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bourbon trail transportation

Bourbon tours - and so much more.

You can enjoy the comfort of the Kentucky Bourbon Bus for any occasion, Day Trips to Keenland, Derby Trips, Birthday Parties, Prom, Weddings, Date Nights, Corporate Transportation.  If you Need us, we will be there! 

Expierenced Guides

 Kentucky Bourbon Bus will help guide your Bourbon Adventure! We have personally visited every site in Bourbon Country, and we know the in's and outs. Kentucky Bourbon Bus is how to do Bourbon Country like a local! 

Buffalo Trace, Whiskey Thief,  Woodford Reserve, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Makers Mark, Angels Envy and More! 

Custom Tours

No Cookie Cutter tours here. Let's talk about what you want to See, Taste, Eat, and Drink - and we will build a custom day, you and your group will never forget! Please note that Distillery Experiences  book up quickly - , You NEED to book "experiences" directly with the distilleries, and we will take care of getting you there safely! - If you need help with recommendations, we are More Than HAPPY to help!

 All Bookings are private to your group only. Vehicle Size is up to 14 passengers. Please note that availability of tours and "experiences" at individual distilleries are subject to availability. It's required that you book experiences (directly) with the distilleries you plan to visit!!! We are happy to help and make recommendations, but please remember our guests are responsible for securing those reservations! Our Deposits are NOT Refundable after booking without prior agreement.  ALL Locations MUST BE in the State of Kentucky! - We can not cross state lines!

For small group tours, we can customize an itinerary to emphasize your interests. If you have a special request, send us a message, and we will be sure to get back to you soon.

Mount Washington, Kentucky 40047, United States

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Customized Tours

This is Bourbon Country!  Explore “America’s Native Spirit” and other local flavors.  We’ll handle the driving and details, you handle the Spirits.

PRE-PACKAGED TOURS

We’ve put together some outstanding tours that include some of the most popular destinations and even a few right here in Louisville.  Choose from distilleries, horse farms and more.  Check out our “menu” of tours.

Public tours

We are proud to now offer public Bourbon tours. As with our other tours, we'll visit must-see Kentucky distilleries, and of course, there will be plenty of tastings along the way. Heck, you might even meet a new friend.

TRANSPORTATION & RENTALS

We offer a variety of options for you to choose from that are designed to fit anyone’s budget and taste whether you need a large or small vehicle.

KENTUCKY PEERLESS DISTILLING

Louisville, Ky

“The Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company began in Henderson, Kentucky in the early 1880s. In 1889, under the leadership of the entrepreneur and our ancestor, Henry Kraver, Peerless Whiskey production began to flourish.”

EVAN WILLIAMS DISTILLERY

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to be the first distillery on Whiskey Row.”

ANGEL’S ENVY DISTILLERY

“Rooted in 200 years of bourbon heritage, we create hand-finished spirits that aren’t afraid to improve on the classic tradition.”

OLD FORESTER DISTILLING CO.

“A truly rare and distinctive occasion took place in Louisville, Kentucky in 1870. When George Garvin Brown sealed Bourbon in a bottle for the very first time, he did so knowing it would guarantee quality and consistency for Bourbon lovers everywhere.”

BULLEIT DISTILLERY

Shively, Ky

“In 1987, Thomas E. Bulleit, Jr., fulfilled a lifelong dream of reviving an old family bourbon recipe by starting the Bulleit Distilling Company.”

RABBIT HOLE DISTILLERY

“ Rabbit Hole Distillery is a Kentucky-based bourbon and whiskey distiller, inspired by modern approaches to whiskey making.”

MICHTER’S FORT NELSON DISTILLERY

“Located at 801 West Main Street in the heart of downtown Louisville, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery is across the street from the Louisville Slugger Museum…”

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY

Bardstown, Ky

“Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. is an American, private family-owned and operated distillery founded in 1935 and headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky.”

Limestone Branch DISTILLERY

Lebanon, Ky

“It all began when a man named Jacob Beam sold his first barrels of corn whiskey.”

JIM BEAM DISTILLERY

Clermont, Ky

“Jim Beam is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky, by Beam Suntory, a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Osaka, Japan. It is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon in the world.”

MAKER’S MARK DISTILLERY

Loretto, Ky

“Maker’s Mark is a small-batch bourbon whiskey produced in Loretto, Kentucky, by Beam Suntory. It is bottled at 90 U.S. proof and sold in distinctively squarish bottles sealed with red wax.”

WILLETT DISTILLERY

“Makers of Kentucky Bourbon and Kentucky Rye Whiskey”

BARDSTOWN BOURBON CO.

“Napa Valley style experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, featuring a state-of-the-art bourbon distillery…”

Lux Row Distillery

"The newest destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail producing Blood Oath, Rebel, Daviess County and more."

Preservation Distillery

"We are the first and only 100% pot-distilled producer in Nelson County, Kentucky's Napa Valley for bourbon."

Kentucky Cooperage

"Wonder where all those barrels come from? See them assembled and charred right before your eyes. Closed-toe shoes are required."

James Pepper Distillery

Lexington, Ky

"After a multi-year construction effort, the historic James E. Pepper Distillery—which after fifty years of neglect had fallen into a terrible state of disrepair—was completely rebuilt and restored. In December 2017, the distillery once again began distilling whiskey using the same historic recipe as when it shut down in 1967."

Whiskey Thief Distillery

Graefenburg, Ky

"Whiskey Thief Distillery at Three Boys Farm is situated on our 122-acre farm in rural Franklin County Kentucky. We are distilling single barrel Bourbon and Whiskey of distinct quality. Family owned and operated, our distillery began operations making single barrel bourbons and high quality whiskeys in 2013."

Barrel House Distillery

"Located in the barreling house of the old Pepper Distillery in historic Lexington, Kentucky, we strive to continue the tradition of the old Kentucky Distillers by producing fine spirits made with traditional methods."

JEPTHA CREED DISTILLERY

Shelbyville, Ky

“Jeptha Creed Distillery uses old fashioned methods to meet today’s demanding modern tastes. We use only the finest ingredients, locally grown and sourced (when possible) to ensure our products meet the highest expectations for quality and flavor.”

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

Frankfort, Ky

“Over 200 years of fine bourbon craftsmanship make Buffalo Trace the World’s Most Decorated Distillery.”

WOODFORD RESERVE DISTILLERY

Versailles, Ky

“One of Kentucky’s oldest and smallest distilleries, the present day Woodford Reserve Distillery is built on history, sitting on Kentucky’s oldest distilling site where Elijah Pepper began crafting whiskey in 1812.”

Castle & Key Distillery

"Castle & Key began restoring the historic Old Taylor Distillery in 2014 and after four years of hard work, was overjoyed to open the distillery to visitors in September of 2018."

WILD TURKEY DISTILLERY

Lawrenceburg, Ky

“Wild Turkey is different for good reason, and it all comes down to premium ingredients, select barrels, and a lot of patience.”

FOUR ROSES DISTILLERY

“Visit our historic Spanish mission style distillery to discover what makes Four Roses truly unique.”

BULLEIT DISTILLING CO.

“Bulleit Bourbon is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, for the Diageo beverage conglomerate.”

RD One Distillery Tasting Room

"In 1865, the Ashland Distillery was established, the first to obtain a federally registered distillery license, and was assigned RD#1. Today, the remains of the original distillery can be found at what is now the entrance to Lexington’s Distillery District."

Bluegrass Distillers

"Home of the first and only Kentucky Blue Corn Bourbon."

Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

"The only brewery AND distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon tour."

CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK A CUSTOM TOUR

CALL 502-233-9903 OR FILL OUT OUR FORM BELOW

• Call 800.437.2323
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5 Days / 4 Nights

Departure from your location may require en route lodging. Call for details.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

A group bus tour, featuring 3 distilleries, belle of louisville dinner cruise and old kentucky home state park  .

Visit the birthplace of bourbon!  Visit several bourbon distilleries and experience everything from barreling to bottling and of course sampling! Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard The Belle of Louisville and visit the Old Kentucky Home State Park, best known for Stephen Foster’s anti-slavery ballad “My Old Kentucky Home.”   There’s something for everyone on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail — tours, tastings, activities, big-city nightlife, and quaint country towns

This package includes:

• 4 Nights Lodging
• 4 Breakfasts
• 4 Dinners, including Belle of Louisville Riverboat Dinner Cruise (based on availability)
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center (Frazier Museum)
• Jim Beam Distillery
• Heaven Hill Distillery
• Bardstown Bourbon Distillery
• Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
• Visit to Old Kentucky Home State Park, including Mansion Tour
• Gift for All  
• Luggage Handling
• All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
• 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more

Call for available options 800.437.2323

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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!

Kentucky Private Bourbon Trips

Call or text, 502-276-1053.

About Bourbon trips

Welcome to Kentucky Bourbon Trips!

Discover the Heart of Bourbon Country with Exclusive Custom Tours

Unveil the rich history and timeless allure of bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky, and the surrounding cities with Kentucky Bourbon Trips. We are your premier provider of private chauffeur-driven custom tours, offering an unforgettable experience through the heartland of bourbon craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of whiskey, our expertly tailored tours will leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for this iconic American spirit.

                   Choose Your Tour Date

• Select your preferred tour date from the calendar provided. Our calendar will display the available dates for tours. Click on the date you wish to book.
• Please note that our tours are subject to availability, and it’s recommended to book well in advance, especially if you have specific date preferences.

              Select Five Distilleries

• After choosing your tour date, you will be prompted to select five distilleries you’d like to visit during your tour. Browse through the options and make your selections.
• If you need more information about the distilleries, you can find detailed descriptions on our website. We recommend choosing a mix of your favorite distilleries and exploring new ones.

          Submit Your Booking Request

• Once you have selected your preferred date and five distilleries, click the “Submit Request” or “Book Tour” button.
• This will send your choices to our reservation specialists who will review your request and check the availability of the distilleries for the chosen date.

         Reservation Confirmation

• Our reservation specialists will review your request and attempt to secure reservations at three of the distilleries you’ve selected. They will make every effort to accommodate your preferences.
• You will receive an email or phone call from our team confirming your tour date and the distilleries that were successfully reserved.

Louisville, Kentucky

Angel’s Envy Distillery : Angel’s Envy is a boutique distillery situated in the heart of downtown Louisville. They pride themselves on their small-batch, handcrafted bourbons, including their finished in port wine casks, creating a unique and rich flavor profile.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience : Located on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience offers an immersive journey into the history and heritage of bourbon-making. Visitors can explore an urban bourbon distillery, learn about the Evan Williams brand, and enjoy tastings of their fine bourbons.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company : Kentucky Peerless is known for its emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. They produce small-batch, craft-distilled bourbon and rye whiskey in a meticulously restored historic building. The distillery provides tours and tastings that showcase their dedication to tradition.

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery : Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery is located in a beautifully renovated historic building on Main Street. The distillery offers tours and tastings that explore the history of Michter’s and their meticulous approach to bourbon production.

Old Forester Distillery : Old Forester is one of the longest continuously produced bourbon brands in America. The distillery, located on Whiskey Row, offers tours that provide insight into the history of the brand and the bourbon-making process.

Rabbit Hole Distillery : Rabbit Hole is known for its innovative approach to bourbon-making. Located in the NuLu district, their modern facility is a testament to contemporary design and creativity. Visitors can explore the distillery’s unique architecture and enjoy tastings of their diverse bourbon offerings.

Stitzel-Weller Distillery : The Stitzel-Weller Distillery, a historic icon, is where brands like Old Fitzgerald and Rebel Yell were once produced. Though it no longer produces bourbon, the distillery offers tours that delve into the history and legacy of this iconic location.

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience : The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience is located at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery. The facility offers tours showcasing the Bulleit brand’s unique approach to bourbon production, with a focus on high-rye recipes.

Jefferson’s Bourbon – Kentucky Artisan Distillery : Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, Jefferson’s Bourbon – Kentucky Artisan Distillery focuses on small-batch, unique expressions. Their tours provide insights into their distillation methods.

Forecastle Distilling Co. : Forecastle Distilling Co. is relatively new to the Louisville bourbon scene, offering a variety of craft spirits. Located in the Phoenix Hill neighborhood, the distillery showcases their passion for experimentation and innovation.

Prohibition Craft Spirits 

The Prohibition Distillery is a new addition to the Louisville bourbon landscape, offering a range of craft spirits. What makes this distillery unique is its dedication to preserving the history of the Prohibition era. In addition to tastings and distillery tours, visitors can explore the on-site museum, which is a journey through time, recounting the stories, struggles, and innovations of the Prohibition era. This captivating museum not only provides historical context to your bourbon experience but also serves as a tribute to the resilience and creativity of those who navigated the challenges of Prohibition. The Prohibition Distillery combines education with enjoyment, making it a fascinating destination for bourbon enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY

Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center : The Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center is a must-visit for bourbon enthusiasts. Located in Bardstown, it is the largest family-owned bourbon producer globally, known for brands such as Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. The center offers tours that delve into the brand’s rich history, and guests can enjoy tastings of their diverse portfolio.

Barton 1792 Distillery : Situated on the scenic Kentucky countryside, the Barton 1792 Distillery is known for producing a variety of bourbons, including the 1792 Small Batch. Visitors can explore the historic distillery, learn about its history, and enjoy tastings of their fine spirits.

Willett Distillery : Willett Distillery, also known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD), is a family-owned and operated distillery famous for its craft bourbons. Their tours offer a personalized experience, and guests can learn about the craft distillation process and taste their unique expressions.

Lux Row Distillers : Lux Row Distillers is a relatively new addition to Bardstown’s bourbon scene. It’s known for its modern facility and brands like Rebel Yell and Ezra Brooks. Visitors can take a tour of the distillery, learn about its approach to bourbon-making, and enjoy tastings.

Bardstown Bourbon Company : The Bardstown Bourbon Company is a destination that combines distillery operations, a restaurant, and an event space. It’s known for its collaborative approach, partnering with other brands to produce whiskey. The distillery offers tours and tastings that showcase their unique model.

Log Still Distillery : The Log Still Distillery is a newcomer to Bardstown, emphasizing its traditional and craft approach to bourbon production. Although the distillery is relatively young, it’s making a name for itself with tours and tastings that highlight its dedication to quality.

Preservation Distillery : Preservation Distillery, also known as the Old Samuels Distillery, is dedicated to producing high-quality bourbon and other spirits. The distillery offers tours where visitors can learn about the distillation process and enjoy tastings of their products.

Samuels Family Distillery : The Samuels Family Distillery is the birthplace of Maker’s Mark, one of the most iconic bourbon brands. Tours at this distillery provide insight into the brand’s history and the craftsmanship that goes into producing Maker’s Mark.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company – Bottled in Bond Distillery : The Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Bottled in Bond Distillery is another facility associated with this brand. It focuses on producing high-quality bourbon under the “bottled in bond” designation. Tours here provide a look into their specific approach to bourbon production.

Kentucky Owl Park : The Kentucky Owl Park, located just outside of Bardstown, is a destination that combines a distillery, a visitors’ center, and beautiful grounds. Known for the Kentucky Owl brand, the park offers tours that explore the brand’s history and provide tastings of their premium bourbons.

Shelbyville, Frankfort, Kentucky

Jeptha Creed Distillery (Shelbyville) : Jeptha Creed is known for its unique “from ground to glass” approach, producing vodka, moonshine, and a variety of bourbons. The distillery offers tours that highlight their commitment to farming and craft distillation.

Bully Boy Distillers (Shelbyville) : Bully Boy Distillers is a craft distillery in Shelbyville, offering tours that provide insights into their small-batch bourbon production and the art of distillation.

High Bank Distillery (Shelbyville) : High Bank Distillery is a relatively new addition to the Shelbyville bourbon scene, producing small-batch bourbon and other spirits. Their tours allow visitors to learn about their unique distillation process.

Frankfort, Kentucky:

Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort) : Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest operating distilleries in the United States, located in Frankfort, Kentucky. Known for its extensive range of bourbons, including the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle series, a visit here offers a glimpse into bourbon history.

Three Boys Farm Distillery (Frankfort) : Three Boys Farm Distillery, situated in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country, produces small-batch bourbon. Their tours provide insights into their craft approach to bourbon-making.

Castle & Key Distillery (Frankfort) : Castle & Key is located in a historic distillery that dates back to the late 1800s. They produce gin and bourbon, and their tours allow visitors to explore the stunning grounds and learn about the brand’s history.

Rebecca Ruth Candy (Frankfort) : While not a traditional distillery, Rebecca Ruth Candy is known for its bourbon balls and other bourbon-infused confections. A visit to their store provides a delightful bourbon-themed treat.

Frankfort Craft Distillery (Frankfort) : Frankfort Craft Distillery is a micro-distillery located in the heart of the city. Their tours offer insights into the craft distillation process and the production of unique spirits.

Wise Bird Cider Co. (Frankfort) : Wise Bird Cider Co. is known for its craft ciders, offering a different perspective on artisanal beverages. Visitors can enjoy tastings and learn about the cider-making process.

Shelbyville and Frankfort, Kentucky, offer a range of distilleries, each with its unique character and approach to bourbon-making. Whether you’re interested in craft distillation, farm-to-glass production, or simply savoring fine bourbons, these distilleries provide diverse experiences for visitors.

Bourbon Odyssey: A Comprehensive Exploration of Kentucky Bourbon Heritage with Kentucky Bourbon Trips

In the picturesque landscapes of the Bluegrass State, where the rolling hills meet the pristine waters, a liquid legacy has been meticulously crafted over centuries. Kentucky Bourbon, the pride of the region, has become synonymous with American craftsmanship and tradition. In this immersive journey, we will unravel the intricate history and nuanced flavors of Kentucky Bourbon, complemented by the unparalleled experiences offered by Kentucky Bourbon Trips—a Louisville-based tour company that elevates the bourbon-tasting experience.

Our odyssey begins in the late 18th century, as settlers in Kentucky stumbled upon the perfect alchemy of fertile land and limestone-rich water—a serendipitous discovery that laid the foundation for what would become the hallmark of bourbon production. We delve into the birth of Kentucky Bourbon, exploring the iconic corn-based mash bill and the revolutionary use of charred oak barrels for aging, setting the stage for a legacy that would endure through generations.

The dark days of Prohibition cast a long shadow over the bourbon industry, forcing distilleries to shut down or operate clandestinely. Yet, this challenging period spurred the resilience of Kentucky Bourbon, with distillers navigating through underground operations and inventive strategies to keep the spirit alive. The end of Prohibition marked a triumphant resurgence for the industry, leading us to the birth of modern-day bourbon.

The crafting of Kentucky Bourbon is an intricate art form, refined over centuries. We take a deep dive into the production process, exploring the careful selection of grains, the meticulous fermentation, and the art of distillation. It is within the charred oak barrels during aging that the spirit takes on its distinctive character—each sip becoming a symphony of flavors that tells a unique tale of craftsmanship.

Enter Kentucky Bourbon Trips, a tour company based in Louisville that transcends the conventional distillery visit. Through meticulous curation, participants are taken on a sensory journey that goes beyond tasting. We’ll explore the diverse range of bourbon tour locations, each offering a unique perspective on the art of bourbon-making, complemented by the rich cultural heritage of Kentucky.

Kentucky Bourbon Trips unfolds a tasting odyssey, guiding participants through a selection of iconic distilleries. From the venerable Maker’s Mark to the historic Woodford Reserve, each location holds a distinct story waiting to be unveiled. These tours not only provide an insider’s perspective on the production process but also offer exclusive tastings of rare releases, allowing enthusiasts to savor the full spectrum of bourbon craftsmanship.

Our narrative expands as we venture along the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visiting acclaimed distilleries like Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, and Jim Beam. The sensory journey continues, with participants having the opportunity to witness the nuances of bourbon-making in diverse settings. We delve into the terroir of each location, understanding how geography and tradition shape the flavors of the spirits.

Kentucky Bourbon is not merely a beverage; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in the fabric of the Bluegrass State. Kentucky Bourbon Trips extends beyond the distilleries, incorporating visits to local landmarks, historic sites, and vibrant communities. This holistic approach immerses participants in the rich tapestry of Kentucky’s heritage, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of this iconic spirit.

As we raise our glasses to the legacy of Kentucky Bourbon, our journey comes full circle. Through the rich history, the artistry of production, and the curated experiences provided by Kentucky Bourbon Trips, enthusiasts are invited to savor not just the drink but an entire cultural heritage. This small book serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Kentucky Bourbon, inviting readers to partake in the ever-evolving narrative of America’s native spirit.

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Kentucky Distilleries

Discover where bourbon, whiskey and other spirits are made in the bluegrass state..

Nearly 100 different bourbon and whiskey brands are produced in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State is home to more barrels of bourbon than people and proudly creates 95% of the world’s bourbon. Many Kentucky distilleries offer tours of their production facilities to see how spirits are made, tell the history of American spirits and let guests taste their products. Interested in learning more about the legendary Kentucky distilleries of Bourbon Country? Browse the distilleries below to learn more about what makes each one unique and the types of distillery tours and tastings offered.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Distilleries

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

Craft Bourbon Trail

Central region.

• Jeptha Creed Distillery
• Kentucky Artisan Distillery
• Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co
• Limestone Branch Distillery
• Preservation Distillery
• Willett Distillery
• Log Still Distillery
• Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery

Western Region

• The Bard Distillery
• MB Roland Distillery
• Dueling Grounds Distillery
• Casey Jones Distillery
• Boundary Oak Distillery

Northern Region

• Second Sight Spirits
• Neeley Family Distillery
• New Riff Distillery
• The Old Pogue Distillery
• Boone County Distilling Co

Bluegrass Region

• Castle & Key Distillery
• Hartfield & Co.
• James E. Pepper Distillery
• Barrel House Distilling Co.
• Bluegrass Distillers

Bourbon Country

• Brown-Forman Cooperage
• Barton 1792
• Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Copper & Kings Brandy Distillery
• Independent Stave Cooperage
• Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse
• Old Samuels Distillery
• Starhill Distillery @ Huber’s Farm

Book a Kentucky Bourbon Tour

Book your Bourbon Tour today and be a step closer to experiencing the craftsmanship of the Kentucky. Leave the logistics to the Experience Coordinators, the transportation to the drivers, the history sharing to the guides— you have fun and enjoy yourself!

BOURBON TOURS

Start Planning Your Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Tour

Let’s start planning your ultimate Kentucky bourbon distillery tour today! We offer a variety of public tours as well as custom-made experiences that are tailored to your every bourbon desire.

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Learn More About the Distilleries

Explore the distilleries that make up the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the greater Bourbon Country. Click on each distillery’s logo to learn more about it.

Exclusive Private Tours

Bourbon tours designed just for you.

Serving Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, and all of Bourbon Country

Come Visit Bourbon Country!

Welcome to bourbontown tours.

Hello! We’re so glad you found us. Feel free to browse around and take a look at all of the tours we have to offer. If you have specific ideas of where you want to go,  give us a call  and we will try to make that happen. We love showing guests the beautiful place we call home and can’t wait to take you on a ride to enjoy some of the  greatest scenery  the bluegrass state has to offer.

Jim Beam Distillery Tour – Clermont, Kentucky

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour Frankfort, Kentucky

Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour – Loretto, Kentucky

Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour Versailles, Kentucky

Where we go.

We are a small-batch tour company, serving Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington and everywhere in between. Some of the places and attractions that can be included in our tours may include, but are not limited to:

Kentucky Distilleries

Louisville area.

• Angel's Envy Distillery
• Bardstown Bourbon Co. Tasting Room
• Buzzard's Roost Tasting Room
• Brough Brothers Distillery
• Copper & Kings Distillery
• Evan Williams Distillery
• Michter's Distillery
• Old Forester Distillery
• Peerless Distillery
• Rabbit Hole Distillery
• Stitzel-Weller Distillery

Bardstown & Beyond

• Bardstown Bourbon Co. Distillery
• Four Roses Bottling & Warehouse Facility
• Heaven Hill Distillery
• James B. Beam Distillery
• Limestone Branch Distillery
• Lux Row Distillery
• Maker's Mark Distillery
• Preservation Distillery
• Wilderness Trail Distillery
• Willett Distillery

Frankfort/Lexington

• Bluegrass Distillers
• Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Bulleit Distillery
• Castle & Key Distillery
• Four Roses Distillery
• Glenn's Creek Distillery
• James E. Pepper Distillery
• Jeptha Creed Distillery
• Lexington Brewery & Distillery (Alltech)
• Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
• Woodford Reserve Distillery

Horse Farms:

Sun Valley Mares, Old Friend’s Farm, Coolmore Stud Farm

Historic Sites and Other Attractions:

Churchill Downs, Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Slugger Museum, Frazier History Museum, Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Shops of the Bluegrass Outlet Mall

Kentucky Breweries:

BlueGrass Brewing, Akasha, Monnik, West Sixth, Atrium, Great Flood, Apocalypse, Gravely, Against The Grain, Goodwood, Blue Stallion, Falls City, Gallant Fox, Great Flood, et al

Kentucky Wineries:

Lover’s Leap, Equus Run, Forest Edge, Castle Hill, Hive & Barrel, Jester’s, McIntyre’s, Old 502, Talon, et al

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Passionate & Knowledgeable Team

With our expert crew, each tour goes beyond sightseeing.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots that only we can guide you to.

Great People. Amazing Tours. Beautiful Kentucky.

Limestone Branch Distillery Tour – Lebanon, Kentucky

Equus Run Winery Tour – Midway, Kentucky

Waverly Hills Sanatorium Tour – Louisville, Kentucky

Forest Edge Winery Tour – Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Jeptha Creed Distillery Tour Shelbyville, Kentucky

Blue Stallion Brewery Tour Lexington, Kentucky

Unveiling kentucky’s secrets.

Delve into the rich tapestry of  Kentucky’s history , culture, and natural beauty with us. From its world-renowned distilleries to the gentle hum of its countryside, there’s always something new to learn and love about our beautiful state. Join us, and let’s write your next travel story together.

Enjoy Amazing Tours Along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail With A Great Team Of Expert Guides.

• 1-844-BOURBON / 844-268-7266
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• Louisville, Kentucky

On Tap Tours  has been specializing  in custom bourbon tours & professional, luxury transportation since 2017. Your one stop shop for elevated experiences.

Experience Bourbon Country

Let's start planning.

Let The Bourbon Tour Company plan an unforgettable visit to Kentucky. Across three different regions Kentucky has incredible bourbon distilleries, horse farms, wineries, and breweries. Luxury transportation, delicious food, and an amazing tour guide with On Tap Tours will ensure your experience is incredible.

Get lost in Louisville and check out the best distilleries along Whiskey Row such as Kentucky Peerless, Buzzards Roost, and Angel's Envy .

​ Experience the best of the bluegrass and visit a few of our favorite distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Castle and Key, and Town Branch Distillery.

LEXINGTON &

There's a reason they call it the Bourbon Capital. Explore unique distilleries like Maker's Mark, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Heaven Hill Distillery.

Why Choose On Tap Tours?

Looking to explore historic distilleries, interact with thoroughbred racehorses and truly experience the best of the Bluegrass? Here at The Bourbon Tour Company, we specialize in providing personalized and custom tours of Kentucky's most beautiful and unique destinations. 

Relax in a private tour vehicle and enjoy the scenic views along the

bourbon trail.

Custom Bourbon Tours

Customize your own tour today or explore some of our customer’s favorites.

Best of the Bluegrass

6 hour tour.

Tour and Tasting at Castle & Key

Lunch at The Stave*

Tour and Tasting at Town Branch

Cocktail Class at RD1 Spirits

The Craft Tour

8 Hour Tour

Tour and Tasting at Kentucky Peerless,

Tasting at Buzzard's Roost, Lunch at Doc Crows,* Barrel Thieving at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co,

Tasting at Bluegrass Distillers

Bourbon and Horses

9 Hour Tour

Tour at Keeneland Racecourse,

Barrel Thieving at Bardstown Bourbon Co., Lunch at Bardstown Bourbon Co.,*

Tasting at Heaven Hill Distillery

Tour and Tasting at Maker's Mark

"We had an amazing time on our tour. Our driver Cooper was so great! He stayed in contact with us throughout the entire trip. I would recommend On Tap Tours for a great group experience."

Debbie, October 2023

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Bourbon Tours

How it works.

Family Owned & Operated Since 2011

Bourbon Tailored for You

No one-size-fits-all tours here! Our team believes in helping our customers plan unique, once-in-a-lifetime bourbon-centric adventures. We have the experience of planning thousands of tours for happy customers - completely designed with their interests in mind.

Step 1: Choose What Distilleries to Visit

Simply check out our list of regions below and pick 3 distilleries you want to visit, and we take care of the rest. Our team will book your tours and tasting, make a reservation for lunch on the day of your tour, provide private transportation with a KBB guide to/from where you're staying* and to all distilleries and restaurant(s) on your tour!

*We provide pickup and drop-off from centrally-located Louisville to any region or within your chosen region.

Step 2: Ride in Style

Your group will ride in style in one of our private vans which is yours for the day. You’ll be driven by one of our KBB guides who have a passion for bourbon and helping guests experience the best of Kentucky! Our vans are operated by KBB staff and are cleaned and sanitized between each group, and will be outfitted with water and snacks for your group.

Step 3: Enjoy!

We have partnerships with all major distilleries in town, as well as many restaurants and hotels in the area to ensure your experience is always incredible, whether you’ve never toured with us, or come back every year!

Three Distilleries

Enjoy tours and tastings at 2 distilleries, plus a tasting at a 3rd! You pick the distilleries, we'll take care of setting up the tour/tasting reservations!

Southern-Cooked Meal

Lunch is included! Based on the distilleries chosen, we'll set up a reservation (and pre-pay) for lunch at a local restaurant the day of your tour.

Private Shuttles

Your tour with us includes private transportation with one of our guides for your group to/from your lodging, and to all distillery stops and lunch venue.

Three Regions Covered

Plan your tour.

With KBB, every tour is different. When you book a custom private tour, you'll choose three distilleries from one region and then our team will take it from there!

South Region Distilleries

The Bourbon Capital of the World

Frankfort / Lexington

East region distilleries.

Beautiful Horse Country

Downtown Distilleries

Distilleries in downtown Louisville and the surrounding area

• Bardstown Bourbon Company
• Boundary Oak
• Heaven Hill
• Kentucky Cooperage (Barrel Factory)
• Limestone Branch
• Log Still Distillery
• Maker’s Mark
• Preservation
• Maker's Mark
• Barrel House
• Bluegrass Distillers
• Buffalo Trace
• Bulleit Distilling Co.
• Castle & Key Distillery
• Fresh Bourbon
• James E. Pepper Distilling Co.
• Jeptha Creed
• J Mattingly 1845
• Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company
• Lexington Brewing & Distilling
• Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
• Wild Turkey
• Wilderness Trail
• Woodford Reserve
• Wild Turkey (Currently closed)
• Angel’s Envy
• Bardstown Bourbon Company Louisville Tasting Room
• Buzzard’s Roost
• Evan Williams Experience
• Kentucky Artisan
• Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery
• Neeley Family Distillery
• Old Forester
• Old Louisville Whiskey Co.
• Pursuit Spirits
• Rabbit Hole
• Stitzel-Weller
• Uncle Boojie’s
• Angel's Envy
• Buzzard's Roost
• Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery
• Uncle Boojie's

Have a Question?

Check out our FAQs.

Our Signature Custom Tour includes visits to 3 distilleries. This includes admissions for tours and tastings at 2 distilleries and admissions for a tasting at the 3rd.

As always though, our tours are completely custom, so if you’d like to visit more or less, or book tours for multiple days, contact us !

Yes! All of our tours are customizable. We have many options if you’d like to expand your tour outside of distilleries alone – including breweries, wineries, even horse farms! Our booking team will be able to share what options are available within your chosen region.

For groups of 1-14, you’ll be in one of our KBB raised-roof vans or in a KBB shuttle. Groups of 15 or more will be transported in an executive shuttle or motor coach, or split between two or more KBB vehicles.

We can! While all of our tours include private transportation to and from all stops and where our guests are staying, we can also provide transport on other days of your trip or to / from the airport. Simply ask our team when you book.  

Likewise, if you have already booked all your own distillery tours, but are just in need of transportation to and from, we are happy to help!

For more Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

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A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

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

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The Kentucky Bourbon Trail extends throughout the Bluegrass State from big cities to historic hamlets like Bardstown, which has been dubbed the Bourbon Capital of the World.

Photo by Jason Busa/Shutterstock

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 new, charred, white 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 (who have trademarked the phrase), and it includes 18 distilleries, as well as 32 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. 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 about an hour east toward Lexington, perhaps visiting Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and Woodford Reserve, before returning 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.

Quite a few are located farther 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, though it’s only about 100 miles from Louisville.)

For people who want to visit all 18 distilleries, the KBT recommends at least four 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 a week 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 consists of 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 Co.
• 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. Most cost around $25, but that can range much higher when special bottlings or cocktails are involved, and they tend to run about 60 to 90 minutes.

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.

The historic Old Forester Distilling Co. is one of the major stops on Louisville’s Whiskey Row.

Photo by Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock

Start in Louisville

Louisville is ideal as a 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, which is home to Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery (and its top-notch bar), Old Forester Distilling (keep an eye out for special whiskey drops here), 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 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 in downtown Louisville: Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. 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 city views.

When the distilleries close, continue bourbon tasting at Louisville bars like the Silver Dollar , a Bakersfield-style honky-tonk owned by whiskey expert Larry Rice; Trouble Bar , where you choose among flights curated by local experts; or the 1920s-inspired Neat Bourbon Bar & Bottle Shop .

Where to stay in Louisville

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 and offers skyline views 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 30-minute drive 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 2022, the distillery cut the ribbon on a new $45 million “homestead experience.” 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 the company’s new $200 million distillery is slated to open at the end of 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 Bardstown Bourbon Company (the latter focuses on elaborate bourbon blends).

You’ll love strolling the grounds of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Photo by Fiona Young-Brown/Shutterstock

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.

Add on a tour of the Kentucky Cooperage Visitor Center 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 . Choose from several different themed tours of the sprawling facility, such as the “Old Taylor Tour,” which focuses on the legacy of E.H. Taylor, who revolutionized the bourbon industry; or a tour through the property’s arboretum and botanical gardens.

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 the Bluegrass region. The distillery is a relative newcomer, having launched in 2012 and releasing its first bourbon in 2018. In that short time, 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.

This article originally appeared online in August 2022; it was updated most recently on April 24, 2024, to include current information.

Call Now: (502) 817-3647 — (888) 491-3919

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distillery Tours

Bourbon is America’s only native spirit and almost all bourbon— 95% according to the Kentucky Distillers Association — is produced in Kentucky. Visit the places and hear the stories of the history of bourbon. Tour a Kentucky bourbon distillery and you’ll learn how bourbon is made and understand why Kentucky bourbon has inspired pride, passion, and even poetry among Kentuckians.

Note: Our service is for Transportation only

of Kentucky

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail consists of nine (9) distilleries: Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Evan Williams, Four Roses, Town Branch, Bulleit, and Wild Turkey. However, there are more distilleries that can be included in a customized tour, based on your needs. These include: Willett, Barton 1792, Buffalo Trace, Barrel House, Corsair, Limestone Branch, MB Roland, New Riff, The Old Pogue, Silver Trail and Wilderness Trail.

To best serve the unique needs of our guests, we offer both public and private Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distillery tour packages out of Louisville and Cincinnati.

Private Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distillery Tour

Choose Between the I-65 South or I-64 East Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Tour Packages

Please Note

The below rates include customary gratuity of 20%

Admission fees are determined by the distilleries and are not included in our package prices. (All prices are subject to change without notice)

Prior to booking your transportation order, we strongly advise contacting the specific distilleries you wish to visit in order to secure advanced reservations and checking on tour availability. This is especially true during peak season. Links to each of the distilleries can be found in step 1 above.

Restaurant/lunch can be substituted for one (1) distillery on any tour.

Any additional hour or fraction thereof for service over the estimated hours for each tour above will be calculated at the next corresponding hourly rate for each tour.

Any cancellations that are made within 48 hours before the service date is subject to a 50% cancellation fee, and is at the discretion of management.

THESE RATES NOR SERVICE AVAILABILITY WILL APPLY TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL PERIOD EACH YEAR.

Hours of Operation

Hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM eastern time, 7 days a week, with exception of the following major holidays:

Thanksgiving

4th of July

South Kentucky

Bourbon trail distillery tours, luxury sedan – 4 passenger.

Three Stops

Chevy suburban – 6 passenger.

Luxury Shuttle – 13 Passenger

East Kentucky

Bourbon Tours Throughout Kentucky

Kentucky is renowned for its beautiful horse farms and world-famous bourbon. What better way to experience them than with Central Kentucky Tours? With our knowledgeable guides, comfortable buses, and flexible tour options, we offer the best sightseeing tours in the area.

Join Our Bourbon and Horse Farm Tours

Experience the rich history of Kentucky through our bourbon and horse farm tours. Our guides are lifelong Kentuckians who provide insightful commentary on bourbon, horses, and local history throughout the tour.

Choose Between Public and Private Tours

At Central Kentucky Tours, we strive to make our tours accessible to everyone. That's why we offer both public and private tours. For our public tours, you can easily book online without any communication with us. However, for private tours, we request additional information and a phone call or email to ensure the best experience possible.

For our public tours, we have designated pickup spots for your convenience. And for private tours, we offer pickup anywhere in the Lexington-Louisville-Harrodsburg area. With four different bus sizes (14, 13, 12, and 10 passengers), we can also accommodate groups of any size.

Plus, we believe in providing one-on-one service. As a small tour company, we are dedicated to responding to requests quickly and offering any necessary tour services.

Come on one of our horse farm or bourbon tours and get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of bourbon facilities. Book your tour with Central Kentucky Tours today and let us show you the true spirit of Kentucky!

Welcome to the OFFICIAL tourkentuckybourbon.com

Tourkentuckybourbon.com - full day of tours & tastings with transportation @ maker's mark - jim beam - stitzel weller - saturday, october 21st, 2023 **louisville, ky** $235 per person, your trip. our specialty., public & private customized tours.

Unexpected options

Wineries, horse farms & breweries.

• Did you know that Kentucky (not California!) is the first state in the US to have a commercial winery ?
• Did you know that Kentucky boasts the Horse Capital of the world in Lexington KY and that you can view horses valued at greater than $100 million?
• Did you know that Kentucky is a hotspot for micro-breweries and craft beer ?

Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or you are looking to find additional things of interest, we will design a tour that will delight everyone in your group!

Plan your trip with certainty!

What we Can Offer You

With 1000s of tours of experience, rapport with key distillery personnel, and the best vehicles in the state, we are able to set up tour experiences that are unparalleled.  The only question remains… If you are going to make a day of it, why not make sure to make it great?

We will custom build your day around what you want to see the most. Then based on many factors, will introduce additional distilleries and options that you weren’t aware of… but may just steal the show!

We have the experience,  knowledgable chauffeurs, planners, guides and newest vehicles. We have luxury limousine vehicles from Sedans, SUV’s, Vans, Limousines, Buses and Motor Coaches which ensure a safe and luxurious ride. Furthermore, our chauffeurs are always in full black suit and black tie.

24/7/365 Call Support

No distillery or tour company in the industry offers this service.

We are a full-service tour provider serving a wide range of clients including corporations and private individuals. There is no client too "large" or "small". Whether it's airport service, hotel accommodations, meeting and event spaces + we have you covered.

Flexible Cancellation

50% non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit is all that is required for reservations.

Suitable for large groups

We have packages for groups of all sizes

Experience for the price

We excel at customizing tours and will provide the best experience for the best price. Tour Packages with transportation as low as $149 for public tours with transportation.

The day is only so long, and experience is critical in designing the best scheduling, routes and information needed for success in seeing and doing as much as possible.

What our clients say:

“Spontaneous bourbon tour with our friends ! Thanks for an awesome Experience"

Tracy hodge raimer facebook 2022, transportation.

We’ll Always have you go in luxury!

“Something Fun for everyone!”

Bluegrass Bourbon Tours

Hours updated 3 months ago

Location & Hours

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10607 Alderbrook Pl

Louisville, KY 40299

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Bluegrass Bourbon Tours is a luxury tour transportation company providing memorable experiences touring World, renowned Distilleries in the state of Kentucky. Bluegrass Bourbon Tours can customize your itinerary and plan your day according to your requirements. We also can celebrate your special occasion in style. There are plenty of local venues, restaurants, attractions to see while in KY. …

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Four California boys visiting Kentucky for the first time! We were picked up at our Louisville hotel about 845am in a nice clean Suburban by our lovely host Jody! Jody had an iced chest waiting for us with water & gatorade and a bunch of snacks. About 45-1hr later we were at our first stop, Makers Mark. Jody had us ready to for drinks before our tour. 1205pm, in the car, to a cool little local restaurant for burgers and by 1230 we were on the road to Heaven Hill. 3pm was Jim Beam, then a stop at a small local liquor store before our dinner reservations. We were all done and back at the hotel about 8pm. Sounds hectic but Jody was awesome. We were on time for every tour/detail of our day. We never felt rushed but fit in a lot. Jody's personality fit our group perfectly! A lot of banter back and forth filled with endless facts of Bourbon County, the distilleries and ALL THINGS KENTUCKY!!!! (I dare you to wear some Tennessee orange with Jody as your driver- you will be left behind!) Nothing but praise for BBT and especially Jody! It was a great day of Kentucky history, beautiful Kentucky scenery and most importantly Bourbon!

See all photos from Paul L. for Bluegrass Bourbon Tours

Exceptional experience with our tour guide Jody! Her deep knowledge of the area, engaging storytelling, and genuine passion for the history made every moment unforgettable. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, she curated an enriching journey that exceeded all expectations. Highly recommend for an enlightening and memorable adventure!

Heaven Hill Distillery

Our driver Jody was amazing. Very knowledgeable with a great personality. Got us to multiple locations for our tours without issue. Would highly recommend them and look forward to using their services again.

Had a blast riding with Jody, she was full of enthusiasm and information about the tour. And she made sure we were on time to every event we had. Couldn't ask for more. Thank you.

Had a great tour of distilleries in the Louisville and Bardstown areas with BBT. Melanie set up our itinerary with some good stops everyone enjoyed, and Mark was a fantastic driver/guide for the day. Would recommend them for any tour needs in KY!

Heaven Hill

Melanie and Mark are great and took really good care of us. Accommodating and even added a tasting/tour at the end that wasn't planned. Great service!

Business owner information

Business Owner

Jan 22, 2024

Thanks for the 5 star review Eric! We appreciate the great feedback. Bluegrass Bourbon Tours is happy we could provide excellent service to you.

Mark was an excellent tour guide. He has plenty of stories to keep you entertained, and will take you anywhere you want to go. He knows all the ins and outs of every stop. We'll definitely be back again to check out the distilleries we missed this time. Word of advice when booking... Be sure to book your trip at least 4 months in advance so you get into all the tours. Otherwise, you'll just be seeing a lot of gift shops.

Oct 22, 2023

Thanks for the review. Bluegrass Bourbon Tours will look forward to seeing you again on your next visit.

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Call us today at 502-583-1433 or email [email protected] .

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VIP Bourbon Trail Transportation

Exceptional service and luxury vehicles

Mint Julep Experiences is more than just a ride, our drivers offer the highest level of professionalism, safety, and customer service. Our luxury fleet includes SUVs, executive shuttles and access to large coach buses. All bourbon trail transportation services include professional chauffeur, reliable vehicle and bottled water. 

Transportation Options

• Customized transportation
• Corporate events
• Special events (Oaks and Derby)
• Full-day or hourly services
• Event shuttling
• Airport transfers
• Local and regional transportation (Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown, Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, Nashville and others upon request)

Included in Transportation

• Guided Transporation
• Licensed Driver
• Bottled Water

Pick-up and Drop-off Services

• Public Tours Depart from the Omni
• In Louisville Pick-up and Drop-off
• Airport Pick-up and Drop-off
• Regional Transportation (Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, Nashville, Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and others upon request )

About The Vehicles

• All vehicles are non-smoking.
• Each is cleaned, maintained, and detailed by our efficient and thorough team.
• Full-Day or Hourly Services Available

Meet The Fleet

Discover the Ultimate Bourbon Experience: The 2024 Mint Julep Tour x Bardstown Collection VIP Tour

BARDSTOWN, KY. (April 25, 2024) – Bourbon aficionados, mark your calendars and prepare your palates for an unparalleled adventure through the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World®. The 2024 Mint Julep Tour x Bardstown Collection VIP Experience is set to deliver an exclusive, multi-day adventure that promises an unparalleled immersion into the world of bourbon, complete with VIP transportation, elevated tours, premium tastings, and guaranteed access to the highly coveted Bardstown Collection bottles from seven renowned distilleries.

Two times a month, for two days throughout June – August, participants will be treated to an unforgettable exploration of Bardstown, home to some of the most revered bourbon distilleries in the world. This exceptional tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind Kentucky’s signature spirit. Each ticket includes the following:

Start-to-Finish Excellence

With meticulous attention to detail, Mint Julep Experiences ensures a seamless journey from start to finish. With a dedicated Bardstown Tourism tour leader guiding every step, guests can relax and immerse themselves in the ultimate bourbon experience.

VIP Transportation with Mint Julep Experiences

Guests will travel in style and comfort with VIP transportation services provided by Mint Julep Experiences. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kentucky as you’re chauffeured from one iconic distillery to the next.

All-Access Pass to 7 Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries

Gain exclusive access to seven of Kentucky’s most esteemed bourbon distilleries, including Bardstown Bourbon Co., Heaven Hill, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Limestone Branch Distillery, Log Still Distillery, Lux Row, and Preservation Distillery. Immerse yourself in behind-the-scenes tours, premium tastings, and hands-on experiences that offer a deeper understanding of the bourbon-making process.

Guaranteed Access to Purchase the 2024 Bardstown Collection Bottles

As VIP guests, participants will enjoy exclusive access to purchase the highly sought-after 2024 Bardstown Collection bottles from each participating distillery. This is the only other time to purchase these seven limited-edition releases. Bottle purchases are not included in the ticket price, ensuring that guests have the opportunity to add these rare gems to their collection.

Local Lunches and Gratuity Included

Savor the flavors of Kentucky with delicious, locally sourced lunches provided throughout the tour. With gratuity included, you can relax and enjoy the experience without any additional hassle.

Dates Tours Offered

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Tickets for the 2024 Mint Julep Tours x Bardstown Collection VIP Experience are on sale now. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on an unparalleled immersion in the Bourbon Capital of the World.

For more information and tickets, go to bardstowncollection.com and https://mintjuleptours.com/louisville/bardstown-collection-multi-day-bourbon-experience/  

For hotel information and special Bardstown Collection rates, go to https://visitbardstown.com/listing/the-bardstown-collection-x-mint-julep-tour-experience/ . 

About Bardstown: Located in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Bardstown offers the ultimate bourbon getaway. With 11 unique distilleries within 16 miles of court square, all your bourbon dreams can come true here in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of The World. Settled in 1780,

Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city so come see us for our unrivaled history. Throughout Nelson County, there are more than 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, with nearly 200 of them located in the historic downtown district. Here in Bardstown, you’ll find the friendly attitude and Southern charm that can only be found in such a town.

For more information, go to www.VisitBardstown.com . 

Media Contacts

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Bourbon tour scandal overblown, says conservative group

The conservative group that hosted a bourbon tasting tour for state lawmakers and lobbyists says a complaint about their behavior at one Kentucky distillery is greatly exaggerated.

The complaint, posted anonymously on Reddit Saturday, said the group of 33 had booked a private tasting event, but many were already inebriated when they arrived on their tour bus. The poster said members of the group were rude, disruptive, and even vomited in the sink without offering an apology or helping to clean it up.

Greater Carolina spokesman Jonathan Felts said in a statement Tuesday that the poster's account of boorish behavior is overblown.

"One attendee was a bit queasy upon arrival due to getting car sick enroute because the air conditioner was not working on the bus," Felts said. "The person then, fortunately, made it to the first thing that had a drain and vomited. Upon completion of the vomiting, the person and friends/colleagues helped to clean up."

Felts's statement did not address the level of intoxication of attendees.

Felts dismissed the original poster as a "social media troll," but the poster's history on Reddit indicates they've worked in the bourbon hospitality industry for several years. Documents provided by the poster to WRAL confirm they were at the event.

The spokesman said the trip was a fundraising event for which donors paid in return for access to lawmakers.

"No offense to think-tankers and poli-sci profs but Greater Carolina deals in public policy so, yes, our donors want to talk to policymakers. Legislators were there," Felts said, declining to name them.

The group is a 501(c)4, which means it's a non-profit that gets involved in political causes. Donations to 501(c)4s are not tax-deductible, and they're not required to disclose their donors.

Felts did not immediately respond to WRAL's request for an interview.

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2024 Kentucky Derby Dining by the Numbers: Here's How Many Pounds of Brisket Churchill Downs Downs

Chef Robert Lopez, who is overseeing the 2024 Kentucky Derby menu, will be serving thousands of pounds of food for the event. Here's what to know.

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner has spent over a decade working as a writer in New York City. She currently covers all aspects of food, dining, travel and lifestyle trends and the intersection of culture, business and politics in these areas. Her work appears in The New York Times, Real Simple, Vogue, Bon Appetit, Glamour, Time Out, Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler and several more publications.

Food & Wine / bhofack2 / Michael Reaves / Getty Images

The 150th Kentucky Derby is upon us, and more than a thousand cooks are in a Louisville kitchen preparing for the event. 

Derby Day is Saturday, May 4, with celebratory racing events at Churchill Downs kicking off on Wednesday, May 1 with Champions Day. And with a viewership capacity of 165,000 guests around the racetrack, that’s a lot of folks to feed.

Throughout the four days, over 20,000 bottles of Woodford Reserve Bourbon will be served, along with 20,000 pieces of assorted desserts, 10,000 pounds of smoked brisket, 9,000 pounds of shrimp, 1,000 pounds of cheese, and 1,000 pounds of mint for Mint Juleps . 

“We're known for serving well over a hundred thousand mint juleps throughout the week, and this year we probably will be serving even more,” says Levy senior executive chef Robert Lopez , who is overseeing the Kentucky Derby menu for the first time, hinting at some collectible cups and special anniversary items for the iconic cocktail. He’s overseeing a kitchen staff of 1,500, plus 100 executive chefs, to prepare food and menus for the 40 different food establishments expected to serve over half a million mouths at Churchill Downs during Derby Week. 

Diners at the Derby can choose from a variety of culinary experiences, be it walking up to a concession stand for a classic Midwestern hot dog, sitting down at Matt Winn’s Steakhouse for an elegant three-course feast, or scoping out international eateries for a sushi platter. 

“We want people to walk away with not only memories of the 150th Derby, but their entire experience, and food and beverage drives those memories that people carry with them for the rest of their lives,” says Lopez. “I think guests will be extremely happy with our mixture of spring-forward products that are both light and refreshing. We have a mixture of both fresh and light and savory nostalgic dishes that people know and love.” 

Churchill Downs Racetrack / Levy Restaurants

This year’s signature Derby Menu , available trackwide and in multiple dining rooms and suites across Churchill Downs, is lush with plant-based items and local products.

A green pea pasta salad, Bibb Salad with bourbon poached pear and herb buttermilk dressing, nduja shrimp pasta, and brisket burnt ends with a Woodford cherry bourbon demi glaze are all on the signature menu.

2024 Kentucky Derby Dining by the Numbers

• 20,000 desserts
• 10,000 pounds of smoked brisket
• 9,000 pounds of shrimp
• 1,000 pounds of cheese
• 1,000 pounds of mint for Mint Juleps
• 24,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep Bourbon Cocktail are expected to be used
• 20,000 bottles of Woodford Reserve are expected to be used

“I’m very much looking forward to highlighting the tradition of the Derby as well as new spins on traditional items,” says Lopez. “We’re also very excited to showcase a lot of our local ingredients as well.” Kentucky-based Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese can be found starring in white cheddar mac and cheese, Weisenberger’s grits are also a menu highlight, plus charcuterie from Smoking Goose , pork from farms near Louisville and countless dairy products, produce, and proteins are sourced from within a 100-mile radius. 

“We use a lot of ingredients from local farms and purveyors to help boost that community and drive involvement in the Derby,” says Lopez. Due to the size of the event and necessary quantities, several small local farms may be tapped for the same ingredient. “We have great local product and we’re helping the community with the ingredients in these dishes.” 

In honor of the Kentucky Derby’s 150th anniversary this year, culinary surprises await, including a special $150 Old Fashioned cocktail. Though the sporting event has been controversial in recent years , the food aims to please all who attend. 

“For people who have been here every Derby for the last 60 years and the people that this is their first Derby, we want to make them feel like they're experiencing something that no one else is, and they're getting something very exclusive,” says Lopez.  

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