bourbon trail tour guides

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

Ready, Set, Bourbon! Check out this guide to the best bourbon trail tours in Kentucky including Maker's Mark, Evan Williams, Woodford Reserve, & more...

Ready to sip your way through the best bourbon trail tours in Kentucky? This in-depth bourbon distillery tour guide will take you through 13 of the best Kentucky bourbon distillery tours like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Evan Williams, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, & many more.

Each distillery offers a unique experience, from the tour of the distillery to the tasting room. With this in-depth bourbon distillery tour guide, you can easily plan your trip and choose the best bourbon trail tours in Kentucky to suit your taste and preferences. Get ready to discover the rich history and distinct flavors of Kentucky’s signature drink!

3 Tips for Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail

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 .

Regional Guide to Kentucky’s Distilleries

The Kentucky Bourbon distilleries listed below are grouped within each region and then ranked for their tour and bourbon quality.  The majority of Kentucky’s 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.

Now, time to talk about Kentucky’s distilleries…

13 Best Bourbon Trail Tours

Table of Contents

Region: louisville bourbon distilleries, “whiskey row”, evan williams experience.

“Civilization begins with distillation.” William Faulkner

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

“Always carry a flagon of whisky in case of snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake.” – W.C. Fields

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.

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.

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

Angel’s Envy Distillery Tour

“I wish to live to 150 years old, but the day I die, I wish it to be with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.” – Ava Gardner

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.

What makes Angel’s Envy a standout from other bourbons and ryes on the Bourbon Trail 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

• 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

“Happiness is having a rare steak, a bottle of whisky, and a dog to eat the rare steak.” – Johnny Carson

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

• 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.

Stitzel-Weller Distillery Tour

“It is true that whisky improves with age. The older I get, the more I like it.” Robert Black

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

Maker’s mark distillery.

“Nothing is so musical as the sound of pouring bourbon for the first drink on a Sunday morning. Not Bach or Schubert or any of those masters.” Carson McCullers

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. 

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 one of Kentucky’s distilleries, make it this one. It was the hands-down favorite (on currently my 3rd trip) along the Bourbon Trail. 

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.

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.    

• 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.

James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Jim Beam)

“I have never in my life seen a Kentuckian who didn’t have a gun, a pack of cards, and a jug of whiskey.” – Andrew Jackson

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 bourbon trail 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.

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.

Willett Distillery

“There is no bad whiskey. There are only some whiskeys that aren’t as good as others.” Raymond Chandler

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.

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.

Heaven Hill Distillery

“Whiskey is liquid sunshine” George Bernard Shaw

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 bourbon trail “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

In between touring the many Kentucky distilleries along the bourbon trail, 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 distillery.

“A good gulp of hot whiskey at bedtime—it’s not very scientific, but it helps.” Alexander Fleming (Inventor of Penicillin)

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 along the bourbon trail.

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.

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. 

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 Distillery

“Whiskey, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation.” Haruki Murakami

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.

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.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” Mark Twain

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 along the bourbon trail. 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.

Wild Turkey Distillery

“There’s no app for a bourbon buzz on a warm day in a cool, dark bar. The world will always want a drink.” Gillian Flynn

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

Final Thoughts

“My own experience has been that the tools I need for my trade are paper, tobacco, food, and a little whisky.” William Faulkner

Every year, I look forward to visiting more distilleries along Kentucky’s bourbon trail so check back for updates.

The next two bourbon trail 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 .

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!

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— Rabbit Hole, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit — This Thursday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings. Distilleries include: a tour & tasting and tasting at Rabbit Hole, a local lunch, a premium tasting at Buffalo Trace, and bourbon tour and tasting at Bulleit Bourbon.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 8:45 a.m. | Returns at 6:15 p.m. $179

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— Woodford Reserve, J. Mattingly, Angel’s Envy — This Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Woodford Reserve, a tasting at J. Mattingly, and a tour and tasting at Angel’s Envy.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 7:30 a.m. | Returns at 4:15 p.m. $199

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Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 8:15 a.m. | Returns at 5:00 p.m. $199

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— Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, Bardstown Bourbon Co. — This Saturday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Bardstown Bourbon Co., a Connoisseur tasting at Heaven Hill, and a tour with tastings at Maker’s Mark distillery.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Depart at 8:15 a.m. | Returns at 5:30 p.m. $199

— Stitzel-Weller, Angel’s Envy, KY Artisan/Jefferson’s Reserve — This Saturday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will start the day with a tasting at Stitzel-Weller, enjoy a tour and tasting at Angel’s Envy after lunch, and a tour and tasting at KY Artisan/Jefferson’s Reserve.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Depart at 9:15 a.m. | Returns at 5:30 p.m. $199

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— Local Brunch, Kentucky Artisan/Jefferson’s Reserve, Buffalo Trace — Your Sunday brunch experience includes guided transportation, a local brunch that includes 1 breakfast cocktail at The Cafe in Louisville, a tour with tastings at KY Artisan/Jefferson’s Reserve and a tasting at Buffalo Trace distillery.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 10:15 a.m. | Returns at 5:45 p.m. $179

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Your all-inclusive ticket to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

We plan your day in Bourbon Country from start to finish – transporting you to Kentucky bourbon distilleries and grabbing a local lunch along the way (except Sundays). Your Mint Julep guide will lead the day with fun facts and bourbon history, filling in the blanks between each stop. They will take care of all the details – from tour timing to distillery admissions and more. You just sit back and enjoy your fully-guided bourbon tour!

Interested in Multi-Day Bourbon Tour?

Two-day and three-day bourbon tour packages are available through a Custom Bourbon Tour booking. When booking a custom bourbon tour, you will work with an Experience Coordinator to pick your favorite distilleries to make your own bourbon trail itinerary. For help with your booking, call 502-583-1433 or fill out the Request Tour form . 

Thursday Bourbon Tour

January - December 2024

Rabbit Hole, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit

This Thursday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings. Distilleries include: a tour & tasting and tasting at Rabbit Hole, a local lunch, a premium tasting at Buffalo Trace, and bourbon tour and tasting at Bulleit Bourbon.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 8:45 a.m. Returns at 6:15 p.m.

Friday Bourbon Tour

January - June 2024

Woodford Reserve, J. Mattingly, Angel's Envy

This Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Woodford Reserve, a tasting at J. Mattingly, and a tour and tasting at Angel's Envy.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 7:30 a.m. Returns at 4:15 p.m.

July - December 2024

Woodford Reserve, Jeptha Creed Stitzel Weller

This Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Woodford Reserve, a tour/tasting at Jeptha Creed, and a tasting at Stitzel Weller.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 7:30 a.m. Returns at 4:45 p.m.

Lux Row Heaven Hill, James B. Beam

This Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Lux Row, a Connoisseur tasting at Heaven Hill, and a tour with tastings at James B. Beam Distilling Co..

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 8:15 a.m. Returns at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday Bourbon Tour

Maker's Mark, Heaven Hill, Bardstown Bourbon Co.

This Saturday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Bardstown Bourbon Co., a Connoisseur tasting at Heaven Hill, and a tour with tastings at Maker's Mark distillery.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Depart at 8:15 a.m. Returns at 5:30 p.m.

Stitzel-Weller, Angel's Envy KY Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve

This Saturday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will start the day with a tasting at Stitzel-Weller, enjoy a tour and tasting at Angel's Envy after lunch, and a tour and tasting at KY Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Depart at 9:15 a.m. Returns at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Brunch & Bourbon Tour

Local Brunch, Kentucky Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve, Buffalo Trace

Your Sunday brunch experience includes guided transportation, a local brunch that includes 1 breakfast cocktail at The Cafe in Louisville, a tour with tastings at KY Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve and a tasting at Buffalo Trace distillery.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 10:15 a.m. Returns at 5:15 p.m.

Reviews from Guests

• We enjoyed getting to know & talk bourbon with others on the tour! We were in Louisville for a few days for the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and did the Sunday Brunch & Bourbon Tour that took us to a local restaurant for brunch and 2 distilleries. Check-in at the Omni was easy, and Michael, our tour guide, was friendly, funny, welcoming, and very knowledgeable. Throughout our travels, he shared details about the area, some of the history of Louisville, and the history of KY bourbon in general. Overall, this experience was a great way to relax on the day after the half marathon and the day before we left town. We enjoyed getting to know & talk bourbon with others on the tour. We would not hesitate to book another Mint Julep tour in Louisville or try one of their Nashville tours when we visit there in the near future. KW 10/16/2023
• Made us feel like we were family and took care of us every step of the trip. Chuck was an absolute TREAT! He made us feel like we were family and took care of us every step of the trip! Chuck provides great insight and will be able to answer ANY question you toss his way! Can't recommend Chuck and Mint Julep Tours enough!!! Kori 4/09/2020
• I highly recommend Mint Julep Tours to maximize your Bourbon Trail adventure. This was our second time on a Mint Julep tour. As expected, it was fantastic! From the promptness of the pickup, cleanliness and comfort of the vehicles, to the knowledge of all things Bourbon, we had a remarkable experience. I highly recommend Mint Julep Tours to maximize your Bourbon Trail adventure. Jim M. 5/20/2023
• This was the perfect way to tour the Bourbon Trail! The three distilleries we went to were unique from each other which provided a diverse tasting experience. Diane was a wonderful tour guide and Nelson was a great driver! I would highly recommend Mint Julep to anyone visiting Louisville. Thanks for a great day on the Bourbon Trail! Mary M. 8/13/2023
• Joni, keep the stories coming! Joni and Holly were wonderful. We really appreciated learning about all the history not just with the distilleries but also about Louisville and Kentucky. We had a greater time. Joni, keep the stories coming! Charlotte P. 4/09/2020

More Information

Departure information.

All public bourbon tours depart from the Mint Julep Experiences Hub inside Falls City Market in the Omni Louisville Hotel . Departure times and destinations vary. Please double-check your confirmation sheet for the exact timing. In most cases, tour availability opens 180 days in advance of the tour departure date. For help with your booking, call 502-583-1433 .

Best Time To Visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®?

The beauty with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is you can visit any time of the year, as the distilleries operate year-round. Some distilleries are closed to the public on certain days of the week, but most are open seven days a week.

What is included on a public bourbon tour?

• Transportation: Each public bourbon tour includes transportation to all tour destinations. Public tours depart from the Falls City Market in the Omni Louisville Hotel in downtown Louisville. You’ll be in a Mint Julep Tours vehicle. All of our vehicles are sanitized after each tour— learn more about it on our Vehicle Safety Procedures page.
• Admission & Tastings: All distillery admissions for the day and tastings at each location are included.
• Lunch: Lunch at a local Louisville restaurant is also included. The lunch location will vary. Guests will be able to choose one option from a special menu. *Lunch is not included for the public Sunday tour. If you would like to purchase alcohol at lunch or any souvenirs or bottles to take home, that is not included.
• *Gratuity for your Tour Leader is not included but always appreciated. Kentucky sales tax and a convenience fee will be added at checkout. Parking is not included in your ticket fee. For Louisville parking information, visit PARC Map or PARC Garage websites.

How much walking is involved on a public tour?

Each distillery tour varies but there is a fair amount of walking in Bourbon Country. We do suggest comfortable closed-toe shoes on all tours. Most distilleries are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate special circumstances. Most tours are partially outdoors.

Where is the pickup location?

All public bourbon tours and most other ticketed tours depart downtown Louisville. Tours depart from the Mint Julep Hub in the Omni Louisville Hotel. Please check-in at least 15 minutes before your departure time. Your tour leader will check you in, give you a wristband, and lead you to the bus as a group.

Book a Custom Bourbon Tour with Private VIP Transportation

Build a Bourbon Trail itinerary that takes you to all your favorite places in Bourbon Country, Horse Country and more! A Custom Tour can be tailored to your interests, schedule and tastes. Popular custom experiences include hands-on mixology classes, bottle-your-own experiences, bourbon heritage site tours, bourbon-infused culinary experiences and so much more! Please contact us to work with an Experience Coordinator to discuss a Custom Tour itinerary for you and your group.

Learn More About Custom Tours

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Your Bourbon Trail Experience starts here

Experience the Best Bourbon Trail Tours in Kentucky

Your Bourbon Trail Experience starts here.

Our core values as a family-owned and female-managed tour company demonstrate that we value and support all of our BRBN Experiences Tour Leaders. As valued team members, we encourage them to be flexible, engaging, and always focused on exceeding your tour expectations. We want you to feel appreciated and satisfied, and to be interested in sharing your lifelong learning experiences with all of us while on the tour.

The BRBN Urban Experience offers a wide variety of excellent distilleries matched with fun, relaxing local lunches.

The BRBN Experience tours in and around the state capital of Kentucky offer an opportunity for you to visit both historic and relatively new distilleries.

BRBN South Tour

Bardstown, Kentucky, the world capital of bourbon, considered the "most beautiful small town in America," offers exceptional scenic and historic tours.

BRBN Essential Tours and Tastings are designed to introduce your group to Kentucky. Since weekend ticket availability can be limited, these are great options for a weekday.

Amazing Tours. Every Time.

We guarantee:.

We believe distillery and horse farm tours with BRBN Experiences will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to have a memorable "bucket list" experience. Book BRBN Tours with us and continue your life long learning experience while enjoying the friendship of fellow bourbon aficionados.

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Well timed tours in well maintained vehicles

Our pricing is competitive and transparent

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Complete Guide

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.

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.

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

• Book Now: Hotel Distil
• Book Now : 21c Museum Hotel
• Book Now: Galt House Hotel
• Book Now: Brown Hotel

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.

Book Now: The Samuels House

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.

Design Your Day, Maximize Your Time.

Customized kentucky tours by bourbon town tours.

Bourbon Town Tours specializes in creating personalized one-day and multi-day Kentucky tours for groups of all sizes. Journey along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® or delve into the beauty of the Bluegrass state. With the assistance of our experienced coordinators, you can design your ideal Kentucky experience, using their extensive knowledge and expertise.

• Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Coordinator
• Available every day of the week
• Local and regional departures and pickups in Kentucky cities such as Louisville, Bardstown, and Lexington
• Exclusive Bourbon Country transportation with the Bourbon Town Tours fleet
• Build your own itinerary with confirmed reservations
• Perfect for special events, corporate outings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and client appreciation gifts.

Custom Tours

Please fill out this inquiry form.

You must be 21 and have a valid ID to attend

That’s no problem! The distilleries, their heritage, and the history are entertaining and fascinating without ever taking a sip. Tour prices remain the same.

Closed toe shoes are recommended and comfort is key. Dress according to the weather. Your group will be lining up outside of the distillery before the gift shop opens.

No firearms of any kind are allowed.

Tips are always appreciated.

• Tour refunds are valid 14 days prior to the tour with the exception of a 20% booking fee.
• Cancellation 3-14 days prior to the start of the tour (72 hours minimum advance notice) can be rescheduled at a later date.
• Because of the custom nature of these events, we can not reschedule a tour with less than 72 hours notice.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours will not receive a refund.
• **Bodily fluid clean up will result in a $250 cleaning fee.**
• Please Drink Responsibly

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Top 10 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours

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Love bourbon?  Come with me on my Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour (plus my favorite off-trail distillery)!  The Bourbon Trail is easy to navigate and a fantastic getaway for bourbon lovers!

If you're a bourbon-fan, make sure to check out these posts too: The BEST Bourbon Recipes and How to Drink Bourbon: A Beginner's Guide

What Is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

If you, like me, enjoy tours of vineyards, distilleries, and breweries — listen up!

Most people know that the winery clusters in California, Italy, and France make for spectacular vineyard-hopping getaways.

But wine isn't the only beverage that has outstanding geographic regions! Major bourbon distilleries are also clustered together. These form the Kentucky Bourbon Trail , which has been growing by leaps and bounds in popularity recently.

Kentucky's native limestone rock makes bourbon production easier, and 95% of all bourbon is made in Kentucky.

A Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour

As of 2024, the Bourbon Trail has EIGHTEEN official stops.

There are dozens more small distilleries on the " Craft Tour ," including Whiskey Thief , James E. Pepper , and Log Still .

Here are some tips to help you plan a visit through nine distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and one that's off-trail!

What else is nearby?  While you're visiting Kentucky, make sure to go hiking at Natural Bridge near Lexington! If you're exploring during early summer, check out Woodstock Lavender Company near Somerset.

Bourbon Trail Tours: Are They Expensive?

Tours, as of early 2024, run in the $15 to $30 range per person. Specialty tours and tastings cost more.

If you're on a tight budget, I recommend visiting Buffalo Trace . They're off the official trail, but they had a fantastic tour.

How Long Do the Bourbon Tours Take?

Most tours are around an hour and tend to run on a set schedule.

Online reservations are highly recommended (and sometimes required).

How Many Distilleries Can I Tour in One Day?

Plan on doing 1-3 distilleries per day, since most of them require some driving to get to.

What's the Best Time + Day for a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour?

The best bourbon tours I've had, with smaller crowds, have been on weekdays. Especially the first tour of the day .

Whatever you do, remember that the first weekend in May is Derby Weekend .

If you plan your trip then, be prepared for major crowds . Book your hotel FAR in advance, and call the distilleries ahead to find out what their touring schedule is for that weekend.

Keep in mind that distilleries can get quite warm in some sections, and so a mid-summer tour could potentially be a bit uncomfortable if you're sensitive to heat.

How Much Bourbon Will I Get to Taste on a Tour?

It depends on the distillery, but somewhere from 3 to 6 tastings. Kentucky law limits the amount they can give out.

Some of the tours give you loot in addition to the tastings.

You might get a bourbon ball candy , a souvenir glass , or even a bourbon bottle label .

Do I Have to Be 21 to Go on a Bourbon Trail Tour?

U.S. law says you have to be 21 to drink alcohol, so any tastings obviously require you to be old enough to drink.

Many distilleries do still allow underage people to tour, sometimes at a cheaper price. (They just aren't allowed to drink anything!)

Their websites will let you know for sure when you're booking a tour.

1. Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co./Town Branch (Lexington)

$13.78 per person tour and tasting.

The Town Branch distillery is small, but it's one of my favorite tasting experiences .

The short tour includes not only the distillery but also Lexington Brewing Co. across the street, where they make  Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.

The tour includes four tokens that let you choose which drinks you want to sample, from both distillery and brewery drinks.

I’ve visited this distillery three times, and it’s still one of my favorites!

This is a nice stop if you’d like to shake up your bourbon experience with some  local brews .

2. Woodford Reserve (Versailles)

$32 per person tour and tasting ; $25 per person for tasting only ; specialty tours and tastings available.

Woodford Reserve is like the country club on this distillery tour.

The distillery grounds are gorgeous, with  limestone buildings and lush green countryside .

The tour takes you through the large distilling area and the  rickhouses  (where they store the bourbon barrels).

At the end of our tour, we enjoyed four tastings and a bourbon ball. For a more detailed look at the tour, see our full guide to Woodford Reserve .

3. Wild Turkey (Lawrenceburg)

$11 per person.

Note: As of early 2024, The Wild Turkey Visitor Center is temporarily closed for renovations. Tours and tastings are suspended, but y ou can still make purchases at the Station Master’s House gift shop.

The Wild Turkey Distillery is surrounded by beautiful Kentucky countryside.

The tour includes  four samples , and we went home with an extremely  high-quality, heavy-bottomed tasting glass .

As for the tour itself, we had bad timing – a Saturday afternoon in August, just as university students came back into town.

Our tour group was huge, and the tour guide was pretty soft-spoken with a broken microphone.

I’d definitely recommend heading to this extra-popular spot on a weekday morning.

I’ll be back, Wild Turkey!

4. Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg)

$22 per person tour and tasting; $16 for tasting only. 

The Four Roses Distillery , unlike most Bourbon Trail stops, doesn’t actually age ANY of their bourbon at this location.

This location distills the grains, and then they’re aged at the Four Roses Warehouse.  So you'll see the distilling vats, but not any rickhouses or aging barrels.

We were able to sample  three bourbons and keep the tasting glass .

Four Roses Warehouse

$22 per person tour and tasting; $16 per person for tasting only.

The Four Roses warehouse is where Four Roses ages all their bourbon.

It’s located near the Jim Beam distillery.

We opted for a 30-minute tasting here, which included three bourbons and the tasting glass.  It was short, sweet, and a nice side trip while we waited for our Jim Beam tour.

5. Maker's Mark (Loretto)

$26 per person tour and tasting; specialty tours available.

In my opinion, Maker’s Mark was  one of the best tours of the actual distilling process . Here is a more in-depth post on the tour .

Our tour included a walk-through of the large distillery area, a chance to  taste the mash of fermenting grains , a view of the production line, a bottle label, four tastings, and a chance to  hand-dip a bourbon bottle in their signature red wax .

Quick Tips: This is one of the most popular spots on the Bourbon Trail – if you can go on a weekday morning, I’d recommend it.  I also recommend checking the Maker’s Mark website for directions, because our GPS took us the wrong way.

6. Heaven Hill (Bardstown)

Tasting $18; specialty tastings available.

Heaven Hill does not have an on-site distillery, but you can learn about the history of Heaven Hill, see the on-site rickhouse, and (obviously) have a bourbon tasting.

On a recent visit , we decided to go for the  connoisseur  experience. It included a brief video "tour", five tastings and a bourbon ball.

This stop was really just a tasting and not a full tour, and we were only there about 30 minutes.

7. Jim Beam (Clermont)

$28 per person tour and tasting; specialty tastings available.

The Jim Beam Distillery was one of the most well-run, informative tours on the trail.

If it's been a while since you've visited, know that Jim Beam has opened an expanded visitor center, with new tasting rooms and a restaurant!

The tour included their distillery and rickhouses, a chance to  taste the mash of fermenting grains , and a chance to  smell or taste undiluted bourbon straight from the barrel .

We could also clean an empty bourbon bottle (by washing it with bourbon, of course) , set it on the bottling line, and then add the wax seal, if purchasing a bottle.

Jim Beam definitely had  the most tasting options — including their classic bourbons, single barrel bourbons, and flavored whiskeys.

The  tasting glass  is included in the tour price.

8. Bulleit (Shelbyville)

$25 per person tour and tasting; $20 per person for tasting only ; specialty workshops available.

We went to the Bulleit Distillery on a Monday morning, and had a tiny tour group and a fantastic tour!

The most enjoyable part (other than sampling four bourbons) was listening to the guide tell us about the history of the bourbon industry .

I’d highly recommend this tour!

9. Evan Williams (Louisville)

$18 per person tour and tasting; specialty tours available.

Evan Williams provides the  most unique Bourbon Trail tour I’ve been on .

There’s no large distillery on site, and you only get a brief glimpse of the small artisan distillery.  Even so, it's an enjoyable, incredibly interesting tour.

The entire tour felt like walking through an  interactive play, with rooms turned into reproductions of old Evan Williams buildings and historical Louisville .  A lot of the tour was via videos shown as the guide led you from room to room.

The tasting included  three bourbons and a bourbon ball .

The Speakeasy experience was sold out when we got there, but seemed similar to the Heaven Hill connoisseur tour (which makes sense, because Heaven Hill is the parent company for Evan Williams).

You’ll see a lot of the same bourbons available to buy at both locations.

New Distilleries on the Bourbon Trail

So much for the nine original distilleries on the Bourbon Trail!

Before we get to my favorite off-trail experience, here's a round-up of the newest distilleries that have been added to the official trail in the past few years.

Michter's (Louisville)

$25 tour and tasting at Fort Nelson Distillery, specialty tours available.

Stitzel-Weller (Louisville)

$25 tour and tasting; specialty tastings and classes available.

Old Forester (Louisville)

$32 tour and tasting; specialty tour available.

Rabbit Hole Distillery (Louisville)

$25 tour and tasting.

Angels Envy (Louisville)

$25 tour and tasting; specialty tours and tastings available.

Bardstown Bourbon Company (Bardstown)

$22 tour and tasting; specialty tours, tastings and classes available.

Specialty tastings and programs available at new Louisville tasting room.

Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown)

Complementary rickhouse tour and tasting; specialty tour and tasting available.

Wilderness Trail (Danville)

$15 tour and tasting.

Green River (Owensboro)

$20 tour and tasting; $12 tasting ; specialty tour and tasting available.

10. Off-Trail: Buffalo Trace (Frankfort)

While I was researching the Bourbon Trail, one distillery kept popping up – the  Buffalo Trace Distillery .  It wasn’t on the trail, but it did look exciting!

I contacted Buffalo Trace, and they had me over for a tour and for one of their über fancy  Craftsman Dinners .

It’s in an incredibly nice area downtown, perfect for strolling and visiting local shops.

All the tours at Buffalo Trace are – get this – FREE!

And of course, you get to sample a few spirits, and Buffalo Trace’s version of Irish cream.  (Faaaabulous!)

Complementary tours and tastings in this day and age almost seem too good to be true — but it IS true, and that's why the Buffalo Trace calendar books up ridiculously quickly when a new month's worth of tours are released. If you're not able to snag a spot, you can go on the waitlist.

What Tours Does Buffalo Trace Offer?

Buffalo Trace has THE BEST tour variety of any other distillery we visited.

They have a standard Trace tour, a Hard Hat tour, a Historic Landmark tour, and the Old Taylor tour.

We did the Old Taylor tour, which included a tour of the archaeological ruins of an old bourbon distillery!  It was – without question – the most unique distillery tour I’ve been on!

I will be back, Buffalo Trace!   I’ve got my eye on the hard hat tour!

What about you?  Have you been on a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour?  What did you think?  Let me know in the comments!

Want to see EVEN MORE bourbon?  Browse all of my bourbon recipes!

↓ Bourbon Trail Basics ↓

More Kentucky Food + Drink Destinations

About Sarah Trenalone

Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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Cynthia Rusincovitch

September 14, 2016 at 3:54 am

This sounds like an amazing adventure. My hubby and I would have a blast.

November 09, 2016 at 8:25 pm

Ok, I honestly didn't even know this existed! My hubby would LOVE to do something like this (although quite a ways for us from Canada lol) Perhaps an anniversary gift!!!

champagne-tastes

November 09, 2016 at 8:26 pm

Ooo it's so fun!! It would be an amazing anniversary trip! (Actually- it's one of our top anniversary vaca spots lol)

November 10, 2016 at 1:18 pm

Ah you love Bourbon too! It's not always that I find my women friends who like bourbon. Such a cool post. <3 Such a cool trail.

November 10, 2016 at 1:48 pm

Haha yes I do!!! And thanks!

Go check it out!!

Lisa | Garlic & Zest

February 19, 2018 at 9:27 am

Sarah -- I had no idea they gave tours of the distilleries in Kentucky, but now that I know, it's a destination spot for me. My extended family is from Martinique in the Lesser Antilles and it's where the acclaimed Rhum Agricole is distilled. We were there a few years ago and did rum tours for a solid week. It was so much fun. I would love to experience this tour -- and the countryside looks beautiful!

February 19, 2018 at 9:30 am

Ooo rum tours in the islands sounds amazing! And yes!!! Come on over and tour the distilleries here- it’s so much fun! (And I’m partial but I’ll agree that the countryside is gorgeous ????????)

Dawn - Girl Heart Food

February 19, 2018 at 12:13 pm

How fun is this?? Hubby really enjoys bourbon and I do too! The prices for the tours are really reasonable too ????

February 21, 2018 at 10:33 am

Such a very informative item you did here Sarah. My husband and I love bourbon from time to time, especially Four Roses, we would love to visit the distillery. The surrounding countryside looks beautiful too, seems like a wonderful journey to make.

February 24, 2018 at 10:16 am

This has always been on my bucket list, and someday it will happen, right?! Thanks for sharing all this information, and I will be keeping it it mind for when we finally do go! Bourbon lovers unite!

March 21, 2018 at 9:48 am

Make it happen Leah!!! lol

February 25, 2018 at 6:14 am

I haven't heard of this before. It sounds fantastic. I'm with you on the hard hat tour. Exploring is probably my favorite thing to do of all time so if it requires a hard hat, I'm there. Do you go underground for that tour?

Megan Marlowe

February 25, 2018 at 8:15 pm

Holy cow, I had no idea the Kentucky bourbon trail existed. I mean I knew you could tour some distilleries but I didn't know there were several! This would be a fabulous, romantic trip for my husband and I (we love brewery tours) and we have always wanted to go to Kentucky and check out the scenery, eats and people! Thanks for planning out next vacation!

February 26, 2018 at 10:16 am

I had no idea that 95% of bourbon was produced in Kentucky! That's kind of amazing! I think these kinds of tours, especially being able to see behind-the-scenes, are a great experience and so fascinating to learn about. Especially since the bourbon production must have significantly shaped the culture of the surrounding area! Love the pictures you shared!

February 27, 2018 at 9:15 am

I have wanted to do this for SO long! This is such a fantastic guide and I'll definitely be referencing it when I finally plan my trip. I can't believe how affordable it is, too! I assumed the tours and tastings would be much more expensive. I absolutely love that little perk at Maker's Mark where you can have your name engraved in a barrel. How fun is that?!

March 21, 2018 at 9:46 am

It's super fun! We signed up for the barrel engraving.. but I have no idea how many years I have to wait LOL

March 13, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Hi there - Handful of questions: What did you do for transportation? Did you hire a driver? Where did you stay? Any recommendations? And do you have any more recommendations on where to eat? Thanks!

March 13, 2019 at 3:42 pm

Great questions!! I'll see if I can help 😀 1- We drove. They don't give you more than maybe one shot total (if that) at any of the distilleries (the samples are pretty small, maybe 1oz). Most of the distilleries have really pretty grounds or neat gift shops, so you could always walk around in there for a little while before driving again! 2- Most of the distilleries are nearby either Louisville or Lexington. Louisville has some really cool old (but expensive) hotels, like the Galt House, the Brown, and the Seelbach. If you're on a budget, I'd look for a deal on a hotel in Lexington for part of the time, and Louisville for other half of the distilleries. 3- It depends on what you're looking for! There's a little Korean place in Lexington that I LOVE (Han Woo Ri), but there's also some cool chef dinner experiences at a few of the distilleries (I know Maker's Mark and Buffalo Trace both do them).

I hope that helped a little!! Let me know if you've got more questions 🙂

March 14, 2019 at 5:58 pm

Thanks so much! I'm planning a big group trip for Memorial Day Weekend and these tips will go a long way as I narrow down our itinerary.

March 14, 2019 at 10:13 pm

Have fun!!! Try to book distillery tours online where they let you- that’ll be a busy weekend. Let me know if you have more questions!

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour: Experience the Trail Like a Local

A Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation and a must on any Kentucky itinerary!

The following guide has everything you need to know from guided tours to a complete 3-day self-guided itinerary (You guys know I love my 3-day trips) ! Trust me, you do not want to miss it!

Side note: This post was written by Mike, a Kentucky local. As a local resident he has completed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour many times! This way, you can ensure you are getting the BEST and most accurate Bourbon trail guide…complete with secrets and insider tips!

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.   I only recommend products I truly love 🙂

Table of Contents

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Quick Facts

• Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail is divided into East, South, and Urban regions, each offering unique experiences.
• Opt for guided tours for a hassle-free experience with local insights, or go for a DIY self-guided adventure for flexibility. Remember to book tours in advance and consider transportation options.
• 95 percent of the world’s (yes the world) bourbon is made in Kentucky.
• You’ll find 46 Distilleries along the trail with 18 located in our around Louisville.
• Some distilleries are 70 miles apart (so you’ll definitely need 5+ days if you want to see them all).

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Map

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail officially starts in Louisville and travels throughout 11+ different Kentucky cities and ends in Lexington. Many distilleries are close to each other, while some are over 70 miles apart! Here’s a map showing the 18 different distilleries along the trail near Louisville.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Guided Tours

We really like touring bourbon country with a guide because tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and make the experience stress-free!

Here are some popular guided tours to check out before embarking on the Bourbon Trail! Each one stops at different distilleries/explores a different region.

•  Bardstown Area Bourbon Trail: This small group tour explores 3 different distilleries with easy hotel pick up and drop off. Expect to be gone for 8+ hours.
• Bourbon Tour (03): This customizable tour allows you to pick 3-4 distilleries to visit (from a list of 15). The guide will also pick you up and drop you off so no need to worry about a designated driver! The exact start and end time will depend on the distilleries chosen.
• Outlaws and In-laws Tour (Private): If you are visiting the region with a group of people, be sure to check out this private tour! You and 7 friends can check out 3 distilleries of your choice along the Kentucky Bourbon trail + you’ll have a meal and round-trip transfers.
• Bourbon Distillery & Horse Farm Tours (top pick!): What’s better than tasting bourbon? Bourbon tasting, tours, AND a horse farm stop! Prices for this tour vary depending on the number of people, but each tour can be customizable and includes lunch!

Guided bourbon trail tours offer an unmatched blend of local insight, convenience, and enjoyment. It’s the ideal way to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Kentucky’s bourbon culture.

DIY Self-Guided Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours

For those who love a bit of adventure and flexibility you can have an awesome time on the trail by planning your own adventure.

DIY self-guided Kentucky bourbon trail tours are an excellent choice for visitors looking to save a few dollars to put towards that perfect rare bottle of bourbon as well. Just be sure you have a plan AND designated driver before touring!

Mapping the Bourbon Trail

Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail is segmented into three main regions: The East Bourbon Trail, The South Bourbon Trail, and The Urban Bourbon Trail. Each region is separated by about 60 to 70 miles so planning your trail stops in advance is critical. 

Plus distilleries can be crowded so you need to purchase tickets in advance. 

Let’s jump into the distinct flavors of the East, South, and Urban Bourbon Trails.

East Bourbon Trail: The Cradle of Bourbon History

Central Kentucky (Frankfort, Lexington) is home to The East Bourbon Trail. Visitors to this region will appreciate the rolling hills and the double fence lines of Kentucky’s many thoroughbred farms. The scenery here is simply breathtaking. Key stops include:

• Buffalo Trace : Home of Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Stagg, and more.
• Woodford Reserve : Known for its rich heritage and gorgeous copper pot stills.
• Wild Turkey : A powerhouse of deep flavors and unique 101 proof bourbon! We highly recommend requesting Bubba as your tour guide…he’s the best!
• Four Roses : Two mash bills and five yeast strains equals lots of amazing bourbon flavor profiles.
• Wilderness Trace : Fantastic small batch bourbon with a softer profile thanks to the higher wheat content.
• Jeptha Creed : Bringing Bloody Butcher Corn from farm-to-glass is pretty cool sounding and the whiskey is good too!.
• Wallace’s in Midway: A diner with heart and soul. Don’t skip out on desert. They are all so good you can’t pick just one!
• Rebecca Ruth’s Candy Shop : Indulge in sweets with a bourbon twist.

While in the area, be sure to check out the other exciting things to do in Lexington!

South Bourbon Trail: A Journey Through Hidden Gems

Bardstown and Lebanon Kentucky are the home of The South Trail. Visitors to the South Region will enjoy rolling hills and an abundance of farms that supply all the corn to produce our beloved Kentucky Bourbon!

We recommend stopping at some or all of these amazing distilleries:

• Maker’s Mark : Iconic, with an immersive tour experience.
• Very Old Barton / 1792 : A blend of history and modernity.
• Jim Beam : A household name with deep Kentucky roots.
• Bardstown Bourbon Company : A fusion of tradition and innovation.
• Limestone Branch : Small-scale, with a focus on quality.
• Mammy’s Kitchen and Bar in Bardstown: Hearty meals in a homey setting.
• My Old Kentucky Home : A perfect photo op and a slice of history.

Bonus Stop: The South Region is home to Kentucky Cooperage which is open for tours. Watching barrel makers shape staves into barrels illustrates the craftsmanship put into every drop of bourbon whiskey!

Urban Bourbon Trail: Discovering Louisville’s Finest

Louisville, Kentucky is not just the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail but also a hub for some of the most innovative urban distilleries.

I find Louisville to be a perfect home base because you can check out a local distillery before heading out on the trail or vice versa.

Here’s your quick start guide to navigating the Urban Bourbon Trail:

Recommended Distilleries:

• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience : Dive into the world of Kentucky’s first distiller. The tour showcases how bourbon came to be!
• Angel’s Envy : Known for its unique port barrel finishing process, Angel’s Envy offers a distinctive twist on traditional bourbon. Plus you don’t want to miss the tasting room and bar. I think people only leave because they close the place down every night! It’s that beautiful.
• Peerless Distilling : A family-run distillery that prides itself on its small-batch spirits. Their commitment to quality is evident in every sip. Try to Double Oaked if you get the chance!

Culinary Recommendation:

• Doc Crow’s : Billed as Southern Smokehouse, Doc Crow’s serves up some amazing southern food! Their whiskey and bourbon drinks are tasty too!

Whether you choose the East, South, Urban trail, or a bit of both, you’re in for an authentic bourbon experience, complete with delightful dining and unique discoveries.

Self-Guided Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Itinerary (3 days)

As a local, here’s a sample itinerary of how I would plan my perfect long weekend enjoying Kentucky’s bourbon trail.  This is designed to give you a taste of the best our region has to offer. 

Mix and match to fit your timeframe. You can always come visit us again! We have 12 million barrels of bourbon aging!

Day One: Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail

• Choose from Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Stilze Weller, Peerless, Old Forester, or Michtners.
• Enjoy a Memorable Cocktail: Visit the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Speakeasy for a cocktail (remember, reservations are required).
• Visit the Giant Bat (Louisville Slugger): Squeeze in a tour at the Louisville Slugger Museum.
• Go Big Time for Dinner: For the best steaks in town choose from Jeff Ruby’s, Jack Fry’s, Pat’s Steakhouse, or Repeal. Or for an authentic Louisville experience, The Brown Hotel for their famous Hot Brown.
• Finish with a Night Cap: Conclude your day with a drink at the Old Seelbach Bar.

Day Two: Lexington’s Scenic Routes and Distilleries

• Sunrise Tour: Head to Buffalo Trace, the home of Pappy Van Winkle and other exclusive bourbons. Tours sell out months in advance, so reserve your spot early or get a guide!
• Afternoon Journey (Option 1): Visit Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg, nestled in picturesque hills, known for it’s everyday sipping bourbon and special small-batch bourbons.
• Afternoon Journey (Option 2): Enjoy the beauty of Woodford Reserve. The stone buildings are as fantastic as the copper pot stills. The copper pots are some of my favorite sites on the entire bourbon trail. 
• Craft Distillery Stop: On your way back to Louisville, drop by Jeptha Creed to taste their unique whiskey made with special bloody butcher corn.

Day Three: Exploration from Louisville to Bardstown

• Southern Beauty: Begin at Maker’s Mark, one of the most beautiful properties on the trail. We love visiting around Christmas time when the decorations deck the halls! The warm Kentucky Hug of the bourbon nips even the coolest breeze!
• Jim Beam: The mecca of mass produced bourbon, Jim Beam is massive. Visitors get a sense of just how huge this industry is touring this property. As an added bonus we get to use the whiskey thief and drink bourbon from the barrel! That was so cool! Grab a souvenir bottle of Knob Creek!
• Innovative Tastings: Visit Bardstown Bourbon Company to try their distinctive Destillare expression.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pick-up a Bourbon Passport to remember your journey!

Logistics Note: Louisville and Lexington are about 70 miles apart so plan on about an hour drive. Bardstown is about 60 minutes south of Louisville, so you will have a drive here as well.

This itinerary offers a blend of classic and craft bourbon experiences, set against the backdrop of Kentucky’s breathtaking landscapes.

Our landscapes of rolling hills and deciduous trees make fall a perfect time to visit. If you visit during the fall take a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage . It’s the perfect time to visit in my opinion!!

Best Places to Stay Along the Bourbon Trail

Louisville: From Historic Elegance to Modern Vibes

• Why It’s Great : A historic hotel offering spacious rooms, antique details, and the famous hot brown dish. It’s perfect for those seeking a classic Louisville experience​​.
• Why It’s Great : On the historic Whiskey Row, Hotel Distil combines luxury with a nod to bourbon history. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a refined and upscale experience​​.

Lexington: Uncompromising Comfort and Style

• Why It’s Great : This unique boutique hotel and contemporary art museum offers a cultural and luxurious experience in the heart of downtown Lexington​​.
• Why It’s Great : A unique hotel in Lexington’s Gratz Park garden district, embodying rustic yet upscale living. Ideal for those who appreciate distinctiveness and southern hospitality​​.

Bardstown: Charming and Intimate Stays

• Why It’s Great : A charming B&B offering exceptional service, delicious breakfast, and a mix of period antiques with modern amenities. Perfect for a romantic or tranquil getaway​​.
• Why It’s Great : This historic home B&B in the heart of Bardstown offers a cozy, intimate experience, ideal for immersing in the local charm​​.

Bonus Tip: Castle & Key Distillery offers a cool AirBnb option to stay at a distillery…probably need the big checkbook for this one. Definitely one of a kind!

Each of these accommodations offers a unique experience that complements your journey on the Bourbon Trail, from urban luxury to rustic charm. Whether you’re in Louisville, Lexington, or Bardstown, these top picks ensure a comfortable, stylish, and memorable stay.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour FAQs

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is America’s native spirit, a unique type of whiskey with a rich heritage. Characterized by its primary ingredient of corn (at least 51%) and distinct aging process in new charred oak barrels, bourbon offers a robust, slightly sweet flavor profile. This iconic drink, deeply ingrained in American culture, is synonymous with tradition and craftsmanship.

How is Bourbon Different from Whiskey?

Bourbon, while a type of whiskey, stands out due to its specific corn-based recipe and aging process. It must contain at least 51% corn and be aged in new, charred oak barrels. The taste profile and flavor of bourbon comes from the barrels and the aging process!

What are the Costs associated with a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour?

Bourbon Trail tours offer options for every budget. The price will differ depending if you complete a self-guided tour or guided tour AND how many distilleries you choose to visit.

Most single distillery tours last about 60 to 90 minutes. Following the tour visitors are free to enjoy the grounds and explore the gift shops. Pricing for these tours differ from distillery to distillery.

Full day guided tours typically start around $295 per person. However, there are a wide variety of sections so there’s a range of choices to fit various timeframes and financial plans. 

How many days are needed for a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour?

To fully appreciate the trail and the unique distilleries, I recommend spending at least 3 days. This is of course not enough time to see all the distilleries along the trail, but you will get to see a variety. If you are hoping to check all 18 off, I would plan to spend 10+ days in the area.

What Unique Experiences are Offered on the Bourbon Trail?

The Bourbon Trail is known for unique experiences like exclusive tastings and interactive workshops. Christmas in bourbon country is special. All the distilleries decorate to the nines and really bring the spirit of the season alive. 

Maker’s Mark welcomed Chihuli Glass on property for months several years ago which was super cool! A piece of his art remains in the ceiling of the tasting room.

If long distance running is your thing then, you will appreciate the annual Bourbon Chase relay marathon. Set up as a relay running event teams run from Bardstown to Lexington along 170 miles of the bourbon trail! Talk about a lifetime of bourbon trail memories!

Where Can I Make Exclusive Bourbon Purchases?

Looking for rare bottle or just something special? Rare bourbons can be found at various distilleries along the Bourbon Trail. Often, visitors can find unique bourbon expressions that are only available at the distilleries. 

Visitors can also try local liquor stores and chat up the owners. This can be effective, but don’t expect any below market deals! Rare bourbon is tough to find along the trail because it gets sent around the world!

Pro Tip: If you are flying out of Louisville or Lexington, be mindful you may have to ship your bottle home to avoid TSA snagging your rare find!

How Many Stops are on the Bourbon Trail Tour?

The Bourbon Trail features 46 unique distilleries, each offering a different perspective on bourbon production and history. The legends that surround the distilleries are often as intriguing as the bourbon. 

I love hearing the history of how distilleries like Woodford Reserve were resurrected and brought into a new life. Or how Jeptha Creed grew from a family’s desire to create a unique farm-to-glass bourbon with their Bloody Butcher Corn.

Are There Family-Friendly Options on the Bourbon Trail?

The Bourbon Trail offers activities suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly destination. While the distilleries are the main attraction, the trail also features various historical and cultural sites that cater to a broader audience.

As parents we might consider a quick stop to show our kids the manufacturing process, but we would not drag our kids through multiple distilleries. It would be a long day for everyone!

Want to Extend Your Stay in Louisville?

That is a great idea! Louisville is a dynamic city with so many fun things to offer. We wrote an article about the Best Day Trips From Louisville .

How Do You Handle Hangovers on the Bourbon Trail?

To handle hangovers, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and drink in moderation while on the Bourbon Trail. Water between tastings and responsible drinking are key to enjoying the experience without the aftereffects.

What is the Dress Code for the Bourbon Trail?

The dress code for the Bourbon Trail is generally casual. We recommend comfortable clothing for tours. Tours involve walking both indoors and outdoors. 

While tours are casual, enjoying a cocktail or dinner may require stepping up your game a bit. As a plus dressing up a bit always makes the food and bourbon taste better and lifts our spirits! 

Looking good…Feeling good!

What Role Does Bourbon Play in Beer?

Besides the fact that beer drinkers save more bourbon for the rest of us, bourbon barrels get a second life crafting beers, adding a twist to the flavors. These barrels impart unique characteristics to the beer, creating a rich and complex taste profile that’s becoming increasingly popular in the craft beer scene. 

While you are checking out Louisville stop into one of our many craft beer brewers. From TEN20 Brewery to Goodwood , we have tons of local craft beers that will make Louisville your go to destination for all things bourbon and craft beer!

Final Thoughts on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour

Navigating the Bourbon Trail is not just about the destinations; it’s also about the journey. Here are some resources to enhance and ensure a safe experience:

• Podcasts for Bourbon Enthusiasts: To immerse yourself in the world of bourbon before your visit, check out podcasts like “ Bourbon Pursuit ” or “ The Bourbon Daily .” They offer insightful discussions about different bourbons, distillery histories, and insider tips for trail visitors. These podcast helped me learn about bourbon, the master distillers, tasting notes, and so much more!
• Responsible Drinking: Always ALWAYS remember to drink responsibly. Savoring bourbon is about quality, not quantity. Pace yourself and enjoy the unique flavors each distillery offers. 
• Transportation Tips: Consider hiring a professional guide, designated driver or using ride-sharing services. Many distilleries are spread out, and safe transportation is key.

These resources not only prepare you for the trail but also ensure that your adventure is both enjoyable and safe. Remember, the essence of the Bourbon Trail lies in appreciating the craftsmanship and stories behind each bottle.

So, what are you waiting for? 

Pack your bags, pick your trail, and get ready to embark on a journey that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul. Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail awaits you – cheers to an adventure of a lifetime! 

About the Author!

Mike & Sara Lynch are life long Kentucky residents. They enjoy exploring the bourbon trail with friends. Each year they host a fun party called “Mikefest” where they enjoy a bourbon trail tour.

When they are not enjoying fine Kentucky Bourbon, they enjoy RV travel and they write and publish a blog,  Our Campfire Unplugged . Head on over to learn more about travelling with two kids, a dog, and a giant fifth-wheel! We hope you create memories that last a lifetime on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail! Cheers!! 🥃

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12 Etiquette Tips You Need To Follow On A Bourbon Distillery Tour, According To Industry Experts

For those who love visiting world-class distilleries, particularly those of the bourbon variety, exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is the best way to line up an action-packed day of learning, sightseeing, and, of course, tasting whiskey. For bourbon lovers, a distillery tour is huge fun, but there are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind to ensure that you and the other guests have the best experience possible.

We've gathered expert advice from some of the best bourbon brands to give us first-hand insight into how to be on your best behavior while on a bourbon distillery tour. Angel's Envy distillery operations manager Damian Gallaher and distillery general manager Dee Ford discussed these etiquette tips. Additionally, we spoke with assistant general manager at Michter's Distillery, Anne Mae, for her useful advice on the dos and don'ts of distillery touring.

Along with these experts, I've also worked as a brand ambassador in spirits, conducting large consumer tastings and events. I know that customer behavior and engagement can be what makes or breaks a session. Folks spend plenty of time, money, and attention when planning a trip on the Bourbon Trail; these etiquette tips can equip you with the knowledge to have fun, stay safe, and contribute to everyone's enjoyment.

Book in advance

Benjamin Franklin once said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Whether or not he was saying this in reference to attending a bourbon distillery tour is unclear, but the advice remains sound nonetheless. Luckily, Damian Gallaher from Angel's Envy echoes this same sentiment, with some practical advice. "Book in advance. Bourbon tourism is booming. Although some distilleries may have walk-in opportunities for tours and tastings, these are the exception, not the rule."

Gallaher explains that if you're setting your expectations high and going to the effort to travel to a distillery, taking the time to make a booking is well worth it. "Nothing is worse than planning a dream trip to Bourbon Country only to find out your favorite distillery is sold out". Having a booking locked in at your distillery of choice means you don't have to cause unnecessary stress for the staff in trying to deliver a satisfying experience.

Booking a distillery tour is convenient enough, and guests can book easily on distillery websites. This also gives an opportunity to discover the full range of options at your chosen distillery. Anne Mae from Michter's recommends looking ahead in this way, with yet more useful advice. "Do some research about the distillery you plan to visit and learn about the different tours and experiences they offer." Planning ahead for all the distillery experiences you want to do is another way to avoid causing confusion or disruption when you arrive.

Distilleries can be bustling places, and often tours run like clockwork to a schedule. Being on time is the best way to keep your end of the bargain as a visitor. Anne Mae recommends you arrive at least 10 minutes early to give you time to check in and familiarize yourself with the facility. Damian Gallaher echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of being on time. "Please keep in mind that there most likely is a tour right before yours and right after yours. For these to run smoothly and not impact the experiences of others, they have to start and end on time."

Not only does it pay to manage your time prior to attending a distillery tour, but Gallaher also describes how staying conscious of your timekeeping and scheduling can save you hassle down the line. This is especially true when lining up an action-packed day on the bourbon trail. "Make sure you have allotted sufficient time to get to each location," says Gallaher, "and avoid overextending yourself. More stops do not always equal more fun." Of course, as Gallaher also points out, not fitting everything you want to see into a single trip just gives you an excuse to return.

Leave the kids at home

This is an easy one to overlook. Your mind is fixated on the bourbon-fueled adventure ahead of you; the whole family is in the car for the day ... and you arrive to find out that the kiddies don't really fit into this vision. Damian Gallaher explains that there are some valid reasons for distilleries stopping children at the door. "Some distilleries are able to accommodate children; some are not. There are legal guidelines all distilleries must adhere to regarding the presence of minors. Always check before you go." Arriving with children when there are legal reasons they're not allowed on-site can put staff in an awkward position as they have to ask you to remove them from the premises.

Of course, legal regulations aren't the only considerations when bringing children to a bourbon distillery. Gallaher continues: "Even if your destinations do allow for children, please keep in mind it may impact the adults in your group and what they are able to do at the distillery." For obvious reasons, bourbon distilleries may not be as interesting to kids as they are to adults, so it may just be better for everyone if they don't get dragged along.

Ask questions

When speaking to a large group of people, there's nothing worse than a silent audience. Whether guiding guests through the distillery or stepping them through the intricacies of bourbon's flavors and aromas, a group that's tongue-tied can make it difficult to stimulate engagement and raise the tour's energy. The best way to improve your own experience on a bourbon tour, as well as that of the other guests, is to ask questions.

This is one of Damian Gallaher's key etiquette tips for visitors. "Don't be afraid to ask questions — even if you think they're silly. If you're wondering about something, so are others in your group." What's more, asking many questions is actually helpful to tour guides, as it helps them connect with the group. Gallaher explains that guests having questions is actually preferable. "Kentucky Bourbon Trail guides are some of the most knowledgeable bourbon experts in the world. They love to share their knowledge with brand-new whiskey enthusiasts and lifelong enthusiasts alike."

Anne Mae also suggests asking lots of questions during your tour, reminding guests to ask not only about the qualities of the final products but also how the production process impacts them. If you have any uncertainties about what particular equipment does, how different ingredients are added, or who does what, putting your hand up is certainly encouraged. "Your tour guide is there to help you learn and appreciate the art of making whiskey."

Remember, it may be someone else's first time

Chances are, at some point, you've attended an event, tour, or tasting with that one know-it-all in the corner who's just bursting to show off their expertise. Damian Gallaher reminds guests that even if they're already familiar with the distillery's products and processes or have an encyclopedic knowledge of bourbon, it's important to remember that may not be the case for all guests. "If you've heard the bourbon laws four times that day, then one, you've booked too many experiences for one day," he says. "Two, there are probably others on their first tour." 

Gallaher explains that although it's wonderful if you have extensive bourbon knowledge or know more than others are offering in the group, the respectful thing to do is to keep it to yourself. It's important to trust your tour guide to touch on relevant concepts in their own time. Just because they haven't mentioned a particular fact or explained a stage in distilling doesn't mean that information doesn't have an intentional place later in the tour. It's important to engage and ask questions, but avoid using questions as a way to demonstrate your knowledge.

Keep an open mind

Whether bourbon is your chosen tipple or not, it's important to keep an open mind when attending a bourbon distillery tour. Even if you've decided bourbon isn't for you, being open to new experiences and information can only improve your experience and help the tour guide. A group of open-minded visitors who're there to learn makes it much easier to engage with and deliver an enjoyable experience.

"During the tour, keep an open mind and be willing to try spirits that you might not typically drink or are not familiar with. This will allow you to explore new flavors and expand your palate," suggests Anne Mae. "Keep in mind that our taste preferences change over time, so you might discover a new favorite expression during the tasting." 

Perhaps there's a bourbon with less corn and more rye that sparks unexpected joy. Maybe you find that with a promising bourbon and chocolate pairing , your experience of a whiskey you've previously written off gets a new lease on life. Your guide isn't there to trick you into liking bourbon but to suggest different ways to enjoy the spirit that may open up new doors of enjoyment.

Pace yourself

Wineries, breweries, and distilleries are all places where it's easy to get a little carried away. It makes sense; you're literally at the source of your favorite products. The golden ticket winners who went to the chocolate factory hardly exercised much restraint, but then, it didn't work out so well for most of them. Even if you're most looking forward to the part where you get to actually drink the bourbon, it's essential that you stay mindful of your consumption.

Damian Gallaher offers this advice –  "Pace yourself. Distilled spirits have a higher proof — these are not wine tastings. For context, many wines are roughly 25 proof. The whiskeys you will be tasting will be anywhere from 80 proof to over 120 proof." Pacing yourself doesn't just mean being conscientious of the whiskey to enjoy at one site. For many, a distillery tour is just one stop-off of many on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Gallaher also has a recommendation for how many visits to squeeze into one day. "Three tastings (most tastings will involve multiple pours) over the course of a day is about where you want to be."

Be attentive

When we said there's nothing worse than a quiet audience, that wasn't actually true. There is one thing worse than a quiet audience, and that's an audience that doesn't pay attention in the first place. Imagine guiding a group of people through the distillery grounds, and a few members wander off or chat loudly the whole way through. Being inattentive can make it harder for the tour guide and disrupt the experience for the rest of the group.

This doesn't just apply to the moving tour of the facility but the tasting experience as well. "Listen to what your tasting guide says to get the most out of your bourbon tasting," says Damian Gallaher. 

Typically, the more alcohol a group consumes, the more chatty they become. While this may stimulate more question-asking, it can also mean more disruptive talking at the back of the class. It's important to be mindful of the ongoing presentation and remain attentive throughout. Groups usually get a chance to have a chat amongst themselves at some point during a tour or tasting, so just sit tight and stay focused while enjoying the tour.

Follow instructions

While you may be a seasoned bourbon distillery visitor or just be holding out for that delicious bourbon reward at the end, it's essential that you follow instructions throughout. A distillery tour is a carefully curated experience, and it's bad etiquette to jump the gun. Damian Gallaher urges visitors to listen to everything the tour guide says and follow instructions carefully. "Don't sit down and immediately drink the bourbon sample in front of you."

Dee Ford, Angel's Envy distillery general manager, reminds us that there's more to enjoying whiskey than just sipping. "Wait for your guide to talk you through the process. Nosing is just as important as tasting." Whether or not you already know how to taste bourbon like a pro , it's essential that you listen to the instructions your guide gives you throughout. For example, you may not know from looking at it that a bourbon is high enough proof to scorch your nose clean off, but your guide may warn you to proceed with caution or nose the bourbon from a distance. If you dive your nose right in without taking the time to listen, you may end up with regretful tears in your eyes.

Share your opinions on tasting notes

While there are certain times during a distillery tour when your ears are more useful than your mouth, sharing your opinions can be a great way to engage with the tour guide and positively contribute to the experience. The key is to wait until an appropriate moment to share your opinions without interrupting the tour or derailing the tasting. Typically, a tour guide will ask for tasting notes or opinions, and when they do, sharing is encouraged.

As Dee Ford instructs: "Do share your personal tasting notes when asked by your guide. They like to get your input, which makes it more fun for everyone. Someone else may be thinking of the same tasting notes as you." Mentioning that you can taste notes like cocoa, vanilla, citrus, or caramel can actually help other guests connect with those characteristics and even help them find their own. If you sometimes struggle to find flavors or aromas, looking over a bourbon-tasting wheel before or during your tasting can help stimulate the recognition of notes in the bourbon.

Usually, as soon as one guest goes out on a limp and shares what they're tasting, others gain the courage to do the same. It's always helpful to take one for the team and be the first to share your tasting notes when asked.

Thank your guide at the end

It may seem basic, but remembering your manners is also a part of good bourbon distillery tour etiquette, including saying thank you. "Do consider thanking your guide if you enjoyed their tasting process," Dee Ford says. Distillery tour guides put a huge amount of effort into ensuring that your experience is enjoyable, informative, and unique. This also means treating every new group like welcome guests while being friendly and attentive to their needs.

A brief thank you is the fastest way to show that you appreciate this effort and assure the guide that you had a positive experience. Thanking your guide is also extremely helpful to new or less-experienced tour guides. Thanking them after the tour can let them know they're doing well and help them hone their abilities as tour guides. If you have constructive feedback, this can also be helpful but remember that too much criticism can undermine a thank you.

Gratuity is always appreciated

Of course, there are many ways to thank your tour guides, and a popular way is with a cash gratuity. While a tip is not always expected, as Dee Ford describes, "Gratuity is always appreciated." If it feels appropriate to leave a small gratuity for your tour guide, this is an effective way to thank them for the experience and encourage them to continue their good work.

Deciding a reasonable tip for a distillery tour is similar to determining how much you should tip for dinner. You may consider the cost of the tour and decide an appropriate amount relative to this amount, using 20% as a starting point. Alternatively, you can decide on a reasonable amount proportional to the experience and your appreciation.

It can also be helpful to consider the length of the experience. For example, up to $10 can be a reasonable amount for a half-day experience, while for a full-day experience, $20 per person may be more appropriate. If you don't have much cash on you or these numbers are a tad too steep for your budget, offering whatever you can as a gratuity still communicates your appreciation and shows the guide that their efforts were noticed.

The 22 Best Things To Do In Lexington, Kentucky

Whether you go for the bourbon trail, horse country, or a city getaway, Lexington is perfectly placed.

It's easy to overlook Lexington at first, in the shadow of Louisville, which gets most of the attention thanks to the  Kentucky Derby and Whiskey Row. Yet, Lexington quietly enjoys the spoils of being a thriving town set in the ecologically stunning Kentucky landscape. From  bourbon distilleries  and horse racing to breezy Bluegrass hills and a vibrant downtown, you're never short on places to explore and local businesses to duck into. Lexington is perfectly placed for a getaway with so many activities to put on your list, no matter if you go during the blooming spring, colorful autumn, or snowy winter.

 Here are the best things to do on your next trip to Lexington, Kentucky.

Explore Horse Country

Tour keeneland race track.

Dubbed a National Historic Landmark, Keeneland has helped keep the tradition of Thoroughbred racing alive for over eight decades. Moreover, the lush grounds are expertly crafted and kept up and worth a visit on their own. Year-round, you can book a morning tour that shows the early training sessions, as well as teaches guests about the history of Keeneland and thoroughbred racing.

keeneland.com , 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510

Attend the Keeneland Races

The horse-racing events in Kentucky are set apart from other sporting events due to the pomp and circumstance that surrounds them. Spectators are expected to dress to the nines—hats, ascots, and all—to sip on mint juleps and bet on quirky-named horses. At Keeneland, you can plan a visit during the Spring Meet or Fall Meet.

Visit a Retirement Home for Racehorses

At Old Friends , a retirement farm for Thoroughbreds whose careers have ended, Michael Blowen gives racehorses the best kind of Kentucky retirement. When Blowen decided to start a retirement farm for racehorses, people were skeptical. "They all thought I was nuts," he says. Today, Blowen oversees three farms that serve as the residence for 260 retired or elderly horses. You can visit the main facility at Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, and get the chance to meet past champion horses.

oldfriendsequine.org , 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324

Reserve a Tour at Famed Horse Farms

Prestigious operations such as  Claiborne Farm ,  Spy Coast Farm , and  Ashford Stud  (home of Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify) offer a fleeting glimpse into a largely exclusive world. You're able to book public group tours ahead of time, and therefore craft your own itinerary. During the tours, expect to learn the history of often generational horse farms, meet past champion horses, and take in the scenic views.

Take Advantage of Kentucky Horse Park

Opened in 1978, the Kentucky Horse Park is the world’s only park dedicated to teaching people about horses and helping take care of and showcase the majestic animals. During most of the year, the park is home to up to 100 horses representing more than 25 different breeds. While you can explore the museum, visitor's center, and horse stalls, there is no better way to immerse yourself in horse culture than embarking on the guided 35-minute trail ride, which is suitable for first-time riders and takes you along the outskirts of the park.

kyhorsepark.com , 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511

Follow The Bourbon Trail

Tour the reader-voted "south's best distillery".

There are 46 stops that make up the  Kentucky Bourbon Trail , but amongst the many options, make sure to plan a visit to what our readers previously voted the "South's Best:" The Woodford Reserve Distillery . The official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve has garnered icon status since its founding in 1812, and even still uses a track system from the 1800s to roll barrels into the warehouses. Tours include bourbon tastings, and a visit to the Woodford Reserve Welcome Center comes with excellent cocktails and expert pours, as well as sweeping views from the veranda.

woodfordreserve.com , 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383

Taste More Than Just Bourbon

Beyond just bourbon, there are some distilleries offering a unique range of distilled products.  Castle & Key Distillery , located half an hour from downtown Lexington in Frankfort, also offers tastings of its in-house gin and vodka that will appeal to those who don't prefer bourbon. Make sure to roam the gorgeous grounds that once housed the Old Taylor Distillery, a romantic castle built in the 1800s.

castleandkey.com , 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601

Explore More Well-Known Bourbon Legends

Fortunately, there is a distillery for practically every taste here. Heirloom distilleries such as Buffalo Trace and Maker's Mark are sure-fire delights for a bourbon lover. The  Maker’s Mark distillery is exactly what you hope a bourbon distillery will look like: a large black barn with cherry red shutters, the old homestead (now a visitors center) tucked beneath shade trees, landscaped paths, and a trickling stream named Whisky Creek. In downtown Frankfort, not far from Lexington, Buffalo Trace feels like an industrial frontier town, with most of the buildings on the 118-acre campus built before Prohibition.

Pay Visits to Small-Batch Bourbon Makers

Luckily, the industry hasn't stopped at the big names. Embark on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour to hit unique and newer small-batch labels with fresh perspectives. There are 28 stops to choose from, including Bluegrass Distillers which has a downtown Lexington location available for visits. For those hitting the road, family-run  Brough Brothers Distillery —the first Black-owned microdistillery in Kentucky—offers tasting and tours in the Park Hill area of Louisville, only a little over an hour's drive away from Lexington.

Check Out The City

Spend an evening in the distillery district.

The  Distillery District —housed in the Historic James E. Pepper Distillery, which had previously sat abandoned for five decades—is now the place to go to have a little tour of everything that Lexington has to offer, including working bourbon distilleries, restaurants, bars, and shops. Make a stop at the Barrel House Distillery , a craft distiller on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail; try authentic Kentucky burgoo at the Elkhorn Tavern ; and listen to music at Manchester Music Hall , which is located in the circa-1800s bourbon warehouse of Old Tarr Distillery.

lexingtondistillerydistrict.com , 1228 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504

If You Haven't, Try Ale-8

Ale-8-One—called Ale-8 for short—is a gingery, citrusy soft drink that tastes like a crisper, more mellowed take on ginger beer, and it's the only Kentucky-invented soft drink still being produced. The first batches were bottled in 1926, making it over 90 years old. Head to the downtown rooftop of  Belle's Cocktail House , and order a "bourbon & Ale-8."

bellesbar.com , 156 Market St, Lexington, KY 40507

Explore Downtown Lexington

Downtown Lexington has plenty of entertainment to spend a day exploring. On weekends, stop by the Lexington Farmers' Market. Peep the many murals throughout the city blocks. Head to The Square —a block of renovated Victorian-style buildings—to see the art scene at  Plymale Gallery ,  Main Cross Gallery , and the  Artist Attic . On the same block as the 21c Museum Hotel is  Bourbon on Rye , a modish take on a moody bourbon bar, where some truly well-versed bartenders will happily guide you without breaking the bank.

Where To Eat

Enjoy southern cuisine at dudley's on short.

A Lexington institution for nearly 40 years, Dudley's On Short is the perfect spot to grab a Southern-inspired upscale lunch or dinner, located in a circa-1880s bank. No meal is complete without "Dudley's Eggs," which are the perfect deviled egg bites to split. The brunch-and-lunch menu has standout shareables, including bacon beignets and smoked trout dip.

dudleysonshort.com , 259 W Short St #125, Lexington, KY 40507

Start or End Your Day at Pearl's

A bagel shop by morning and pizza-and-wine bar by evening, Pearl's in downtown Lexington is our kind of all-day café. The breakfast bagels are hand-rolled and honey-boiled, and the wood-fired pizza is delightfully poofy and charred, perfect for sharing with family and friends with a bottle of all-natural wine, which the restaurant specializes in.

pearlspizzapie.com , 133 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507

Indulge in Kentucky Barbecue at Blue Door Smokehouse

You'll find the best brisket in the area at Blue Door Smokehouse , hands down. Opened in 2013 by two Lexington natives, this BBQ joint doles out sandwiches and plates piled high with the smoked meats of your choice. Ask for the "Blue Door Special" to sample all the proteins in stock on any given day.

bluedoorsmokehouse.com , 226 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502

Try the Latin Cuisine at Corto Lima

This Latin-inspired restaurant is run by James Beard-nominated chef Jonathan Lundy. At Corto Lima , you can expect a mix of flavor-packed dishes, such as shrimp ceviche, adobo chicken, and rock crab empanadas. Start with a batch of guacamole and a house margarita to wash it all down.

cortolima.com , 101 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507

Grab a Slice at Missy's Pies

A local favorite since 1989, Missy's Pies offers the best homemade slices of delectable pies in town. Flavors vary according to day and season, but look out for customer-beloved options such as the chocolate-and-peanut butter "Combo" Pie, Black Bottom Banana Pie, and Coconut Cream Pie.

missyspieshop.com , 502 E High St, Lexington, KY 40502

Where To Stay

Stay at an award-winning museum hotel.

Located in downtown Lexington, the artsy  21c Museum Hotel is housed in a historic bank building. Except now, it offers such contemporary perks as a contemporary art museum and a notable in-house restaurant,  Lockbox . Explore the exhibits between comings and goings.

21cmuseumhotels.com/lexington , 167 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507

Stay in the Distillery District

Located in Lexington's restored Distillery District walkable to the many restaurants and shops, The Manchester feels perfectly suited to the historic and soulful nature of Lexington. The interiors' supple leather and rich, earthy tones mimic the surrounding Bluegrass hills and Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries. The hotel offers 125 rooms with a bespoke bottle shop, lobby bar, and two in-house dining options—Appalachian-inspired Granddam—and rooftop bar Lost Palm.

themanchesterky.com , 941 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508

Stay at a Hip Pet-Friendly Hotel

The Elwood Hotel is adorned with a colorful mural on the front facade, and you can expect similar energy on the inside with vibrant art and decor. The 62-room boutique hotel is also welcoming to those with pets and has an in-house restaurant. Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar, located in the lobby, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for indoor dining, as well as an outdoor terrace with firepits. 

theelwoodhotel.com , 444 Parkway Dr, Lexington, KY 40504

Make A Rural Pitstop

Stop for lunch at wallace station deli.

Make a pit stop at  Wallace Station Deli  near Midway, one of well-known Kentucky chef Ouita Michel's places. The 15-minute drive to Wallace Station from the highway will take you past some of the area's showiest horse farms. Order one of the Inside Out Hot Browns (their take on a  classic Kentucky sandwich ) and a cold bottle of Ale-8.

wallacestation.com , 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles, KY 40383

Tour the Kentucky Castle

One of the more unique landmarks you'll come across while driving around Kentucky's bourbon trail and horse country region, the Kentucky Castle offers various experiences, including tours of the castle grounds, themed dinners, or farm days. You can even stay on the grounds for an extra magical trip.

thekentuckycastle.com , 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383

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The epicenter of modern Russia, Moscow booms with shiny new skyscrapers, the bulbous onion domes of the tsars and politically-rich Red Square. Explore the metropolis with a tourHQ guide.

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The sprawling, mind-boggling metropolis of Russian Moscow has long been one of the theatrical stages on which the great dramas of Europe and Asia have been played out in grand style. Burned by Napoleon in 1812, immortalised by Tolstoy, utilised by the Bolsheviks and championed as a bastion of heroic defiance by the post-war communists, it’s almost hard to believe just how defining the historical events that found their home on Moscow’s streets have been. Moscow tour guides will easily be able to mark the major must-see landmarks on the map, from the onion-domed orthodox Saint Basil's Cathedral, to the political powerhouse of Red Square just next door, while others will be quick to recommend a ride on Moscow’s famous subterranean metro system, or a visit to the UNESCO-attested Novodevichy Convent on the city’s southern side. But Moscow is a city also in the throes of a cultural wrangling between the old and the new. Creative energies abound here: Boho bars and pumping super clubs now occupy the iconic mega structures of the old USSR; high-fashion outlets, trendy shopping malls and luxurious residential districts stand as testimony to a city that’s now the undisputed playground of the world’s super-rich, while sprawling modern art museums dominate the cultural offering of the downtown districts north of the Moskva River.  

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Best things to see and do in Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. It’s rich and complex history is a constant reminder of its strategic position between Europe and Asia and makes it one of the cities you should visit once in your life. In terms of the many iconic landmarks, the delicious cuisine, and the characteristic, colorful architecture it has, Moscow is full of surprises for first-timers and seasoned travelers. Apart from the main attractions, it has like the Kremlin or Red Square, Moscow has many hidden gems for you to discover on your free walking tour with your local guide. 

On any of the free guided tours we offer in Moscow , you will be able to find a selection of many tours which are available in different languages and at different times of day, like the morning, afternoon, and evening. Since Moscow is such a large metropolis, getting your bearings by doing a guruwalk with a local guide who will show you all Moscow’s hidden gems is a great idea. This way you get to learn as much as possible about the local culture and way of life. A trip to Moscow wouldn't be complete without visiting iconic places like St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, or the State Historical Museum, before getting some fresh air at Gorky Park, the medieval church of Kolomenskoye, or shopping at Izmailovsky Market. Don’t miss visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Bolshoi Theater, or checking out the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve. 

Many travelers have left their r eviews and opinions about the local guides , gurus, and the routes they walked. If you have any questions about the routes or what is included in the tour, check out their opinions. 

Free walking tour near Moscow

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Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

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This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

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Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

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Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

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