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Kentucky Crafted Bourbon Trail Tours

The purpose of fun is to have some, so come join us on a kentucky bourbon trail tour.

Mint Julep Experiences has been providing top-notch luxury bourbon trail tours in Bourbon Country for more than 12 years. As the leading tour company for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ®, we  have given thousands of public and custom tours for tourists and locals alike. Mint Julep takes care of every detail and caters to every need, to create one-of-a-kind bourbon tours.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Tours

Mint Julep Experiences will help you learn the art, history and craftsmanship of America’s Native Spirit as you travel through Bourbon Country for guided distillery tours and tastings! We’ll also make a stop for a local lunch along the way.

Custom Bourbon Tours

You’ll work with one of our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experts to customize your day based on your group’s size, interests and other requests. We’ve tailored tours for all occasions — from birthday celebrations and corporate luncheons to bachelor parties.

Mint Julep Experiences plans the entire adventure, start to finish, so you can relax and leave the rest to us. Offering premium bourbon trail bus transportation, we enrich the experience with knowledgeable drivers, enthusiastic guides and clean and comfortable vehicles.

Elevated Experiences

Our Elevated Experience packages are one-of-a-kind Kentucky bourbon trip, exclusive experiences with some of our best partners. Click below to find out what we have to offer.

Best of Bourbon Country

From name brands to small batch craft, bourbon distilleries are making a splash throughout the Commonwealth! More than 1 million visitors travel to Kentucky each year for the ultimate bourbon experience, and many choose Mint Julep Experiences for all their Kentucky bourbon tour needs.

Kentucky Crafted

Welcome to bourbon country.

Tour Bourbon Country’s dozens of bourbon distilleries big and small, old and new, traditional and innovative. Mint Julep Experiences’ Bourbon Trail Tours give you an immersive experience with Kentucky’s best bourbon distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and beyond. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® began in 1999 and has since entertained more than 2.5 million guests, expanding year after year.

• WE plan your entire day, start to finish, so you can relax and leave the rest to us.
• WE offer knowledgeable & entertaining bourbon experts to guide and enrich the experience.
• WE are the ONLY dedicated tour company focused on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

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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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16 Must-visit Kentucky Distilleries

These Kentucky distilleries offer tours, tastings, and more for the ultimate trip through Bourbon Country.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Most of the world's bourbon comes from Kentucky. All of the big bourbon names are here: Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey. The state's natural environment and weather are perfect for growing corn, an essential ingredient in bourbon, and distilling, so when spirit-savvy European immigrants settled in Kentucky in the 1700s, it was a match made in whiskey heaven.

Now, hundreds of years later, people can visit the state to experience the top Kentucky distilleries — some which have been crafting spirits for generations — including those along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail , a route with 42 distilleries offering tastings and tours.

Kentucky distillery tours, tastings, and experiences show visitors how spirits are made. Tour-goers walk away with a better grasp on the process, a more refined palate, and probably a few bottles to take home. Those looking for a well-rounded whiskey experience should start their journey at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center in Louisville. Here, visitors can learn more about bourbon history and plot their distillery stops.

Make Louisville your home base for a multiday trip along the trail — the city is home to its own Urban Bourbon Trail . The bars on it serve at least 60 kinds of bourbon and have trained staff who can answer questions, so you're sure to leave Kentucky with a new appreciation for the brown spirit.

Here are 16 Kentucky distilleries all bourbon fans should visit — and don't worry, some even offer gin or vodka for those hoping for variety.

Wild Turkey, Lawrenceburg

With an award-winning visitor center designed with the traditional silhouette of a Kentucky tobacco barn, a tasting room that looks out over the Kentucky River, and a gift shop selling souvenirs and Wild Turkey bourbon (of course), this is the perfect place to learn how the famous brand's spirits are made. You might even spot Hall of Fame distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell hard at work.

Bulleit Distilling Co., Shelbyville

Bulleit Distilling Co. opened its distillery to visitors in 2017, making it a relatively new addition to the Kentucky distillery scene, but the bourbon made here is based on family tradition dating back to the 1800s. A "high-rye recipe" sets the spirit apart from others in Kentucky Bourbon Country. Stop at the Shelbyville distillery to give it a taste and learn about the brand's history through an interactive, multisensory experience.

James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont

Jim Beam is one of the most recognizable names in Kentucky bourbon, which makes the James B. Beam Distilling Co. a must-experience for many. The distillery is located in Clermont, where the first Jim Beam was distilled in the late 18th century. Guests can take a tour, dine on Kentucky burgoo and hot honey fried chicken in The Kitchen Table Restaurant, and sample its signature cocktails at the bar.

Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto

An iconic brand known for its red wax-dipped bottles, the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto is a National Historic Landmark. It also claims to be the largest distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky's Bourbon Country. On tours, guests can learn about the history of the brand, dating back to the 1950s, its makers, and its centuries-old recipe. You can even Make Your Mark by hand-dipping a bottle to take home in the classic red wax at the DIY dipping station.

Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles

Visit Woodford Reserve's historic distillery in Versailles for tours and tastings in a beautiful pastoral environment speckled with pre-Prohibition warehouses and made serene by trickling Glenn’s Creek. Another National Historic Landmark, the distillery is where Woodford Reserve says the "art of making fine bourbon first took place" in 1812.

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort

This family-owned distillery has traditions dating back to the late 1700s. Now a National Historic Landmark, Buffalo Trace Distillery welcomes whiskey drinkers to sip and learn about the history of bourbon production on a tour. It's not all about the brown beverage here, either: Buffalo Trace also makes some tasty vodkas and refreshing sodas.

Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg

Take a tour or enjoy a guided tasting at this Lawrenceburg distillery . Built in 1910, the unique Spanish mission-style facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you can enjoy a history lesson while learning about Four Roses' unique recipes. After your tour, you can sit down with a seasonal cocktail at Bar 1888 (fun fact: 1888 was the year "Four Roses" became trademarked).

Angel's Envy Distillery, Louisville

Located on Louisville's Whiskey Row, this distillery offers unique tours and tasting experiences. The Bottle Your Own Single Barrel option, for example, gives visitors the chance to bring home a bottle they filled themselves. Besides tours, you can also take courses here, including a fun Manhattan or rye cocktail-making class that puts you behind the bar.

Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort

Often regarded as one of the best distilleries in the country, Castle & Key offers tours and tastings in the Old Taylor Distillery in Frankfort. The Castle itself stands as the main attraction, but the grounds also include a sunken garden and beautiful springhouse. Exploring the property is as fun as tasting the bourbon in a cocktail from Counter 17. And if you tire of bourbon (hey, it happens), then try a Castle & Key-distilled gin or vodka instead.

Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown

This innovative distillery , located on 100 acres in a small town south of Louisville, offers experiences ranging from blind tastings and blending demonstrations to food pairings and mixology classes. There's also an on-site restaurant with boozy milkshakes, poutine, chicharrónes, and bourbon-spiked bread pudding.

Green River Distilling Co., Owensboro

Learn how whiskey goes from grain to barrel, partake in a custom called barrel "thieving" (tasting bourbon straight from the barrel), or sit with the experts at Green River Distilling Co. while you sip. The distillery is in Owensboro, just across the Ohio River from Indiana. Without a tour, you'll still have a great experience sampling a flight at the cocktail lounge.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown

Founded in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains more than a million barrels aging in 60 warehouses across Kentucky for a portfolio of brands. Go for a tour at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, in the maker's birthplace of Bardstown, for a behind-the-scenes look at its production process, stroll through the on-site museum, and enjoy a tasting at the Five Brothers Bar.

James E. Pepper Distillery, Lexington

Named for the Kentucky colonel and third-generation distiller who advocated for his family's whiskey recipe in the 1800s, the James E. Pepper Distillery reopened in 2018 after being dormant for half a century. Now at the heart of the Lexington Distillery District, it welcomes bourbon lovers in for tastings and a casual history lesson on the distillery, the family, its ties to horse racing, and how the American Revolution played a role in Pepper-made bourbon.

Limestone Branch Distillery, Lebanon

Keeping family bourbon and moonshine recipes alive for more than 200 years, Limestone Branch is run by a couple of seventh-generation distillers. The Lebanon location is a tranquil place to visit for an old-fashioned tour and a cocktail of the highest quality from the Minor's Lounge on site. It's particularly worthwhile if you also have an interest in gin, as the clear spirit is produced here, too.

Old Forester Distilling Co., Louisville

Take a tour of Old Forester 's Whiskey Row facility to learn how the 1870-founded brand ferments, distills, matures, and bottles its bourbon. Per usual, each tour ends with a tasting. However, if you miss out — this place gets busy and books tours months in advance — you'll still walk away with a higher whiskey IQ after trying the bourbon varieties at George's Bar.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company, Louisville

Housed in a former tobacco warehouse at the end of Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville, Kentucky Peerless is really into making rye whiskey, but it also does bourbon. A visit to the distillery can be enhanced by a guided tasting, distillery tour, or private VIP Heritage Experience. A bonus to your visit: meeting the distillery cat, aptly named Rye.

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!

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.

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​Let us show you around Kentucky’s Bourbon Country on one of our fully ​custom and private experiences. You choose the distilleries, we do the rest!

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

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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.

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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.

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We are a group of bourbon loving individuals who also just so happen to be related. Since the start, Kentucky Bourbon Boys has been family owned and locally operated with one goal in mind - sharing Bourbon Country with the world.

Our passion is helping expose visitors and locals alike to the beauty of Kentucky and foster their own love of bourbon on an incredible adventure. So whether you're new to the world of bourbon, or been a devout fan for many years like us, we can't wait to show you Bourbon Country done right!

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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

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Frankfort / Lexington

East region distilleries.

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Downtown Distilleries

Distilleries in downtown Louisville and the surrounding area

• Bardstown Bourbon Company
• Boundary Oak
• Heaven Hill
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• Limestone Branch
• Log Still Distillery
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• Bulleit Distilling Co.
• Castle & Key Distillery
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• James E. Pepper Distilling Co.
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• J Mattingly 1845
• Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company
• Lexington Brewing & Distilling
• Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
• Wild Turkey (Currently closed)
• Wilderness Trail
• Woodford Reserve
• 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

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We are striving to be the innovative leader in bourbon tourism, by providing memorable, unique experiences and first-class customer service.

You might say we know bourbon...

We are honored to be named as Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice for 2023 (for the 6th year in a row!), be a recognized member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, and be an official transportation partner of the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail®! Many of our owners and drivers are also Executive Bourbon Stewards of the Stave & Thief Society, likened to a sommelier in the wine world!

Have questions about how this works?

Check out our How It Works page or visit our FAQ page. Still need help planning the perfect experience? Reach out to our booking team – they’d be happy to help!

We are a group of bourbon lovers who also just so happen to be related. Since the start, Kentucky Bourbon Boys has been family owned and locally operated with one goal in mind - sharing Bourbon Country with the world.

Find out what all the fuss is about!

Our team prides ourself on our responsiveness and communication with our guests. But don’t take our word for it…

First time going to Kentucky and KBB provided us one of the better trips my family and I had in a while. The first call with Tyler to set up the weekend was smooth and effortless with a peace of mind. Throughout the weeks to the final day prior to this past weekend, I would call with a few questions and every person I spoke to felt like it was the owner. Extremely patient and knowledgeable with outstanding customer service. Our driver Ethan really took our initial experience and elevated it into two fantastic days. We went to four roses, Buffalo, Woodford, whiskey thief, willet, makers, and bardstown. Besides the tours and tastings being outstanding, seeing other KBB tours having the same experience as us was reassuring that we found the right company. I really appreciate KBB and the experience they provided. If you’re looking to go to Kentucky, do it right, Book KBB.

Kentucky Bourbon Boys would get six stars if I could rate them that high!! We’re already planning our trip back to Louisville & can’t wait to use them again.  They were super helpful in the planning process and truly made our trip amazing. Our driver Rusty was so knowledgeable & went above and beyond for our group. We visited Limestone Distillery, Maker’s Mark and Bardstown.  We had lunch at the Cozy Corner which our group thoroughly enjoyed. The tour was all inclusive and I literally cannot say better things about this tour service!!!

Rachelle J.

We used KBB for a bachelor party. First booking was very smooth and the coordination team was very prompt with communication about the tour. You also get more flexibility to pick distilleries that you want to visit vs just a set itinerary. They also pick you up from where you are staying so it is incredibly convenient. Larry W. was our tour guide and he was so kind, took pictures for us throughout the day, and shared fun facts and bourbon history on top of the tours we were able to take.

I can not stress enough how great of an experience we had and would 100% use them again for future bourbon country tours.

Katheryn K.

Had a great day with KBB on a custom tour. Have been on other bourbon tours, and it was so great to be able to customize our experience, Friendly, reliable, accommodating. Larry D was our driver and made it a wonderful day for us!

Great communication from start to finish. Our Driver Bobby was a great guy, very informative and helpful.

Our guide Justin was on time / professional / fun to be around. Everything was on schedule – he gave great recommendations on other things to do while we were in Lexington.

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Top 10 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours

This post contains affiliate links. as an amazon associate i earn from qualifying purchases..

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

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

What Is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

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

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

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

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

A Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour

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

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

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

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

Bourbon Trail Tours: Are They Expensive?

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

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

How Long Do the Bourbon Tours Take?

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

Online reservations are highly recommended (and sometimes required).

How Many Distilleries Can I Tour in One Day?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$13.78 per person tour and tasting.

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

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

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

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

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

2. Woodford Reserve (Versailles)

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

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

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

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

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

3. Wild Turkey (Lawrenceburg)

$11 per person.

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

The Wild Turkey Distillery is surrounded by beautiful Kentucky countryside.

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

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

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

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

I’ll be back, Wild Turkey!

4. Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg)

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

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

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

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

Four Roses Warehouse

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

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

It’s located near the Jim Beam distillery.

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

5. Maker's Mark (Loretto)

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

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

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

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

6. Heaven Hill (Bardstown)

Tasting $18; specialty tastings available.

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

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

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

7. Jim Beam (Clermont)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The  tasting glass  is included in the tour price.

8. Bulleit (Shelbyville)

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

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

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

I’d highly recommend this tour!

9. Evan Williams (Louisville)

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

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

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

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

The tasting included  three bourbons and a bourbon ball .

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

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

New Distilleries on the Bourbon Trail

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

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

Michter's (Louisville)

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

Stitzel-Weller (Louisville)

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

Old Forester (Louisville)

$32 tour and tasting; specialty tour available.

Rabbit Hole Distillery (Louisville)

$25 tour and tasting.

Angels Envy (Louisville)

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

Bardstown Bourbon Company (Bardstown)

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

Specialty tastings and programs available at new Louisville tasting room.

Lux Row Distillers (Bardstown)

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

Wilderness Trail (Danville)

$15 tour and tasting.

Green River (Owensboro)

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

10. Off-Trail: Buffalo Trace (Frankfort)

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Tours Does Buffalo Trace Offer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

↓ Bourbon Trail Basics ↓

More Kentucky Food + Drink Destinations

About Sarah Trenalone

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

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Cynthia Rusincovitch

September 14, 2016 at 3:54 am

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

November 09, 2016 at 8:25 pm

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

champagne-tastes

November 09, 2016 at 8:26 pm

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

November 10, 2016 at 1:18 pm

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

November 10, 2016 at 1:48 pm

Haha yes I do!!! And thanks!

Go check it out!!

Lisa | Garlic & Zest

February 19, 2018 at 9:27 am

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

February 19, 2018 at 9:30 am

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

Dawn - Girl Heart Food

February 19, 2018 at 12:13 pm

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

February 21, 2018 at 10:33 am

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

February 24, 2018 at 10:16 am

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

March 21, 2018 at 9:48 am

Make it happen Leah!!! lol

February 25, 2018 at 6:14 am

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

Megan Marlowe

February 25, 2018 at 8:15 pm

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

February 26, 2018 at 10:16 am

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

February 27, 2018 at 9:15 am

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

March 21, 2018 at 9:46 am

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

March 13, 2019 at 12:20 pm

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

March 13, 2019 at 3:42 pm

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

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

March 14, 2019 at 5:58 pm

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

March 14, 2019 at 10:13 pm

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

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Nestled in Bardstown, KY, the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown Bourbon Co. is the first Napa Valley style destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® to combine distilling, culinary, and beverage expertise to create a modern, authentic bourbon experience. In 2023, Bardstown Bourbon Co. opened their immersive satellite experience on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville.

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Bardstown Bourbon Company pushes the boundaries of innovation while honoring the traditional art of whiskey making. Nestled in the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World, we are the first Napa Valley style destination to combine distilling, culinary, and an innovative beverage program.  Come visit our world-class distillery and experience multiple tour options, our vintage library, or one of our unique educational tasting opportunities.  This is the modern bourbon experience.

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Bardstown Bourbon Co.’s brand new Louisville Tasting Room allows guests to experience innovation on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. The Louisville Tasting Room offers several ways to experience Bardstown Bourbon Company, including one-of-a-kind tastings, interactive experiences, educational programs, a full-service bar, retail shop, and other elements to discover.   It’s an immersive bourbon experience unlike any other.

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CATCH THE BOURBON BOAT

"the nation's only boat-based bourbon tour".

Experience the  Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® by boat- a unique way to learn about the Kentucky River’s influence on the history of bourbon.

Come see why early whiskey distillers cherished this river, and decided to build their fortunes on it’s banks. discover the  kentucky bourbon trail ® from a new perspective, w ith kentucky river tours..

"Had a fun family outing to celebrate Father’s Day! Highly recommend a Kentucky River Tour. Captain Allison and Captain Nathan were super knowledgeable and friendly!"

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"A relaxing ride up the Kentucky River, filled with the beautiful sites and interesting information (both historic and current) about the area. Hosted by Captains Allison and Nathan, the tour could not have been more delightful. Best hour off my week. Highly recommend!"

"We did one of their tours today and highly recommend this company. Check it out!"

"My son came in town from Wisconsin and we decided to take the river boat ride. It is probably one of the best things to do in Kentucky. We were all extremely impressed with the way the trip was run and Captain Nathan was very knowledgeable of the events of history. We enjoyed it immensely."

"A beautiful, pleasant, informative trip on the river is such an awesome way to spend the afternoon. Pairs PERFECTLY with a trip to Buffalo Trace!"

"Had a great time on the new Bourbon Tour, Nathan is so knowledgeable about the Kentucky River, tons of fun and educational too."

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"Captains Allison and Nathan are both great! They took us on a beautiful tour of Frankfort's Kentucky River. They showed us lots of points of interest and catered to our 3 year-old's love of turtles by slowing down the boat so she could see them sunbathing. The boat was pristine and had all of the necessary safety equipment. I would highly recommend this adventure!"

"This is our 2nd trip to the Kentucky area and the boat tour was a perfect add to the trip. Extremely informative and just relaxing. Is a great compliment to the bourbon trail and I would highly recommend!! Captain was fun, full of history and great to listen to and we Thank him for adding to our vacation."

"A trip with Captain Nathan and Allison is relaxing and as comfortable as if you were with old friends. Totally enjoyable ride along the lovely Kentucky river with those who know the history and share it’s interesting stories. The boat is quite comfortable and the ride was smooth. Even on a cloudy afternoon they fill it with Kentucky hospitality and charm. Would definitely recommend this delightful tour!"

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VISIT WILDERNESS TRAIL DISTILLERY

Wilderness Trail’s Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. We offer an hour-long tour six times a day with tasting at the tour’s conclusion. To get inspired to visit, watch our video . Go here to make a tour reservation.

COMMITMENT TO THE TRADITION

We have a pioneering spirit here at Wilderness Trail Distillery, just like the settlers who followed the path Daniel Boone blazed into Central Kentucky. In keeping with our location in the birthplace of Kentucky, we like blending old traditions with the science of making Bourbon and other fine spirits. After years of working with distilleries around the world to provide advice and fermentation products, we launched our premium craft distillery in 2012 with a focus on making the highest quality Bourbon, Rye Whiskey and Vodka. Our founders Shane Baker and Pat Heist are fermentation experts with more than 20 years of experience in the production of alcohol and some of the best brands on the market today. Our specialty is making unique spirits from locally-grown grains to ensure quality, and adding a healthy dose of science in the process. Come see what we mean by visiting Wilderness Trail Distillery.

We Love Our Spirits

We’re happy that people are enjoying our Small Batch, Bottled in Bond, Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a wheated mashbill, high-rye mashbill or rye whiskey. Blüe Heron Vodka also continues to be a big hit. We want to share more details about our releases, distribution and events. We also want to hear from people who enjoy Wilderness Trail. So, please share your adventures. Please tag us with #whattrailareyouon. Sharing news is part of being a Family. So first sign up as a Family Tree member and we will keep you updated on releases and other Wilderness Trail Distillery events and offers.

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Stateline Whiskey Tour KY / TN

3 Distilleries, 30 Miles, Countless Memories

3 Distilleries. 30 Miles. Countless Memories.

Old Glory Distilling Co. (Clarksville, TN), Casey Jones Distillery (Hopkinsville, KY), and MB Roland Distillery (Pembroke, KY) have joined forces to create the Stateline Whiskey Tour. This self guided tour takes you from scenic Hopkinsville, Kentucky to historic Clarksville, Tennessee. Each distillery has its own special story and its own delicious spirits. From Kentucky Bourbon to Tennessee Whiskey, and many other spirit creations in between, you’ll be certain to enjoy a variation from each distillery. You’ll be able to sample the spirits and purchase bottles at each gift shop (hours vary by distillery); even enjoy a delicious cocktail on most days!

Take the tour with each distillery and get your passport stamped at each stop to receive a completion gift (ages 21+) at the final completed distillery tour.

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Whiskey Wonderland: Tour Bourbon Kentucky's Odyssey through Kentucky's Finest Distilleries

Whiskey lover’s dream journey with Tour Bourbon Kentucky, where the spirit of Kentucky comes to life through an unrivaled exploration of the state’s most iconic distilleries. Offering private chauffeured transportation to a curated selection of renowned bourbon makers, Tour Bourbon Kentucky promises an immersive experience, making it the quintessential way to discover the rich heritage of Kentucky’s bourbon culture.

The Ultimate Bourbon Distillery Adventure:

Tour Bourbon Kentucky takes pride in providing exclusive access to a vast array of distilleries in Louisville, Bardstown, Frankfort, Shelbyville, and Lawrenceburg. Let’s dive into the bourbon-soaked wonderland that awaits you.

Exploring Louisville’s Distilleries:

Angel’s Envy:

• Angel’s Envy Bourbon
• Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection

Evan Williams:

• Evan Williams
• Kentucky Artisan Distillery

Jefferson’s:

• Billy Goat Strut
• Whiskey Row

Kentucky Peerless:

• Bomberger’s

Old Forester:

• Old Forester

Rabbit Hole:

• Rabbit Hole
• Stitzel-Weller

Blade & Bow:  

 Prohibition Craft

Bardstown Bourbon Trail:

Bardstown Bourbon Co.:

• Fusion Series
• Discovery Series
• Collaborative Series

Barton 1792:

• Thomas S. Moore
• Kentucky Tavern
• Kentucky Gentleman
• Very Old Barton

Heaven Hill:

• Elijah Craig
• Pikesville Rye
• Bernheim Wheat
• Rittenhouse Rye
• Parker’s Heritage
• Old Fitzgerald
• Henry McKenna
• Mellow Corn
• Basil Hayden
• Little Book
• Old Grand-Dad
• Old Overholt

Limestone Branch:

• Yellowstone
• Minor Case Rye

Maker’s Mark:

• Maker’s Mark
• Preservation

Very Olde St. Nick:

• Wattie Boone & Sons
• Cowboy Little Barrel

Wilderness Trail:

• Wilderness Trail
• Willett Family Estate
• Old Bardstown
• Noah’s Mill
• Rowan’s Creek
• Johnny Drum
• Pure Kentucky

Shelbyville/Frankfort/Lawrenceburg Bourbon Bliss:

Buffalo Trace:

• Buffalo Trace
• Elmer T. Lee
• E.H. Taylor
• Pappy Van Winkle
• W.L. Weller
• George T. Stagg
• Thomas H. Handy
• Rock Hill Farms
• Hancock’s Reserve
• Early Times
• Blade & Bow

Four Roses:

Jeptha Creed:

• Jeptha Creed
• Bloody Butcher’s Creed

Wild Turkey:

• Wild Turkey
• Russell’s Reserve
• Kentucky Spirit
• Long Branch

Tour Bourbon Kentucky presents an unparalleled odyssey through the heart of bourbon country, offering an exclusive glimpse into the craftsmanship, history, and flavors that define Kentucky’s whiskey culture. Elevate your bourbon experience with private chauffeured tours that ensure each sip is a step deeper into the soul of Kentucky’s distilling legacy. Cheers to the ultimate whiskey adventure!

Embarking on a bourbon distillery tour isn’t just a journey; it’s an exploration of Kentucky’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. In this enlightening Q&A session, we delve into the world of Tour Bourbon Kentucky, a leading company offering private chauffeured transportation to some of the finest distilleries in the state. Discover the secrets, stories, and unique experiences that await whiskey enthusiasts, all while starting your adventure at just $129.00 per person.

Q1: What distinguishes Tour Bourbon Kentucky from other distillery tour operators?

A1: Tour Bourbon Kentucky stands out for its curated selection of distilleries across Louisville, Bardstown, Frankfort, Shelbyville, and Lawrenceburg. We provide exclusive access, expert guides, and private chauffeured transportation, all starting at an affordable per person, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience beyond the ordinary.

Q2: How do you choose the distilleries included in your tours?

A2: Our team meticulously selects distilleries representing the diverse flavors and histories of Kentucky bourbon. From iconic names like Angel’s Envy to hidden gems like Jeptha Creed, our tours offer a comprehensive journey through the spectrum of bourbon craftsmanship.

Q3: What can participants expect during a Tour Bourbon Kentucky distillery visit?

A3: Participants can expect a blend of education, tastings, and behind-the-scenes insights, all for an affordable starting price of $129.00 per person. From witnessing the distillation process to exploring historic sites and enjoying exclusive tastings, our tours provide a holistic experience for bourbon enthusiasts of all levels.

Q4: How does private chauffeured transportation enhance the bourbon tour experience?

A4: Private chauffeured transportation ensures participants can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kentucky without the worry of navigating.  it guarantees a safe and comfortable journey between distilleries, maximizing the time spent savoring the whiskey and absorbing the cultural richness of each location.

Q5: Can you share a memorable experience or story from one of your distillery tours?

A5: One memorable experience involves a surprise tasting of a rare bourbon at Willett Distillery, arranged exclusively for our tour group. It’s moments like these that make our tours truly special – unexpected delights that add an extra layer of magic to the bourbon adventure.

Q6: How do you cater to varying levels of bourbon expertise among participants?

A6: Our expert guides, for just  are well-versed in bourbon knowledge and can tailor the tour to cater to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to bourbon or a connoisseur, we provide insights that enhance your appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry behind each bottle.

Q7: What feedback have you received from participants about their Tour Bourbon Kentucky experience?

A7: Participants consistently express their appreciation for the seamless organization, informative guides, and the opportunity to explore a diverse selection of distilleries. Many highlight the convenience of private transportation and the exclusive access to areas not open to the general public.

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How American-Made Michter’s Became ‘The World’s Most Admired Whiskey’


I n 2023 Michter’s became the first American brand to be named “The World’s Most Admired Whiskey” by Drinks International ’s prestigious annual poll of industry experts. The result for this Louisville, Kentucky-based distiller of top-shelf whiskeys, bourbons and ryes came as no surprise. Michter’s publicly stated goal is to offer the greatest American whiskey, and they achieved that accolade through their passion and an unwavering balance between a vision of the future and adherence to the past.

The History of Michter’s Distillery

The Michter’s legacy begins in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, at a distillery founded by Swiss settler John Shenk in 1753. In the 271 years since, it changed names several times: in the 1800s it was known as Bomberger’s, and in the 1950s it became Michter’s when Lou Forman combined the names of his two sons, Michael and Peter.

The Pennsylvania distillery went bankrupt in 1989, leading to its closure, but in the 1990s Chatham Imports, a wine and spirit supplier owned by three Magliocco brothers (John, Nino and Joseph), spent an impressive $245 to become owner of the Michter’s brand. Led by Joseph J. Magliocco, the Chatham team set out to restart the legendary brand with the help of consultant Dick Newman, former president of the Kentucky-based Wild Turkey.

Their first move was to relocate the company to Louisville, Kentucky. There, they sourced existing whiskey that had been barreled by local distilleries, releasing their first whiskeys under the new Michter’s leadership in 2000: a patient 10-year rye and a 10-year bourbon. It was an immediate success: just two years later, Pete Wells (now restaurant critic at the New York Times ) awarded the latter “Best American Whiskey.”

Then, beginning in 2003, Michter’s started working with an undisclosed Kentucky distillery, who allotted them a certain number of production days, during which time they perfected their craft of creating perhaps the most unique barrels in the bourbon industry. All of the oak that Michter’s uses is aged and seasoned outside for a minimum of 18 months before being made into a barrel – in addition to a number of other flavor-imparting trade secrets. In 2012 Michter’s opened its own distillery in Shively, Louisville, and as of 2015 they’ve been totally self-sufficient for their distillation.

Presently Michter’s operates three locations in Kentucky: There’s Michter’s Shively Distillery, with its custom-designed, all-copper column-to-pot system. This system produces their US*1 line of releases, which has garnered many accolades – its name is an ode to Michter’s heritage as the first American whiskey company. Additionally, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, in downtown Louisville, features a legendary pot-to-pot still system that originally lived at Michter’s original Pennsylvania distillery, which produced some of the best whiskey in the country during its existence. Lastly, Michter’s also runs a 205-acre farm and operations facility in Springfield, Kentucky, where they grow non-GMO corn, rye and barley to distill.

A little known but very fun fact: prior to doing its own bottling at Michter’s Shively, Kentucky Michter’s was bottled between Julian Van Winkle’s Commonwealth Distillery, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (Willett) and Strong Spirits. None of these bottlers distilled any whiskey that Kentucky Michter’s has bottled.

Michter’s Best Whiskeys

The early to middle part of the 2010s were banner years for Michter’s, as this is when they began releasing what is now some of the most sought-after and valuable bourbon and rye on the market. First, 2008 bottlings of 25-year editions of both bourbon and rye were released in 2009. Both of these whiskeys have rich and full mouthfeels, yet don’t overwhelm with oak as many older bourbons do. Their oils will coat your mouth, and you can feel and taste the whiskey even after swallowing, creating a truly rounded and pleasurable experience. The bourbon reminds one of roasted nuts sprinkled over a vanilla- and chocolate-coated apple. The rye exudes rich coffee and floral, tangerine-like essence, rounded out by warming undertones of spicy peppers.

Four years later, in 2012, Michter’s introduced its 20-year bourbon, one of my personal favorites. It is full and somehow fluffy at the same time. Citrus tea and hot chocolate tingle the palate, while savory notes of peach and tart fruit, drizzled with molasses, linger on the finish.

The following year Michter’s showed the world how great a whiskey from the United States can truly be with its first Celebration, a groundbreaking American whiskey blended from rare first-use barrels, ranging in ages up to over 30 years! The depth of flavor is bottomless. Celebration has flavors of honey, smoked fruit, candied nuts, vanilla crème, toasted pineapple and allspice all rolled into one. It has balance and delicacy, rounded out into quite an exceptional whiskey.

Then in 2014, Michter’s became the first company to launch a toasted-barrel finish whiskey (a process in which the wood is exposed to heat over a longer period of time, as opposed to a charred barrel, which usually means less than one minute of direct flame exposure). This slower, more gentle approach releases more of the wood’s natural flavors, creating a more delicate, yet complex whiskey. Despite their innovation, Michter’s had no idea they’d be creating an entirely new category of American whiskey, which has since taken hold of the market and is being replicated all over the country.

Plus, in order to pay proper homage to the distillery’s past, the Michter’s Legacy Series, comprising Shenk’s Kentucky Sour Mash Whiskey and Bomberger’s Kentucky Bourbon, was also released for the first time in 2014.

Michter’s Whiskeys at Auction

Since 2023, Sotheby’s has auctioned both the 25-year bourbon and rye releases for over $20,000, while the Michter’s 20-year bourbon and Michter’s Celebration have sold for over $10,000. All of these prices constitute the highest-value whiskeys in their respective categories.

Michter’s has garnered great acclaim in many of the 70-plus export markets it sells to, including being named “The Best American Whiskey” by China’s Billion Bottle Club. In 2020, the barrel of 10-year bourbon donated by Michter’s to the 50 Best for Recovery charity auction set the then-record price for a barrel of bourbon when it sold at auction for £166,000 ($209,462). Michter’s is somewhat unique among American whiskey companies in that it has not sold any barrel picks due to its policy of never releasing any whiskey that its production team feels is not up to its exacting standards.

Michter’s has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio of bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey and American whiskey are odes to flavor, history, patience, vision and an unfaltering commitment to excellence. The Michter’s team is led by Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee President Joseph J. Magliocco, Master Distiller Dan McKee and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson.

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Skrewball whiskey and joey fatone plan to ‘skrew the usual’ this derby season.

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Skrewball Whiskey x Joey Fatone

Skrewball Whiskey , the original peanut butter whiskey, has announced a partnership with Joey Fatone, the multitalented entertainer and member of NSYNC, to “Skrew the Usual” when it comes to celebrating the upcoming horse racing season and the sport’s big race in Kentucky this May.

As someone who consistently stands out when it comes to his race day fashion — it’s Fatone’s 22nd year attending the Kentucky Derby — the brand is joining forces with the singer to create a very special hat that’s perfect for race day.

“Horse racing is an iconic part of the summer season, and we’re thrilled to be part of it as we partner with the incredibly talented Joey Fatone,” said Skrewball Whiskey co-founder, Steven Yeng. “At Skrewball, we’re always looking for fresh and exciting ways to engage with consumers. Teaming up with Joey allows us to amplify that ethos and bring it to life in dynamic new ways.”

Skrewball Whiskey was founded by Yeng, a Cambodian refugee, and his wife Brittany, a former chemist turned lawyer. Yeng discovered his love of peanut butter shortly after arriving in the United States. Later, he began to use peanut butter in a drink at the bar he was running in San Diego. Seeing this drink gain such popularity, his wife was inspired by the bestselling shot and decided to use her chemistry background to create a shelf-stable peanut butter whiskey. Since then, the award-winning whiskey has been “skrewing the usual” and pushing the boundaries in spaces where whiskey dominates the conversation.

Only 12 of these hats were made!

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At the heart of this collaboration is Fatone’s horse race-inspired hat that has well-placed holders specifically crafted to carry miniature 50ml bottles of Skrewball Whiskey — perfect for race day enthusiasts who wish to keep their favorite whiskey nearby. Fatone will sport this exclusive accessory (in fact, he has it in two colors that will coordinate with his weekend outfits) as he makes special appearances at select events around Louisville, bringing the spirit of Skrewball Whiskey alongside his signature charm and energy to the city’s festivities.

“Kentucky Derby weekend is one of my favorite holidays of the year,” says Fatone who attends the Barnstable Brown Gala (which is internationally recognized as one of the “Ten Best Parties in the World” and benefits Diabetes Research at the University of Kentucky) and the Derby every year. “It's the perfect time to get all dressed up and wear fun and fancy hats — like this one! And it’s just so cool to partner with such a unique brand that really meshes well with my style and how I like to Derby.”

Skrewing the usual this Derby

The brown hat is chic with a wide brim and simple decor in the manner of a few feathers and some leather wrapping, plus of course, the smart pouches meant to perfectly hold two little bottles of Skrewball. “Being out of the norm is what I normally do anyway so this is the perfect collaboration to me — plus I love peanut butter,” laughs Fatone. “The brand’s take on ‘Skrewing the Usual’ and having fun aligns perfectly with what I strive for as an entertainer."

Want to get your hands on one of the coveted race day hats? Have no fear, the brand will be giving away a few to those who enter an online sweepstakes. Visit www.SkrewballWhiskey.com/RaceDayHat before May 12, 2024 to enter.

Those who are planning to spend Derby Day at home can still get in on the “skrew the usual” action thanks to Skrewball Whiskey who created a couple race-inspired cocktails. Easy to make at home — or on the go like Fatone will be doing via the whiskey in his hat.

PB&G Mule

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• 1.5 ounces pomegranate juice or cranberry juice
• 1 ounces lime juice
• 4 ounces ginger beer

Method: Stir all ingredients together. Add ice. Garnish with lime and optional mint, if desired.

Skrewball Old Fashioned (New Fashioned)

• 1 ½ ounce Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
• ¾ ounce rye whiskey
• 4 dashes Angostura Bitters

Method: Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass. Pour into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. Garnish with a cherry and orange twist.

And yes, I did ask if there were any plans for a new NSYNC album or tour — to which Fatone says, “There are a lot of moving parts these days! We all have families and independent projects going on. Justin is starting a tour and I’m on the road a lot with AJ from Backstreet Boys, JC is writing and producing, Chris is on tour with O-Town, and Lance has his radio show with iHeartRadio. At this time, there’s nothing on the table, but it could be a conversation... someday.” For now, to keep up with Joey Fatone’s race season coverage, follow him on Instagram @realjoeyfatone .

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