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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®.

Start Planning Your Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Tour

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

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

This Summer, Take On A Bourbon Boat Tour For The Ultimate Kentucky Day Trip

Sarah McCosham

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.

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Here in Kentucky, we love our bourbon… and our boats. The Bluegrass is known for epic water recreation , in fact, and while many of us (responsibly) imbibe in a glass whilst enjoying a summer boating excursion, it’s not often you see bourbon and boats together in any sort of official capacity. That’s what makes the Bourbon Boat Tour from Kentucky River Tours so special. Climb aboard and experience the Bourbon Trail like never before, for an experience that truly is the ultimate Kentucky day trip!

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Did you know about the Bourbon Boat Tour offered by Kentucky River Tours? How fun! Learn more and schedule your epic and spirited excursion on the Kentucky River Tours website . And be sure to check out this YouTube video c/o prospermediatv for a sneak peek of what to expect on this only-in-Kentucky tour:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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What are some other unique Kentucky tours?

Experience the Bluegrass State like never before when you opt for one of the following unique Kentucky tours:

• Baker-Bird Winery is acclaimed for its winery *and* bourbon distillery, and is, in our opinion, the perfect fall day trip in Kentucky. The oldest and largest winery in the United States, Baker-Bird is known for its internationally-acclaimed wine *and* bourbon, as well as its historic wine tours. One of just 22 wineries listed on the National Historic Registry in the U.S., Baker-Bird Winery's distillery site dates back all the way to 1797, making for a fascinating and wholly unique day trip in KY!
• Old Louisville Tours . Old Louisville   is one of the most beautiful and  historic places in Kentucky . All over the city, there are neighborhoods full of beautiful estates and stately homes that glimmer as brightly today as they did over a hundred years ago. It is one of the most acclaimed historic districts in the U.S., which, of course, has caused many a “haunted” rumor to spread over the years. If you’re looking to discover the haunted side of Old Louisville, there’s a one-day tour (in broad daylight!) sure to stoke and satisfy your curiosity about this legendary and historic Kentucky neighborhood.
• Buffalo Trace Distillery isn't just one of the most historic distilleries in Kentucky, it's also one of the most beautiful. The Frankfort distillery sprawls over 130 acres that's flush with gorgeous gardens, towering trees, and expansive green spaces. The 200-year-old distillery includes approximately 100 acres of woods, a farmhouse with barns, and two ponds, in fact. And then, of course, there are the warehouses themselves. These big, beautiful barrel warehouses are where the magic happens, and on a free distillery tour, you can enjoy a peek behind the curtain of one of the most legendary distilleries in Kentucky!
• Kentucky River Thorobred Cruise . There are many ways to get out on the water in Kentucky, but if you're looking for a free opportunity that focuses on education, then check out the Kentucky River Thorobred. The tours aboard this 52-foot Coast Guard certified vessel are run through Kentucky State University and are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That means this free, educational opportunity is open to the public!

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Featured Addresses

The Beloved Bourbon Boat Written by Patti Nickell

What do you get when you mix a dollop of river adventure, a dash of history, a touch of commonwealth trivia, and a taste of bourbon?

You get a floating addition to the Bourbon Trail, and what is believed to be the country’s only bourbon boat tour.  A recent excursion on the Trace of Kentucky, a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected vessel, delivered all the above. 

Helmed by Captain Allison, with Captain Nathan as the informative narrator, guests (myself included) got the full experience of the one-hour-and-twenty-five-minute “Tour and Taste” excursion.

Taking off from Frankfort’s dock for a journey into the pool of the Kentucky River (no dams and locks to traverse on this one), we were accompanied for several miles by a majestic blue heron, dipping and soaring above the water.

After a heavy rainfall, the river, which provides one-sixth of the state with water, took on a mossy green hue instead of its usual brownish-gray. The blue heron made a striking contrast, but it was only one example of fauna seen along the route.

Green herons, osprey and turtles are other examples of wildlife that can be spotted along this route, and Nathan pointed out that freshwater eels have been found near the Frankfort Boat Club. The most exciting time to spot the native fauna is in April and May when bald eagles nest in the trees alongside pools two and three.

The heron finally disappeared, replaced by a line of houseboats moored along the bank serving as a reminder that Kentucky is one of America’s Top 10 houseboating destinations.

(Although our boat was confined to a pool of the river, with the opening of locks and dams one through four, the river is navigable for 82 miles from Frankfort to its mouth on the Ohio River.)

Among the sights easily seen from the boat is the 129-year-old Singing Bridge, a beloved Frankfort landmark. The bridge spans the Kentucky River at 405 feet long and features a metal grate girder, which makes a humming noise when cars drive across.

The tour features one site passengers can see – the impressive limestone cliffs that line the river and date back some 450 million years – and one they can’t – FishTrap Island.  Once used by Native Americans, it is now completely submerged beneath the river waters, but you can use your imagination.

Another site that requires imagination was once occupied by the old Frankfort Hotel where two remarkable women Ruth Booe, in partnership with Rebecca Gooch, came up with the concept of the bourbon ball.

This delectable bourbon-laced chocolate bonbon gained the ladies a lasting spot in commonwealth history.

Nathan explained that in the early 20 th century, Ruth applied for a $50 loan at three local banks to expand her business.  All three turned her down.  Thankfully, an employee at the hotel had better business sense than the bankers and loaned her the money.  The rest, as they say, is history.

This was a good time for Nathan to segue to the history of bourbon and its historic connection to the Kentucky River.

As the boat passed the remains of the once imposing Hermitage Distillery built in 1868 and given its name presumably in a nod to Andrew Jackson’s Nashville estate, The Hermitage.

Passengers from out of state are often surprised to learn that 95 percent of the world’s bourbon comes from Kentucky’s nearly 100 distilleries, and that bourbon barrels for aging the spirit outnumber people five to one.

Nathan got a laugh when he explained that a few select distilleries were allowed to remain open during Prohibition as their product was used for medicinal purposes for ailments ranging from “old age” to a “broken heart.”

One of these distilleries is the last stop on the Bourbon Boat Tour.  Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America (1857) and the first to market single barrel bourbon commercially, is a National Historic Landmark.

Boat passengers disembark here for a bourbon tasting in the renovated Visitors’ Center.  They sample six of the distillery’s signature products, while learning about the giants of the industry – from Colonel E. H. Taylor and Albert Blanton to Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr.

The latter, Nathan told us, was known for saying “we make bourbon for a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon.” 

With a shot glass of Pappy’s 23-year-old priced at up to $100 and a collector’s bottle selling for $5,000, it’s safe to say that they have never had to worry about selling it at a loss.

If you are looking for a new perspective on Kentucky’s most famous industry and the way it was influenced by the Kentucky River, the Bourbon Boat Tour (offered May through October) is ideal.

Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission 300 Saint Clair St., Suite 102 Frankfort, KY 40601

800-960-7200 502-875-8687

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

F or 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.

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.

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).

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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Bourbon hall tours and tastings, bourbon tours in louisville, ky, louisville, ky bourbon tours start here, bourbon hall tours and tastings in louisville, kentucky.

Each tour has a starting price of $199 and includes admission to 2 distilleries, sales taxes and convenience fees. Water, ice, soft drinks and snacks also included.

EASTERN BOURBON TOUR

Travel to the heart of Bluegrass Country where multi-million dollar Thoroughbreds graze in their rich lush farmlands and then view the hundreds of rickhouses that are aging the many fine bourbons of Kentucky.

SOUTHERN BOURBON TOUR

URBAN BOURBON TOUR

The Bardstown area offers a diverse tour route of the very old and new distillery experiences. One of the world's largest producers of Bourbon, Jim Beam boast over a 200-year long family heritage of distilling and offers some of the finest bourbons in the world.

The Urban Trail experience is a mix of old historical distilleries and some "New Starters" which have entered the competitive world of bourbon. Stitzel-Weller has a rich and varied history where the Bulleit Bourbon brand was resurrected after many years of dormancy. 

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Give the perfect gift for any occasion to a Bourbon Hall Tours and Tastings experience in Louisville, KY! 

We are a great adventure for anyone wanting to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail from birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor and bachelorette parties to a weekend staycation! 

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY?

Private, customizable bourbon tours in louisville, ky.

Are you looking for things to do when you're in Louisville? Come ride with us and venture into the wonderful and fascinating world of Bourbon. We are a private tour company and offer customized travel itineraries for our Bourbon enthusiast that include distilleries in the rolling Bluegrass countryside as well as local tours in and around the Louisville area.

Want To learn more about bourbon with Bourbon Hall Tours?

Check out our blog.

Behind the Scenes: Exploring the World of Bourbon Distillation with Bourbon Hall Tours and Tastings

The History and Legacy of Bourbon in Kentucky: Tracing the Roots of America's Native Spirit

Unveiling the Unique Experience of Whiskey Thief Distilling Company

Experience the Spirit of Bourbon: Discovering Bourbon Hall Tours in Louisville, KY

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Bourbon Tours

Kentucky bourbon tours to satisfy your sense of adventure and your bourbon cravings.

Join us as we travel into the rolling hills of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region to explore the history and craftsmanship of Bourbon production. Our Bourbon Excursions visit beautiful Bourbon distilleries for tours of their historic grounds where you’ll watch Bourbon being made and savor the final product in their tasting rooms. The sweet smell is all around as you walk among these Kentucky treasures. Your tour will include private transportation, a fun and knowledgeable local guide along with admissions, tours and tastings at legendary Bourbon distilleries.  And we'll certainly stop for lunch at a local restaurant. See the list below for some of the most popular locations.

BUILD YOUR OWN BOURBON EXCURSION!

Choose from bourbon distilleries, a thoroughbred horse farm, a bourbon barrel cooperage, or even a brewery.

Have something a little different in mind?  Want to mix it up with a tour of a Kentucky thoroughbred farm or sample some suds from a local craft brewery?  We can accommodate your customized private tour anytime. We have the knowledge and the network to design an incredible private tour for you and your guests. Tell us where you wish to visit and where you wish to be picked up, etc. We’ll handle the planning and details.

‍ Plus, book with us and we can often arrange a discount at Louisville’s only waterfront hotel, The Galt House Hotel . We also offer pre-packaged tours and public tours to make it even easier.  Call us at 502-233-9903 to discuss all the great possibilities. Our team will plan it, price it and put it in writing for your review and approval. It really is just that easy! Our weekend tours can book up many weeks in advance so remember to consider touring Mondays through Thursdays for greater availability . Below are just some of your options:

Louisville Bourbon Tour

• Kentucky Peerless Distilling in Louisville, Ky
• Evan Williams in Louisville, Ky
• Angel’s Envy in Louisville, Ky
• Stitzel-Weller in Shively, Ky
• Old Forester in Louisville, Ky
• Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery in Louisville, Ky
• Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Ky
• Barrels & Billets at the Slugger Museum in Louisville
• Louisville breweries include:
• Against The Grain Brewery
• Falls City Brewery
• Ten20 Brewery

East Bourbon Tour

• James Pepper Distillery in Lexington, Ky
• Barrel House Distillery in Lexington, Ky
• Whiskey Thief Distillery in Graefenburg, Ky
• Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky
• Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Ky
• Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky
• Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Ky
• Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Ky
• Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shelbyville, Ky
• Bulleit Distillery in Shelbyville, Ky
• Bluegrass Distillery in Lexington, Ky
• RD One Distillery Tasting Room in Lexington, Ky
• Lexington Brewery & Distllery in Lexington, Ky

South Bourbon Tour

• Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Ky
• Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Ky
• Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Ky
• Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Ky
• Bardstown Bourbon Co in Bardstown, KY
• Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, KY
• Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, KY

Other Options

Sun Valley Horse Farm in Versailles, KY

Kentucky Cooperage (barrel makers) in Lebanon, KY

Frazier Museum Bourbon Exhibit in Louisville, KY

Ky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY

Copper & Kings Brandy Distillery in Louisville, KY

Equus Run Vineyards in Midway, KY

Talon Winery in Shelbyville, KY

CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK A CUSTOM TOUR

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

Design Your Day, Maximize Your Time.

Customized kentucky tours by bourbon town tours.

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

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

Custom Tours

Please fill out this inquiry form.

You must be 21 and have a valid ID to attend

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

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

No firearms of any kind are allowed.

Tips are always appreciated.

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

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Enjoy amazing tours along the kentucky bourbon trail with a great team of expert guides..

• 1-844-BOURBON / 844-268-7266
• [email protected]
• Louisville, Kentucky

Transportation Options

From one-stop hops to complete tour packages, make sure your journey is safe and comfortable by taking advantage of transportation options.

See the best of Kentucky with our friends at Mint Julep Experiences, the leader in Southern, luxury travel. Their team takes the hassle and worry out of your trip planning with their dedicated experts handling the curation of the entire itinerary and transportation.

The team at Pegasus has the expertise you need to help you create your perfect Kentucky day! Take Pegasus and leave the planning in their capable hands.

Family owned & operated since 2011, Kentucky Bourbon Boys is in the business of Bourbon, and making people happy! Let them show you around Kentucky’s Bourbon Country on  one of their fully custom and private experiences.  

When visiting the Lexington area, we highly recommend Central Kentucky Tours. Allow them to guide you between distillers and other landmarks throughout Central Kentucky along the way.

Set sail for adventure when you book your excursion on the Bourbon Boat.

Experience the thrill and excitement of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® by bicycle! It’s no easy feat—but experienced cyclists will appreciate the challenge (and beauty) of biking through Kentucky’s world-famous rolling hills.

With 15+ years of industry expertise, Mint Julep Experiences offers unparalleled access to iconic distilleries and emerging Bourbon experiences. Tailored single-day or multi-day journeys along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, curated by experts, ensure an immersive adventure for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Enjoy VIP transportation for safe, luxurious travel and savor every sip and sight along the Bourbon Trail™ and beyond!

Day long public tours are perfect for smaller groups or people who want to mingle with others throughout their Bourbon tour experience. Pegasus Distillery Experiences craft their itineraries to include a wide variety of tours and tastings to make each one its own unique curated experience. Click below to start planning your perfect Kentucky day!

This Private 3-Distillery Tour takes guests on the Bourbon tasting experience of a lifetime!  The Tour includes two distillery tastings and tours, a tasting-only experience at a third distillery, a southern cooked meal at a local restaurant, and private transportation with an experienced guide. You choose the distilleries, and the Kentucky Bourbon Boys team will handle the rest! 

Out-of-state Bourbon explorers can arrive at any airport in Kentucky—but we recommend touching down at Louisville International Airport, Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport, or the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport.

All three airports have nearby distilleries, so touch down and you’re on your way to savoring the world’s most celebrated spirits on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® .

While there are many guided transportation options available, many opt to self-drive the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® so they can enjoy it at their own pace, on their own time.  Travel times  between distilleries range from a few minutes to a few hours, offering stunning views of Thoroughbred farms and rolling hills along the way.

If you choose this option, be sure to plan ahead and understand how alcohol affects your BAC by utilizing the tools on our  Responsibility page .

Nothing is more important than your safety while enjoying the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® tour. The transportation providers above are the best way to plan travel to and from distilleries; however, guests in need of on-demand rides can utilize Lyft or other ridesharing services, where available.

Lyft offers safe rides to patrons traveling in most Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® communities. While drivers are abundant in Louisville and Lexington, wait times in rural areas can be long and unpredictable. Guests are encouraged to keep this in mind and use the app’s scheduling function to plan ahead.

We want our visitors to have the utmost confidence when they’re traveling in and around our distilleries, that they will get from A to B(ourbon) safely. That’s why we have developed operational guidelines that we ask all transportation companies to abide by. We believe that our partnering transportation companies listed on this page uphold the highest standards of excellence, making your trip the best that it can possibly be.

Click below to see the best practices adopted by our membership and partners.

More Experiences

• Kentucky Bourbon Trail®
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®
• Make It a Double
• Transportation
• Outdoor Activities
• Private Events
• Cocktails & Tastings
• Kentucky Bourbon Affair®
• Classes & Workshops

KY RIVER BOURBON HISTORY TOUR

Our flagship tour, about the tour.

This is a great way to learn about the river and its impact on an entire industry! On this tour 1 hour on Monday, 1.5 hours F/S/S, tour, we will discuss 6 different distilleries near the river, see the operational Lock and Dam #4, Daniel Boone's grave from below, "Frank's Ford" from above, the Leestown Settlement, and much more. Throw in a slice of wild Kentucky with critters ranging from Blue Heron to Bald Eagles, and river otters to white-tailed deer. Top that off with a little local Bluegrass flare coming through the speakers, and you’ve got the perfect recipe.

Trips depart at 4:30 PM Mondays, and 4:00 PM W/F/Sat. 

There are two options, Upper Deck and Lower Deck. Upper deck has better views, lower deck is fully enclosed. Prices vary.

Reservations are REQUIRED!

Cost: $29.95 - $34.95 per person.

Catch the Boat

Catch the Boat 

(Upper Deck)

(Lower Deck)

701 Wilkinson Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 219-3318

[email protected]

TOURS OFFERED

• Bourbon Themed Tour
• Historic River Tours
• Kentucky River Tour 
• Bourbon Tour
• River Boat Tours
• Buffalo Trace Tours
• Bourbon Trail Tours
• Bourbon Distillery Tour

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