjoyable trips around.

All of the distilleries have plenty of parking for RVs.

Most tours have an age limit, so check before bringing kids. And pets, as expected, are not allowed.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

Published on 2024-01-03

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

14 Responses to “Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail – A Great RV Tour”

travel kentucky bourbon trail

January 10, 2024at3:29 pm , Charles Jaekel said:

If your plans include doing the Bourbon Trail, put “Whiskey Thief Distilling” in Frankfort, KY on your visit list. One, if you are lucky enough to snag a spot, they are a Harvest Host Member and two, you can sample and bottle your own bourbon right out of their 5 barrel selections. Was a wonderful experience.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

January 10, 2024at4:00 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Thanks for adding this to the conversation, Charles! Team RV Lifestyle

travel kentucky bourbon trail

January 04, 2024at9:15 pm , Linda Hollister said:

This is an amazing story. I did not know about this part of Kentucky.

January 05, 2024at10:31 am , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Thanks, Linda!

travel kentucky bourbon trail

January 04, 2024at7:11 am , Sam Peters said:

We did the tour about 10 years ago and stayed at My Old Kentucky Home park and traveled each day from there to complete the trail in three days. There are new distilleries on the trail since then so we are planning to visit it again this year and stay a few extra days. Great trip.

Thanks for sharing this, Sam! It is a fun RV trip – Team RV Lifestyle

travel kentucky bourbon trail

December 14, 2015at12:42 pm , David Stovall said:

You captured the essence of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We’ve made three trips so far usually in May to visit Bourbon distilleries and have covered them all on the official major tour. They have added craft (small) distilleries to the tour beyond the original eight. One is Willett just past Heaven Hill. The craft distilleries give you a more intimate tour. One major distiller not on the official list of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is Buffalo Trace (Blanton’s, Pappy Van Winkle) in Frankfort. That one is a must tour, IMO. Actually they have several different tours depending on your interests. Over the past few years the distillers have been upping their touring game with new visitor centers. As an architect, I especially liked the Wild Turkey visitor center. Also top notch is Woodford Reserve located in the center of some of the most beautiful Kentucky horse farm country. The stone walls you will see around Woodford are almost identical to the stone walls that line the roads in north Wales. My surname ancestor immigrated to Kentucky shortly after 1778. I have a fondness for the area.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

April 24, 2015at7:36 pm , Michael Keyes said:

I went to high school in Bardstown many years ago and still have fond memories. Our National Honor Society science trip was across the street at the (then) Barton Distillery – maker of Old Bardstown bourbon among others. We were too young to sample the wares, but my wife and I will be taking this trip one of these days, probably in conjunction with a high school reunion. We were told at that visit that there were “sixteen legal distilleries in Nelson County” at the time. For years Nelson County supplied whiskey to surrounding dry counties because it was the only majority Catholic county in a sea of Baptists. One of my classmates mother was a bootlegger until the late 1950s running whiskey in her modified Hudson and she earned enough money to start her own business (not whiskey related) as a result. Bardstown has a wonderful proto-cathedral that is a reminder of an interesting pre-revolutionary war migration of Catholics from Maryland (led by the Talbott who is named in the inn) to establish a place to live in the west. You need to see it as part of the tour. It has art that was donated by a king of France and is the oldest cathedral west of the Appalachians.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

May 07, 2014at5:16 pm , Linda Spears said:

Well the family that should be on the list is Jake Spears, who INVENTED Bourbon…in Bourbon County Kentucky. He had a drive up window installed in his home where you could ride up on your horse and buy some. His stone house is still standing…though it has been sold outside the Spears’ family. The former Jake Spears home and Barn is being restored. And now you know the rest of the story.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

May 17, 2013at5:16 pm , pam and morris said:

enjoyed the site.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

May 12, 2013at8:04 pm , Louise and Bud said:

You guys and your reports here are the highlights of our day. We check your blog in the morning and at night and read every word. This was a great report. Felt like we were riding with you two. We have your newsletter sent each week and we are also members of your forum. Thank you for all you do in encouraging motorhome travel through this great land of ours. Keep it up!!!

travel kentucky bourbon trail

May 09, 2013at1:59 pm , Karsten Askeland said:

Great video. I was down that way a few years ago but never stopped. I will have to put it on my “bucket list” of places to visit.

One day you might want to consider a visit to Niagara’s Wine Country. Centred in the Niagara Region it is home to over 50 family and estate wineries. And of course no visit would be complete without visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake which has been maintained in its’ nineteen century charm with some of the best restaurants, and boutique shopping available. Many of the wineries are in NOTL.

And then of course there is always Niagara Falls … just a short drive along this picturesque Niagara River.

Enjoy your travels … hope to meet you some day in passing.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

May 09, 2013at8:41 am , Joanne Opel said:

That was a great video. I want to go. Hope you didn’t try to get the RT through that covered bridge. Thanks for leaving out the background music and the silly graphics. Well done.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

May 09, 2013at8:37 am , Jim Diepenbruck said:

Great story Jennifer and Mike.

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Experience the beauty of the Bluegrass State as you explore verdant landscapes, world-class horse farms, and the vibrant heart of Lexington.

The rolling hills of Kentucky bluegrass draw your eyes to the horizon, meandering stone fences and old-time music take your mind back in time and endless miles of shaded country roads draw your heart around the next bend. Ride past world-class horse farms, taste fine bourbon straight from the source, and trace the paths of the Kentucky and Salt Rivers through lush green landscapes as you discover the many faces of this beautiful region. You will flow from your own room in a castle near Versailles to starlit lights at a well-preserved historic Shaker village and on to lively downtown Lexington. Soak in the history, the stories, and the craftsmanship around every corner that make the Bluegrass State such a special place to visit.

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Cycle through the horse capital of the world, past the Kentucky Horse Park and countless farms

Indulge in premier spirits during private tours and tastings at the boutique Limestone Branch and Castle & Key Distilleries

Lose yourself in a bygone era as you learn about the history of the Pleasant Hill Shakers on a guided hayride tour

Taste the fresh goodness of on-site gardens with farm to table meals at Castle Farms and The Trustees' Table

Learn about equine culture and get up close to the award-winning horses of MeadowCreek Farm on a private tour

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MeadowCreek Farm

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Get a glimpse behind the scenes at the beautiful MeadowCreek Farm.

What Guests are Saying

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Kentucky is an amazing place to ride. The road surfaces were some of the best we have experienced. The beauty of the surrounding farms was a joy to see each day. We also loved the visit to Jimmie’s horse farm and the different distilleries. This was one of our favorite trips due to the itinerary and beautiful countryside.

Joan, Trek Travel Guest

A group of cyclists pose in front of a wall mural

My wife and I just finished a week of riding through Bourbon Country. If you like scenic country roads with smooth pavement, short but challenging hills, and patient drivers, this is the trip for you! It was a fantastic trip and I don't even like bourbon.

Bob, Vero Beach, FL

Couple standing with their bikes in a forested area

We would repeat this trip next week! Beautiful surroundings, fun sights, nice hotels, terrific guides, and great riding.

Teresa, Lexington, KY

Group at a gourmet picnic

There was very little traffic and the routes were outstanding. There was no shortage of food and drink before, during and after the rides. The guides were exceptional. There was a good balance of riding and non-riding activities. It was the best biking week of my life!

Steve, Green Bay, WI

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Wilmore to Versailles

Ride alongside the Kentucky River and several of its tributary drainages as you cross unique bridges and pass through forests and small farms.

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travel kentucky bourbon trail

Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

travel kentucky bourbon trail

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We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into the Blue Grass Airport (LEX).

From the Blue Grass Airport you can call or hail a taxi to take you downtown. It is approximately seven miles from the airport to the meeting day hotel in downtown Lexington and a taxi ride should take about 15-20 minutes and cost $30-$35.

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington at 10:30 AM on the first day of the trip. You’ll then shuttle five minutes to Smithtown Seafood inside West Sixth Brewery. Please have your first day's cycling clothes easily accessible, separate from your luggage, or you may choose to wear your cycling clothes (your luggage will be transported directly from 21c Museum Hotel to the Kentucky Castle, the first night's hotel, so you will not have your luggage with you during the day). You'll enjoy a fresh, delicious lunch and your guides will ensure you are fit comfortably on your bike for the week. After a brief orientation and safety talk, you'll then saddle up to begin the day's ride.

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, the Kentucky Castle (859-256-0322), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.

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You will say farewell to your guides at 11:15 AM at the Blue Grass Airport. Please do not schedule your flight any earlier than 1:00 PM.

Day 1 Ride the Legacy Trail and stay at the Kentucky Castle

Ride the Legacy Trail and stay at the Kentucky Castle

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington at 10:30 AM on the first day of the trip. After a five-minute private shuttle, you’ll arrive at Smithtown Seafood inside West Sixth Brewery (vegetarian and vegan options are readily available). Here you will be treated to your first of many meals filled with local ingredients and inspired by the local food culture. After this hearty lunch and a short round of introductions, your guides will di... Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington at 10:30 AM on the first day of the trip. After a five-minute private shuttle, you’ll arrive at Smithtown Seafood inside West Sixth Brewery (vegetarian and vegan options are readily available). Here you will be treated to your first of many meals filled with local ingredients and inspired by the local food culture. After this hearty lunch and a short round of introductions, your guides will discuss the rules of bike safety and specific cycling tips for riding in central Kentucky before familiarizing you with your Trek bicycle and ensuring a comfortable fit. Then it's time to take your first pedal strokes through horse country! You'll begin on the Legacy Trail Bike Path and wind your way past the Kentucky Horse Park and into rolling fields of beautiful farms. Your ride ends at Evans Orchard Cider Mill before a 30-minute shuttle to the Kentucky Castle. Settle into your room in this unique property, then stroll through the organic garden and visit the resident pygmy goats. This evening you'll gather for a welcome social hour on the castle grounds. Then, toast to the exciting week to come over a flavorful farm to table meal. Read More

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Social Hour at the Castle

Gather for drinks and hors d'oeuvres of local ingredients, inspired by the local food culture. This lively time is a great chance to learn a... Gather for drinks and hors d'oeuvres of local ingredients, inspired by the local food culture. This lively time is a great chance to learn about the week to come from your guides and get to know your fellow travelers. Read More

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TODAY'S RIDE:

Ride Legacy Trail to Evans Orchard - Approximately 27 mi | 43 km and 1,310 ft | 402 m

Day 2 Tour MeadowCreek Farm and Limestone Branch Distillery

Tour MeadowCreek Farm and Limestone Branch Distillery

After breakfast this morning, you'll shuttle one hour to MeadowCreek Farm, just outside the town of Lebanon. Here you'll meet the owners of the farm and learn about the world-class Standardbred horses bred and trained here on a behind the scenes tour. Afterwards, you'll shuttle another 10 minutes to Limestone Branch Distillery, where you can change into your cycling gear. Ride a loop through the hills around Lebanon on quiet country roads before enjoying a tasty pic... After breakfast this morning, you'll shuttle one hour to MeadowCreek Farm, just outside the town of Lebanon. Here you'll meet the owners of the farm and learn about the world-class Standardbred horses bred and trained here on a behind the scenes tour. Afterwards, you'll shuttle another 10 minutes to Limestone Branch Distillery, where you can change into your cycling gear. Ride a loop through the hills around Lebanon on quiet country roads before enjoying a tasty picnic lunch. Following lunch, you will be treated to a guided tour of the distillery and a bourbon tasting before shuttling about an hour to your home for the next two nights, the 3,000-acre grounds of the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Check into your simple room in the West Family Dwelling and soak in the history of this unique and peaceful place. This evening enjoy your first dinner in the The Trustees' Table or get your food to-go and enjoy it on the grassy lawn of the village. While this evening's meal is included with the price of your trip, it is not a group meal, to allow time to dine with your travel partner or newfound friends of your choosing. Read More

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Meet the horses of MeadowCreek Farm

Meet the horses of MeadowCreek Farm

On today's tour of the farm, you will meet the owners of MeadowCreek and learn about the world-class Standardbred horses bred and trained he... On today's tour of the farm, you will meet the owners of MeadowCreek and learn about the world-class Standardbred horses bred and trained here. The farm is home to several impeccably pedigreed horses with impressive wins on their resumes and you will have the chance for some up-close views of these amazing animals! Read More

Limestone Branch Loop - Approximately 26 mi | 41 km and 1,620 ft | 493 m

TODAY’S ACTIVITY:

Private Tour of MeadowCreek Farm

Tour and Bourbon Tasting at Limestone Branch Distillery

Day 3 Explore Shaker Village and take a guided hayride tour

Explore Shaker Village and take a guided hayride tour

Today is your opportunity to explore the many offerings of the Shaker Village area. This morning's ride will take you northwest, on roads through open farmland in the Salt River watershed. Upon your return to the village, a gourmet boxed lunch will be waiting for you, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you like. Choose to ride a bit more, to the small town of Burgin, or set out on a hike through the village's property, which features over 30 miles of... Today is your opportunity to explore the many offerings of the Shaker Village area. This morning's ride will take you northwest, on roads through open farmland in the Salt River watershed. Upon your return to the village, a gourmet boxed lunch will be waiting for you, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you like. Choose to ride a bit more, to the small town of Burgin, or set out on a hike through the village's property, which features over 30 miles of trail through native prairies, woodlands, fields, and canebrakes. Or you may opt to take one of the many tours offered daily to learn about the Shakers who lived here around the turn of the nineteenth century: their music, architecture, kitchen practices, farming techniques, and skilled craftsmanship. Check out the extensive garden, visit some of the animals on the farm or simply relax in a rocking chair and take in a view that hasn't changed much since the Shakers' day. In the late afternoon, you will join your travel companions for a drink and narrated hayride, which will introduce you to the rich history of the village. Following the hayride, you will enjoy a lovely group dinner in The Trustees' Table. Read More

Breakfast | Lunch | Drink with Hayride | Dinner

Featured Meal | Seed to Table Dinner

Featured Meal | Seed to Table Dinner

Join your travel companions and guides for a memorable dinner at The Trustees' Table at Shaker Village. This "seed to table" meal will featu... Join your travel companions and guides for a memorable dinner at The Trustees' Table at Shaker Village. This "seed to table" meal will feature ingredients fresh from the garden, which is located just steps from the restaurant, as well as meats and dairy from local farmers. Enjoy fresh relishes and pickled vegetables alongside traditional dishes on a menu inspired by the season. Read More

Salt River Loop - Approximately 33 mi | 53 km and 2,260 ft | 688 m

Ride Option 2

AVID OPTION:

Salt River Loop with Burgin Loop - Approximately 49 mi | 78 km and 3,300 ft | 1,005 m

Hayride Tour of Shaker Village

Day 4 Ride to Versailles and explore downtown Lexington

Ride to Versailles and explore downtown Lexington

After a final breakfast at The Trustees' Table, a short fifteen minute shuttle brings you to the town of Wilmore, where you will begin the day's riding. Ride alongside the Kentucky River and through several of its tributary drainages on this morning's ride as you cross unique bridges and pass through forests and small farms. When you arrive in downtown Versailles you'll be on your own for lunch, with a number of fresh and delicious options to choose from. Back on yo... After a final breakfast at The Trustees' Table, a short fifteen minute shuttle brings you to the town of Wilmore, where you will begin the day's riding. Ride alongside the Kentucky River and through several of its tributary drainages on this morning's ride as you cross unique bridges and pass through forests and small farms. When you arrive in downtown Versailles you'll be on your own for lunch, with a number of fresh and delicious options to choose from. Back on your bike, it's more gorgeous miles past thoroughbred farms on your way to your final home on the trip, 21c Museum Hotel Lexington. Take some time to walk around downtown and explore the hotel's impressive contemporary art galleries before venturing into downtown Lexington for dinner on your own. Read More

Ride to Versailles

Ride to Versailles

This morning's ride is one of the prettiest of the trip, as you make your way from the small town of Wilmore to Versailles for a lunch of yo... This morning's ride is one of the prettiest of the trip, as you make your way from the small town of Wilmore to Versailles for a lunch of your choosing. Read More

Wilmore to Versailles with Shuttle - Approximately 34 mi | 55 km and 2,910 ft | 887 m

Wilmore to Versailles to Lexington - Approximately 59 mi | 95 km and 4,230 ft | 1,289 m

TODAY'S ACTIVITY:

Explore Downtown Lexington

Day 5 Enjoy lunch overlooking Glen's Creek and tour Castle & Key Distillery

Enjoy lunch overlooking Glen's Creek and tour Castle & Key Distillery

After breakfast from Lockbox, it's time to head out on your last full day in Bourbon Country. We promise you won't be tired of riding past winding hand-laid stone fences and manicured pastures filled with horses, through tiny towns, and down shaded lanes. After a brief ten minute shuttle to Masterson Station Park, you'll hop on your bike and make your way to The Stave for lunch. Here, a menu of modern twists on favorite Kentucky dishes awaits while you relax on the ... After breakfast from Lockbox, it's time to head out on your last full day in Bourbon Country. We promise you won't be tired of riding past winding hand-laid stone fences and manicured pastures filled with horses, through tiny towns, and down shaded lanes. After a brief ten minute shuttle to Masterson Station Park, you'll hop on your bike and make your way to The Stave for lunch. Here, a menu of modern twists on favorite Kentucky dishes awaits while you relax on the patio that overlooks Glenn's Creek. Next up, head to Castle & Key, a small, beautiful, boutique distillery. Enjoy a tasting of their craft, then shuttle or ride to Wallace Station before shuttling a half hour back to the hotel. Tonight you'll join your travel companions in the bar at Lockbox for a fun social hour, followed by dinner as you toast your week in horse and bourbon country. Read More

Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

Guided Tour of Castle & Key Distillery

Guided Tour of Castle & Key Distillery

Castle & Key was built in 1887 by legendary distiller Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. and features a castle, a classical springhouse, and ... Castle & Key was built in 1887 by legendary distiller Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. and features a castle, a classical springhouse, and sunken gardens. The property underwent a major renovation after 40 years of neglect and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Take a guided walk through the property to learn about the owners' from-scratch process of distilling spirits and the history of this unique place before enjoying a tasting. Read More

Millville Loop - Approximately 47 mi | 76 km and 2,800 ft | 853 m

SHORT OPTION:

Masterson Station Park to Millville with Shuttle - Approximately 25 mi | 40 km and 1,390 ft | 424 m

Tour and Tasting at Castle & Key Distillery

Day 6 Take a historic walking tour of downtown Lexington

Take a historic walking tour of downtown Lexington

On the final morning of your trip you'll lace up your walking shoes for a fun, interesting, and highly informative walk around downtown Lexington with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Learn about the history, artists, and unique characters of this fascinating city as you walk the streets, visit notable landmarks, and visit a locally-owned art gallery. It's a relaxing way to wrap up your time in the Bluegrass State. Upon your return to the hotel, you'll have time to... On the final morning of your trip you'll lace up your walking shoes for a fun, interesting, and highly informative walk around downtown Lexington with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Learn about the history, artists, and unique characters of this fascinating city as you walk the streets, visit notable landmarks, and visit a locally-owned art gallery. It's a relaxing way to wrap up your time in the Bluegrass State. Upon your return to the hotel, you'll have time to freshen up before check-out. A private Trek Travel shuttle will depart from the hotel at 11:00 AM. You’ll then say farewell to your guides at 11:15 AM at the Blue Grass Airport. Please do not schedule a flight out before 1:00 PM on the last day of the trip to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays. Read More

Walking Tour of Downtown Lexington

Print full itinerary

View full itinerary to print.

Rider Information

Rider Level: 2, 3

Terrain: Undulating

The terrain is varied throughout the week but generally features smooth, mostly quiet roads through rolling to hilly countryside. The riding on some days of the trip is undulating, while other days feature more hills and climbing. Some of the climbs are short but quite steep. The routes have been designed to avoid busy roadways as much as possible, however, short sections of busy roads are unavoidable. Your guides will make you aware of such sections so you may shuttle if you so choose. Please be aware that the backroads in this region are quite narrow (many do not feature a centerline) and there are almost no shoulders. Kentucky is best suited for our Type 2/3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. For those eager to experience every mile but mindful of their physical limits, our electric bike option offers a comfortable and enjoyable solution. Type 3 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage and climbing the avid route options offer.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

Daily Average

33 miles | 55 kilometers

167 miles | 269 kilometers

travel kentucky bourbon trail

1,880 feet | 573 meters

9,400 feet | 2,865 meters

On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. Some non-riding options on this trip are:

  • Private tour of MeadowCreek Horse Farm
  • Private tour and bourbon tasting at Limestone Branch Distillery
  • Hayride Tour at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
  • Participate in some of the many tours available daily at Shaker Village
  • Hike on the 36 miles of trails on the Preserve at Shaker Village
  • Private tour and tasting at Castle & Key Distillery
  • Enjoy a spa treatment at The Kentucky Castle Spa (not included in trip price)

non rider

We've got you covered on and off the bike! Our team of guides will always have one in the support vehicle and one on the bike, ready to fill up your water bottles, fix a flat tire, or give you a lift up the hill. They'll also give you the inside scoop on the best local spots. And when you're not riding, your guides are happy to help with anything you need - from massage appointments to finding that special local treat you've been craving.

  • Fully guided and supported with two guides and one van minimum
  • Up to three daily route options on a pre-loaded Garmin GPS
  • Additional guides and vehicles added dependent upon guest count and trip logistics

A group of people getting fit for bikes in Glacier National Park

Is that a castle in the middle of horse country? You bet it is. The main entrance to this enchanting hotel opens to a lobby with a grand staircase where you will be welcomed and shown to your room in the castle. A farm to table restaurant called Castle Farms, pool and spa, organic garden, koi pond, and fire pit complete this experience fit for a king and queen. There’s literally no other property in Kentucky like it.

White fence and white stonewashed building at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Join us as we step back in time to a simpler era at Shaker Village. Sitting on 3,000 acres of untouched farmland, prairie, and forest, this property is exceptional at delivering the simpler, finer things. Stroll the gardens and enjoy miles of trails before dinner at the property’s farm-to-table restaurant, and then relax in your simple but spacious room, located in the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings. Trek Travel guests will also enjoy a private hayride tour and some relaxed, unstructured free time to unwind from the rigors of everyday life. Please note that the accommodations at Shaker Village are quite basic and can feel rustic, as they reflect the simple lifestyle of the original Shakers.

Interior view of hotel room with bed and pink couch

At first, you may think this unique hotel conspires to confuse you. Is it an art gallery? Is it a boutique property? The answer is “yes.” The name is a testament to its commitment to the art of today, showcasing living, working 21st century artists. The entranceway, lobby, restaurant, upstairs gallery spaces, and even elevator landings feature this art, and much of the building is a work of art itself. 21c’s design seamlessly blends the architecture of its history with modern touches, while an extremely walkable location will assure that you’re in the center of the action during your stay.

Bikes & Gear

New in 2023 Domane SL 7

Trek Domane SL 7

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the latest Trek Domane is the best way to enjoy the ride. It raises the bar to deliver incredible endurance road bike comfort without sacrificing performance and features highly responsive disc brakes and electronic shifting. This new bike is lighter than ever before, and carbon wheels come standard on every bike. The road-smoothing IsoSpeed technology lets you ride as long as you want with less fatigue. The bike you ride on a biking vacation matters. That is why we provide the newest and best bikes in the business.

Verve+ electric assist lowstep bike

Trek Electric-Assist Verve+

Fun from the first pedal stroke, our e-bikes give you the boost you want to venture further on your bike tour. With its low-step frame design, hopping on and off the Trek Verve+ is super easy. The front suspension will take the edge off any bumps in the road and the Bosch system will keep you smiling from ear to ear. The integrated battery keeps this bike looking sleek as you pedal through amazing terrain, with energy to spare.

Two cyclist and one rider

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Additional Gear

  • Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Bontrager saddle
  • Bontrager helmet
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer
  • Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals, Shimano SPD mountain style pedals, caged, or flat pedals
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.

A collage of cycling gear guests will use on a Trek Travel Classic Bike Tour.

Trip Inclusions

  • Five nights of accommodation at handpicked hotels
  • Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
  • Daily route support with both guides and our support van
  • Daily breakfast, four lunches, and four dinners
  • Two social hours of drinks and hors d'oeuvres and a drink provided before the hayride at Shaker Village
  • Daily route options
  • Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
  • Entrance fees for all activities, private tours, and events
  • All gratuities for drivers, local experts, and hospitality staff
  • All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
  • A digital photo album of your trip

A group boat ride in Costa Brava, Spain.

  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
  • Lodging before and after the trip
  • Personal items purchased during the trip
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
  • On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

Guide Gratuities

Guide gratuities are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this trip, we suggest a tip for your guides between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience. While local currency is preferred, there are other options to make tipping easier. Most guides accept gratuity via PayPal or Venmo or our staff can help before or after the trip. Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • The second hotel on this trip, where you will stay for two nights, is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – a landmark destination. This property features guest rooms in restored Shaker buildings. These rooms are simple, with Shaker reproduction furniture, original hardwood floors and limited amenities compared to the other properties featured on our Bourbon Country Bike Tour.
  • The roads in central Kentucky, while generally quiet and in good condition, are often narrow and lacking a proper shoulder. On some occasions our routes utilize busier roads for short sections in order to connect the quiet roads. Of course, the Trek Travel van is always available for shuttling for those who wish to skip the busier sections.

Before and After Your Trip

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington has a vibrancy that's simultaneously unique and age-old. Considered the "Horse Capital of the World" and home to some of the country's most famous bluegrass music, Kentucky's second largest city has a new vibrance since its most recent revitalization in recent years. Enjoy its craft beer, art and music, and incredible food culture while you take a stroll through the University of Kentucky. Don't miss a stop at National Provisions, an enticing food hall, and grab a mint julep at Bluegrass Brasserie. Or simply walk down National Avenue and enjoy its cute shops, coffeehouses, and pure Kentucky soul. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre- and post-trip hotel.

travel kentucky bourbon trail

Where to Stay

At first, you may think this unique hotel conspires to confuse you. Is it an art gallery? Is it a boutique property? The answer is "yes." The name is a testament to its commitment to the art of today, showcasing living, working 21st century artists. The entranceway, lobby, restaurant, upstairs gallery spaces, and even elevator landings feature this art and much of the building is a work of art itself. 21c's design seamlessly blends the architecture of its history with modern touches, while an extremely walkable location will assure that you're in the center of the action during your stay. Please note: This is the meeting location on the first day of the trip. www.21cmuseumhotels.com

Hilton Lexington-Downtown

The Hilton combines everything you love about a luxury hotel with a perfect location, convenient to the University of Kentucky and Rupp Arena. The highest floors of this property offer incredible views of the city, while a gym-quality fitness center, outdoor pool, and sight-seeing tours offer great opportunities to relax and unwind. www.hilton.com

Hyatt Regency Lexington

The Hyatt Regency is centrally located to all the best of Lexington. Guests can enjoy all the favorite creature comforts including a fitness room, restaurant, and spa. Or, take a walk to the center of town, only steps from the lobby of this classic Lexington mainstay. www.hyatt.com

Average monthly temperature and precipitation

Packing and Weather

During the month of May, expect daytime temperatures in the mid-70s and nighttime lows in the mid-50s. In early June, the average high is in the low 80s and the average low is around 60 degrees. Please check the forecast in the days prior to your departure, always be prepared to dress in layers, and bring your rain gear, as rain is always a possibility in this region. Remember to bring along comfortable closed-toe shoes for the MeadowCreek Farm tour, long pants for the Day 2 hayride and a swimsuit if you wish to enjoy the pool at the Kentucky Castle. View our Packing List

Ready to book?

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking. *Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

What happens once I book?

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

Guaranteed to run

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you’ll find our timeline.

Have a question? Just give us a call, 866-464-8735. Read our Cancellation Policy

Travel Protection

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

Travel Services

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Signature trip, we recommend between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow . But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

General FAQs

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See FAQs

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Guaranteed trips.

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip.  Click here to view our full guarantee policy .

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more .

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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Kentucky Bourbon Trail Proves Worthy of a Flying Adventure

Toward the end of the trip, it was a fun challenge to thread the decision-making needle..

travel kentucky bourbon trail

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail kicked off with a tour of the Angel’s Envy Distillery, an easy walk from a boutique hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. [Adobe Stock]

Although the captain had uttered more than a handful of expletives to express his dissatisfaction, the translation of his communication to me and the flight engineer was, “You gotta be kidding!” His remark was a reaction to the fact we had just been advised over the company frequency that cargo loaded on board our brown-and-white Boeing 727-100 in Louisville, Kentucky (KSDF), had been destined for Jackson, Mississippi (KJAN). Unfortunately, our airplane had been flight planned for Jacksonville, Florida (KJAX). Yours truly had unknowingly crunched the provided weight-and-balance numbers for the wrong cargo using the infamous “whiz wheel.”

Having never departed the UPS ramp, we shut down the three engines that had just been started. We waited for the just-out-of-college loading supervisor with the clipboard and stopwatch to climb up the portable airstairs/scaffolding.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

travel kentucky bourbon trail

The captain was incredulous that the young man had to be convinced of the fact our flight couldn’t just get off the highway at another exit without replanning and recalculating. (Jackson, Jacksonville…same thing, apparently.) My employer at the time was Evergreen International Airlines, one of the contract carriers flying UPS freight when the shipping company was in its aviation infancy.

So when my wife expressed an interest in flying our airplane to Louisville for a Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour, the above described 40-year-old memory evoked a snicker and a smile. I had survived that employment and gained invaluable experience that assisted in launching an enviable career with my dream airline. My only exposure to Louisville had been a nearby Holiday Inn and a pilot operations trailer on the UPS ramp in the darkness of night.

Our excursion more recently began with a visit to Greenwood, South Carolina (KGRD). The group of pilots and their wives who had conquered Iceland the year prior converged on Mike and Christa’s new lake house for a few days of water fun. We departed from separate Florida airports in separate airplanes with the goal of arriving at the same time. And thus began the process of threading the decision needle.

With Florida’s typical August spawning convective weather by early afternoon, it didn’t take much convincing that a morning departure was mandatory. Although my friend, Scott Roze, a retired colleague, wanted to coordinate departures in his Piper Dakota so that my wife and I arrived at KGRD via our Piper Arrow at the same time, it wasn’t one of my concerns.

Fortunately, Scott gathered his group for an earlier-than-planned wheels-up time that allowed them to avoid a band of convective weather rolling through the Jacksonville area. Despite his thousands of hours in all types of airplanes, Scott considers the Dakota and himself a VFR-only operation. Since retiring from the airline, he hasn’t maintained instrument proficiency to his satisfaction. Although I chide him about being a “Boy Scout” for following rules, I respect and admire him.

After our lake visit, my wife and I departed Greenwood for Louisville’s Bowman Field (KLOU). The 2-hour, 15-minute flight seemed simple enough for planning a direct routing, but a closer look revealed the Great Smoky Mountains as a terrain threat. Although the maximum sector elevation was 7,000 feet, it would be bad marital policy to subject my wife to potential orographic turbulence. To avoid such pain, I filed for a jog in the route farther to the south, nearer the lower elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In my former life, the mountains in South America, Latin America, and the U.S. required us to be situationally aware and vigilant of the terrain threat. In addition to our training, the airline designated certain areas of the world with specific alternate routing over mountainous terrain for an emergency or depressurization event.

Specific terrain-affected airports were also designated, requiring us to review idiosyncrasies in procedures, arrivals, and departures prior to our trip. In addition, some airports required a check airman to be on a captain’s initial flight. A 90-day currency was also a requirement. Tegucigalpa (MHTG) in Honduras is a good example.

Fortunately, our trek across the Smokies was accomplished with nary a bump. Aside from a handful of vectors through some cumulus attempting to go nimbus, our late morning arrival into Bowman Field was seamless. As fate would have it, the Uber driver was a flight instructor and airplane owner who had been encouraging his son to fulfill his airline pilot aspirations.

We kicked off the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with a tour of the Angel’s Envy Distillery, an easy walk from our boutique hotel. The tour became a valuable template for the remainder of the trip, imparting to us the necessary skill to properly taste bourbon.

It would have been un-American to not visit the racetrack at Churchill Downs, or not to tour the city, so we accomplished both the following day. After the Louisville visit and a couple more distillery tours, the next day’s plan was to return our rental car and fly 15 minutes to Bardstown, Kentucky (KBRY), where numerous distilleries and much cheaper 100LL was located.

Mother Nature decided to play her own cards with a line of convective weather. Although beating the thunderstorms was not out of the question, it seemed the right time for discretion to be the better part of valor. Keeping the rental car, we humbled ourselves with a 40-minute drive to Bardstown.

  • READ MORE: So, You Can Actually Fly to Lunch?

Maintaining the long-standing tradition of cheap airline pilot, I awoke just before dawn and returned the rental car to Louisville. With thanks to my new friends at Bowman’s Executive Aviation, the Arrow was rolled out of a hangar for my short trip to Bardstown. I arrived through a thin, translucent cloud layer, reflecting later that maybe the RNAV (GPS) approach should have been requested despite the field technically reporting VFR conditions.

Tom, the affable Bardstown airport manager, greeted me with fueling assistance and our new rental car delivered right to the airplane at the tie-down spot. My wife had claimed never to have set foot in Kentucky, but we simultaneously had a déjà vu moment after entering a local restaurant for lunch. A later glance in the airplane logbook revealed a KBRY entry. Apparently, we had made a fuel/lunch stop at the airport six years ago when we brought the airplane home from Amarillo, Texas, shortly after its purchase.

After three days of touring the town and distilleries, we departed for home at sunrise in order to beat the usual Florida convective weather in the afternoon. Despite the capability to complete a four-hour flight with full wing tanks, my abundance of caution and our personal bladders don’t allow for such an operation. As it was, we had to thread the needle around a thin line of building convective weather that ForeFlight had displayed before departure. The technique of “looking into the light” got us through the line without a bump.

Aside from the typical frequency congestion through the Jacksonville area and the usual dive from the last assigned altitude, we arrived at Flagler, Florida (KFIN), no worse for the wear. It was a fun challenge to thread the decision needle, notwithstanding great memories and a newly stocked liquor closet.

This column first appeared in the November 2023/Issue 943 of FLYING’s print edition.

Les Abend

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OnlyInYourState

I Don’t Like Bourbon, But I Loved Visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery In Kentucky

I live in Kentucky and I don’t like bourbon. There, I said it. But what you also need to know about me is that I do love Kentucky. The landscape, history, horses, food, the people… the Commonwealth is a wonderful place to live. Since moving to Kentucky from Cincinnati almost 20 years ago, I have been determined to discover my inner love for the Bluegrass State’s favorite drink, but I had yet to take a trip along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail . So after two decades, I decided to seek out this love at the destination that traces back to Daniel Boone himself: Buffalo Trace Distillery , the most award-winning distillery in the world.

Clearly I had a wonderful time on my tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery, and I want to recap a few tips, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

1. Make a tour reservation to ensure a spot and the time you want to visit. The tours are free!

2. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for being outside.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

4. Children are welcome! All ages can enjoy the Trace Tour and ages 12 years and older may take the other tours with an adult. They can even taste the root beer during the tasting portion of the tour.

5. Buffalo Trace is dog-friendly! Fido may not be able to enjoy some of the buildings, but if you have a well-behaved dog who loves the smell of bourbon, bring him along!

6. The distillery is located in Frankfort, it’s very easy to find, and there is plenty of parking.

I truly hope you enjoy your time at Buffalo Trace as much as I did. I plan on returning soon – it would be the ideal spot on a beautiful spring, summer, or fall day. Whether or not you love bourbon, you will love this distillery tour, and you’ll also, very likely, fall in love with Kentucky all over again.

Follow the links throughout the article for more information, or head here to visit the Buffalo Trace website.

The post I Don’t Like Bourbon, But I Loved Visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery In Kentucky appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

Andrea Limke/OnlyInYourState

IMAGES

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  6. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

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COMMENTS

  1. Plan Your Trip

    Start at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® Welcome Center in downtown Louisville and they can assist you in planning your trip. By Distillery: Explore Kentucky's finest. With 37 distilleries, it's hard to pick just one favorite.

  2. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Itinerary

    Plan your perfect trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with these itinerary suggestions. Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary suggestions for 1 day, a long weekend, or 1 week, plus, how to visit all of the distilleries. ... On this immersive tour, travel back in time to 1783, when bourbon distilling got its start. This is the best historical lesson ...

  3. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Ultimate Guide

    This is a great place to start your visit to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Travel back in time to 1783, to the very early days of Louisville, where you will learn about the early history of bourbon and this area of Kentucky. This tour does the best job explaining the history of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Old Forester Discovery Tour.

  4. 13 Best Bourbon Trail Tours: A Regional Travel Guide To Kentucky's

    This in-depth bourbon distillery tour guide will take you through the best Kentucky distillery tours like Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Evan Williams, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, and more. The Kentucky Bourbon distilleries listed below are grouped within each region and then ranked for their tour and bourbon quality.

  5. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Complete Guide

    Visiting the winding trail of bourbon distilleries here (now officially called the Kentucky Bourbon Trail) has become a main draw to the area, and a whole tourism industry itself. The distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are deeply rooted in history, many beginning operations in the 18th or 19th centuries that are still operated by the ...

  6. Home

    Handcrafted bourbon adventures. Use our interactive maps to explore your way through the birthplace of Bourbon.

  7. The Best 3 Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary In Kentucky

    The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co., part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, are the final two attractions included in The Main Ticket. Lunch and drinks at Proof on Main. The Proof on Main restaurant in the 21c Museum Hotel is a must-go spot for lunch. The ...

  8. A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

    Courtesy of @GoToLouisville. For whiskey lovers, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket-list trip, full of opportunities to visit distilleries and learn about bourbon—plus, of course, plenty of sampling along the way. Kentucky is the spiritual home of bourbon, an American whiskey made with at least 51 percent corn and aged in charred new ...

  9. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: the Perfect 3 Day Itinerary

    Day 1. Chances are if you're either visiting from out of town or a Kentucky local, you'll be commuting from either Louisville or Lexington. So for Day 1, you'll want to get your trip started by driving into the city. Frankfort is about an hour from Louisville and about 45 mins from Lexington.

  10. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Road Trip

    Reached by a narrow, steep road outside Frankfort, the state capital, Castle & Key shows how today's bourbon tourism sometimes builds atop existing foundations. The "castle" is a crenellated ...

  11. Six Tips for Visiting the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky

    Here are the best tips for visiting the Bourbon Trail. Six Tips for Visiting the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. 1. The Bourbon Trail isn't a singular trail, so plan accordingly. The Bourbon Trail may sound like a singular, simple road connecting all of Kentucky's distilleries, but the distilleries ...

  12. Helpful Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tips

    The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a road trip experience to the bourbon distilleries across the state of Kentucky. It was created in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers' Association in an attempt to bring more tourism to Kentucky—and boy, has it been a success!

  13. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Tips for Planning Your Trip

    Tip #3: Pace Yourself and Plan Your Time Thoughtfully. Currently, there are 18 "signature" distilleries and 24 "craft" distilleries that are members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. These 42 distilleries are spread all over the state. There simply isn't enough time to visit even just the "main" 18 distilleries in one weekend.

  14. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours & Bourbon Country Experiences

    Tour Bourbon Country's dozens of bourbon distilleries big and small, old and new, traditional and innovative. Mint Julep Experiences' Bourbon Trail Tours give you an immersive experience with Kentucky's best bourbon distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and beyond. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® began in 1999 and has since ...

  15. Kentucky Bourbon Trail

    About. The Kentucky Bourbon trail features 18 signature distilleries located in and around Louisville. Along the trail, you can learn about the origins of bourbon distilling at Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, see the bottling line in action at Old Forester Distillery, or taste unfinished Rye whiskey straight out of the barrel at Angel's Envy.

  16. How to Tackle the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

    According to Mandy Ryan, director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences, when the Bourbon Trail was founded in 1999 there were just seven inaugural members: Four Roses, Heaven Hill, James B. Beam ...

  17. Exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

    Considering a visit to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? Here's what to expect and a few tips for a great visit to the distillery. Since I began drinking bourbon cocktails a decade ago, I've wanted to visit the distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.I don't consider myself a connoisseur by any means, but something about visiting the distilleries and learning about the nuisances of ...

  18. Travel the Trail

    Lee Buckner, owner of Travel the Trail and an Executive Bourbon Steward, will be involved in the planning of every tour in Kentucky's Bourbon Country.While seated in a comfortable van, one of our well-trained guides will provide you with bourbon knowledge and historical background as it pertains to the distilleries.

  19. Kentucky Bike Tours

    01 Ride the Legacy Trail and stay at the Kentucky Castle. Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington at 10:30 AM on the first day of the trip. After a five-minute private shuttle, you'll arrive at Smithtown Seafood inside West Sixth Brewery (vegetarian and vegan options are readily available).

  20. Kentucky's Bourbon Trail

    In the heart of central Kentucky - not far from its famed bluegrass country - is an area known as the Bourbon Trail, a confluence of numerous distilleries that produce the bulk of the world's Bourbon. The distilleries are roughly in a circle between Lexington on the east and Louisville on the west with the town of Bardstown, KY smack dab in the middle.

  21. Kentucky Bourbon Country Bike Tour

    Kentucky Bourbon Country Bike Tour; Kentucky Bourbon Country Bike Tour. Bluegrass, Bourbon, and Horse Country in Versailles, Shakertown, and Lexington ... Bourbon Trail 2024. Day-to-Day View full itinerary. Arrival / Departure. Where to Arrive. Airport: ... Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington at 10:30 AM on ...

  22. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Proves Worthy of a Flying Adventure

    The Kentucky Bourbon Trail kicked off with a tour of the Angel's Envy Distillery, an easy walk from a boutique hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. [Adobe Stock] Although the captain had uttered more ...

  23. I Don't Like Bourbon, But I Loved Visiting Buffalo Trace ...

    I arrived at the historic site of the distillery in Frankfort on a sunny, January day. Sunny and January don't usually go together in Kentucky, so I apologize now for the vast amount of photos.