bourbon trail tour packages lexington ky

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Top 13 things to do, plant-friendly, diversity, equity & inclusion, new restaurants, convention center, request for proposal, kentucky bourbon trail, follow the spirit.

Explore the rich tradition and proud history of "America's Official Native Spirit" on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, featuring a number of signature distilleries nestled among beautiful Bluegrass Region scenery.

Kentucky's legendary distilleries have crafted the world's finest Bourbons for more than 200 years, using secret recipes and methods passed down from generation to generation.

In 1999, the Kentucky Distillers' Association formed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour to give visitors a firsthand look at the art and science of crafting Bourbon, and to educate them about the rich history and proud tradition of Kentucky's signature spirit.

Bourbon tourism is skyrocketing, with nearly 2 million visitors from all 50 states and 25 countries to the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour in the last five years alone.

Visit the official site to learn more: www.kybourbontrail.com

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® is a registered trademark of the Kentucky Distillers' Association.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Written by lexington locals, these guides are a great way to jump into everything lexington has to offer., lexington’s can’t miss bourbon stops.

Why is Bourbon so big in Kentucky? Water. Lexington and the Bluegrass Region are located above an

Beyond Bourbon: Finding the Spirit of Lexington

The best Lexington experiences involve distilleries, craft breweries, a day at the track, plenty of

The Bourbon Country Guide

Discover the time-honored traditions involved in crafting America’s Native Spirit and learn...

What, Exactly, is Bourbon – and Why Does Most of it Come from Kentucky?

Have a conversation with Tim Knittel about the origins of Kentucky bourbon and why most of the

Bourbon Bars

Bourbon distilleries and tours, free visitors guide.

Request a printed copy of our Visitors Guide and learn more about everything the Horse Capital of the World has to offer.

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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.  We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, but this is not included in the price. 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 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 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
• 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
• 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

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Let's chat about the possibilities

Kentucky Bourbon Tours

Book a bourbon trail tour from louisville.

Tour the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with our signature itineraries, Thursday through Sunday. These tour itineraries are designed to maximize your time at each distillery and along the trail for a 1-day bourbon tour.

THURSDAY BOURBON TOUR

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

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

FRIDAY BOURBON TOUR

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY BOURBON TOUR

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY BOURBON TOUR

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

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

Embark on the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and discover why it’s an enduring favorite among bourbon enthusiasts worldwide

Seamless coordination.

Welcome to Bourbon Tours, where we whisk you away on an immersive journey through Bourbon Country. From the vibrant streets of Louisville to the serene landscapes of Kentucky, our guides ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. Sit back, relax, and indulge in local culinary delights as we handle every detail, ensuring your bourbon tour is nothing short of unforgettable.

Dive Into Bourbon Tradition

The Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide is your essential companion, featuring all 18 KBT® distilleries and 23 KBT Craft Tour distilleries. Don’t forget to secure your tour bookings in advance to ensure availability and entrust your transportation needs to our trusted partners for a stress-free experience.

Elevate Your Experience

We understand that every journey is unique. That’s why we offer customizable experiences tailored to your preferences. From exclusive tastings to behind-the-scenes access, let us elevate your bourbon trail adventure with our VIP Bourbon Trail Tours and Transportation services, ensuring exceptional service and luxury vehicles every step of the way.

Tailor Your Own Bourbon Trail Experience

For those craving a deeper exploration, our Multi-Day Bourbon Tour packages offer the flexibility to craft your own bourbon trail itinerary. Whether it’s a two-day or three-day adventure, our Experience Coordinators work closely with you to personalize your tour. Select your favorite distilleries, and indulge in unique experiences like mixology classes and bourbon-infused culinary delights. The possibilities are endless, promising a bespoke journey tailored to your interests and schedule.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Explore The Kentucky Distilleries

Nearly 100 different bourbon and whiskey brands are produced in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State is home to more barrels of bourbon than people and proudly creates 95% of the world’s bourbon. Learn more about the distilleries that make up the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Urban Bourbon Trail® and the greater Bourbon Country.

EXPLORE DISTILLERIES

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!

Bourbon Trail Tour in Lexington, KY

If you want to enjoy all that Lexington, KY, has to offer turn to Central Kentucky Tours. We offer tours ranging from our highly-esteemed a bourbon trail tour to Kentucky Derby experiences. Our tours are available for small groups and will take you on an adventure across beautiful horse farms to a historical cooperage.

Our Bourbon Tours

All of our bourbon tours will take you to see several distilleries where you’ll learn about the history of the Kentucky bourbon industry. Some of our tour groups even visit the Kentucky cooperage, where you can see firsthand how the barrels are created. And, of course, you’ll get to enjoy some excellent tasting throughout the tour.

We also offer private, custom tours so you and your group can select the sites that interest you the most.

Our One-on-One Service

We specifically work with small tour groups so we can offer personalized service. And we love chatting with our guests and sharing stories. Our tour guides love history, whether it’s about Kentucky or you and your group. Additionally, because of our small group sizes, we can answer all your questions — and we take the time to become experts on all things bourbon and thoroughbred.

View our Lexington, KY, bourbon tours below, or email us at [email protected] to set up a private tour.

• PUBLIC TOURS
• CUSTOM TOURS

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Design your own Private Custom Bourbon Tour

Choose the Distilleries you want to visit and the vehicle you want to ride in. Select from a wide range of vehicles from 2-36 passengers. A personal tour concierge will be in touch to confirm all of the details of your awesome day. Pay over three installments if booking more than 14 days in advance.

Join a public Bourbon Tour from Lexington

Experience the rich history and tradition of America’s native spirit through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Join us for a full-day adventure to three of Kentucky’s premier bourbon distilleries as we delve into each distillery’s unique heritage, craftsmanship, and tastes. Enjoy the scenic views, smell the bourbon mash, learn about the distillation process, meet some master distillers, and taste several of Kentucky’s finest bourbon. “Tours depart daily from Louisville and Lexington”

Custom Bourbon Tours

Come embark on a journey through the heart of Kentucky, where time-honored traditions, and a spirit as rich as the bourbon it produces await you. Welcome to Custombourbontours.com, where we invite you to design your own tour in the world of America's native spirit, bourbon. Our mission is to provide you with an unparalleled bourbon experience, one that uncovers the stories and legacies of historic distilleries and modern production as well. . Whether you're a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just beginning to explore the Bourbon Trail, our tours cater to all, join us in celebrating the essence of bourbon and the spirit of Kentucky.

Angel’s envy

Angel's Envy is a brand of bourbon whiskey that was founded by Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes Henderson in 2010. It is known for its unique aging process and…

Bardstown Bourbon Company

The Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBCo), located in Bardstown, Kentucky, in It is a relatively new distillery that began operations in 2016. The company focuses on the production of high-quality bourbon…

Barrel House Distilling Co.

Barrel House Distilling Co., located in Lexington, Kentucky, is a craft distillery known for its small- batch bourbons, rums, and other spirits. Committed to sustainable practices, they prioritize using locally…

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Bourbon Tours

Bourbon country done right..

​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!

Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice

Custom bourbon tours.

Family Owned & Operated Since 2011

Three Distilleries

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!

Southern-Cooked Meal

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

Private Shuttles

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

= One Incredible Experience

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!

Three Regions Covered

Plan your tour.

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

South Region Distilleries

The Bourbon Capital of the World

Frankfort / Lexington

East region distilleries.

Beautiful Horse Country

Downtown Distilleries

Distilleries in downtown Louisville and the surrounding area

• Bardstown Bourbon Company
• Boundary Oak
• Heaven Hill
• Kentucky Cooperage (Barrel Factory)
• Limestone Branch
• Log Still Distillery
• Maker’s Mark
• Preservation
• Maker's Mark
• Barrel House
• Bluegrass Distillers
• Buffalo Trace
• Bulleit Distilling Co.
• Castle & Key Distillery
• Fresh Bourbon
• James E. Pepper Distilling Co.
• Jeptha Creed
• J Mattingly 1845
• Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company
• Lexington Brewing & Distilling
• Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
• Wild Turkey (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

An Experience Unlike Any Other

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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Whether you're gearing up for the big race day at Churchill Downs or exploring other Derby festivities, let us handle your private group transportation needs.

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Bourbon tours designed just for you.

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

Come Visit Bourbon Country!

Welcome to bourbontown tours.

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

Jim Beam Distillery Tour – Clermont, Kentucky

Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour Versailles, Kentucky

Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour – Loretto, Kentucky

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour Frankfort, Kentucky

Where we go.

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

Kentucky Distilleries

Louisville area.

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

Bardstown & Beyond

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

Frankfort/Lexington

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

Horse Farms:

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

Historic Sites and Other Attractions:

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

Kentucky Breweries:

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

Kentucky Wineries:

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

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Falls City Brewery Tour Louisville, KY

Frazier History Museum Tour – Louisville, Kentucky

Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. – Lexington, KY

Heaven Hill Distillery Tour – Bardstown, Kentucky

Hi-Wire Brewery Tour Louisville, KY

Bulleit Distillery Tour – Shelbyville, KY

Unveiling kentucky’s secrets.

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

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

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

Bourbon Trail

Bourbon Trail:

This journey to some of the most iconic Bourbon distilleries in the world is a true Bluegrass bucket list item. Starting in Louisville at the Frazier Museum, the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, this adventure features 18 distilleries that define Kentucky Bourbon as the world knows it. Take behind-the-scenes tours, meet master distillers and taste select Bourbons you can’t find in stores. Along the way, rack up stamps in your passport to earn swag (and bragging rights). Thirsty for more? Check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour where every stop takes you deeper than ever before into the unrivaled craftsmanship of Kentucky’s Bourbon and distilling heritage.

The Residence:

Accommodations are located on the Bourbon Trail, spanning from Lexington to Louisville, with close proximity to the region’s distilleries, Churchill Downs, stunning countryside, and local attractions. Properties are a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom, making it ideal for a group of four adults.

Included Activities:

Steakhouse Dinner

Distillery tours

Whiskey Tastings

Nonprofit Cost:

$1,995 3-nights, $995 3-nights (residence only).

Thank you! We will contact you shortly

packages Includes:

Steakhouse dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Lexington

Tour at 4 distilleries

Tastings at 4 distilleries

Zero risk auction item; organization pays after event, only if item sells.

2 years to travel from date of purchase

Blackout dates include: April, October, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, New Years week, 4th of July week

Raise Away booking & concierge services

Additional fees or taxes may apply due to local ordinances

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Napa Valley Adventure for 10

A Kentucky Bourbon Trail Bed & Breakfast

Stay in the Heart of Bourbon Country

Rose Hill Inn is centrally located in the middle of Bourbon Country on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The trail offers an immersive journey through picturesque landscapes, showcasing distilleries with centuries-old traditions. Visitors can learn about the intricate bourbon-making process, savor the subtle flavors, and discover the different blends through immersive tours and tasting experiences. Whether you’re a connoisseur or novice, the trail promises an authentic expedition into the world of America’s unique spirit. 

There are over 40 signature distilleries and craft distilleries within about an hour from our Kentucky bed and breakfast on the bourbon trail, and many within a few minutes.

Distilleries in Kentucky

Below is a list of frequented Bourbon Distilleries, with the distance from Rose Hill Inn. Be sure to book your tour tickets in advance.

Versailles & Lawrenceburg

• Castle and Key Distillery (11.2 miles, 19 min)
• Buffalo Trace Distillery (14 miles, 20 min)
• Glenn’s Creek Distillery (14 miles, 19 min)
• Four Roses Distillery (13 miles, 15 min)
• Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company (9 miles, 14 min)
• Wild Turkey Distillery (7.9 miles, 11 min)
• Bluegrass Distillery (14 miles, 24 min)
• James E. Pepper (13 miles, 19 min)
• Barrel House Distilling Co. (12 miles, 18 min)
• Woodford Reserve Distillery (7.6 miles, 12 min)
• Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. (21 miles, 27 min)

Lexington & Danville Distilleries

• Bourbon 30 Spirits Distillery (17.7 miles, 32 min)
• Jeptha Creed Distillery (37 miles, 36 min)
• Bulleit Distilling Co. (33 miles, 40 min)
• Wilderness Trail Distillery (39.5 miles, 45 min)

Distilleries in Louisville

• Louisville Bourbon District (just an hour away)
• Old Forester Distilling Co. (66.4 miles, 64 mins)
• Angel’s Envy Distillery (66.5 miles, 64 mins)
• Michter’s Shively Distillery (67.4 miles, 70 mins)
• Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery (67.4 miles, 70 mins)
• Stitzel Weller Distillery (69 miles, 72 mins)
• Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. (67 miles, 67 mins)
• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (66.4 mi, 64 mins)
• Rabbit Hole Distillery (65 miles, 67 mins)
• Barrels & Billets (65 miles, 67 mins)
• Bernheim Distillery – Heaven Hill (68 miles, 71 mins)

Bardstown Distilleries

• James B. Beam Distilling Co. (63.5 miles, 68 mins)
• Bardstown Bourbon Company (47 miles, 46 mins)
• Willett Distillery (49.5 miles, 49 mins)
• Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience (48.5 miles, 47 mins)
• Preservation Distillery (50 miles, 46 mins)
• Maker’s Mark Distillery (60 miles, 60 mins)
• Log Still Distillery (60 miles, 59 mins)
• Lux Row Distillers (47.5 miles, 45 mins)

Distillery Tours

Don’t want to do the drive yourself? Check out local tour companies…

Central Kentucky Tours Family owned and operated tours since 2014.

Horse and Barrel Experiences Offering a unique bourbon experience, not just a tour.

Tour Kentucky Bourbon Public and private customized tours in luxury vehicles.

Bourbon Town Tours Small-batch distillery tours of three distinct regions.

Kentucky River Tours Discover the Bourbon Trail from a new perspective!

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Horse Farms

• Beer and Wine

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Food + Bourbon Experiences

Experience Louisville through the creations of top Kentucky chefs. From progressive evening dining experiences to boozy brunches to behind-the-scenes viewing of Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs. This is Food + Bourbon country!

Personalized & Premium Custom Tours

Work with an Experience Coordinator to hand-craft a one-day or multi-day custom itinerary. Custom Tours may include behind-the-scenes exclusive access, straight-from-the-barrel tastings, cocktail mixology classes, cooking demos and more. Allow us to exceed your expectations with a luxury travel experience!

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Tours & VIP Transportation

We combine deep expertise, long-term partnerships and complete hospitality services to help you experience the richness of Bourbon Country with distillery tours and premium tastings.

2024 Bourbon Tours Now Available for Booking

Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® in 2024 on a guided tour, visiting three distilleries in the day. Transportation included so you can enjoy the experience!

Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs Elevated Experience

Secure your tickets to be part of a live TV audience as you watch a taping of “Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs” at the Kitchen Theater at Paristown. 2021 dates now available for booking through July, with limited tickets and seating capacity.

Progressive Dinners, Boozy Brunches and more

Experience Louisville through the creations of top Kentucky chefs. From progressive evening dining experiences to boozy brunches to behind-the-scenes viewing of Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs.

Work with an Experience Coordinator to craft a one-day or multi-day custom personalized itinerary. Custom Tours are available 7-days a week and give guests exclusive access not available on public tours.

Distillery tours, horse farm visits, Cooperage tours, food tours and more through the Bluegrass State.

2024 Bourbon Tours Now Available

Secure your tickets to be part of a live TV audience as you watch a taping of “Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs” at the Kitchen Theater at Paristown.

Custom Tours

Tailor made itineraries that take you to distilleries, horse farms and more with the help of our experience experts for any size group.

Public Tours

Pre-planned itineraries for crafted Kentucky tours to distilleries, horse farms, breweries, landmarks and foodie experiences.

A fleet of luxury vehicles with professional drivers to take you where you need to go. Transportation options for all group sizes.

Experiences

Distilleries

Tour bourbon distillers and taste a variety of craft spirits

Visit stud farms that are home to Derby winners, nurseries with foals, or training facilities

Discover the best local restaurants or go inside kitchens of artisan food makers

Barrel Selects

Select your own barrel, taste the notes and bottle to take home

See the State through historic landmarks, colorful murals and charming places

Breweries/ Wineries

Find your new favorite beer or wine, paired with tours and tastings

Immerse Yourself

Kentucky bourbon trail® tours and more.

From handcrafted custom tour itineraries to public tour offerings, Mint Julep Experiences is Kentucky’s premier destination management company for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, legendary horse farms, historic Kentucky landmarks and the Commonwealth’s rich culinary scene.

Based in Louisville, the Mint Julep Experiences team of bourbon experts, veteran tour guides and city concierges do it all to help you explore the living history of Kentucky in comfort and style. Regional transportation through Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, Nashville, Franklin and more!

Southern Hospitality with a Twist of Mint

Kentucky’s Most Trusted Tour Provider

Best Guided Drinking Tours in America

As one of Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best Guided Drinking Tours in America,” the one-of-a-kind, family-owned tour company offers transportation and event planning services for hassle-free ventures for any group size, including corporate outings and V.I.P. excursions with transportation.

“Our tour with Mint Julep made our day so relaxing and carefree”

“I can’t imagine how our time could have been any better.”

“I did this for my husband but ended up loving every minute and learning to enjoy bourbon!”

“Every member of our group agrees that this was one of the best times we have ever had!!”

Similarly, in the realm of health and personal care, navigating the world of pharmaceuticals requires an expert touch. While Kentucky offers a deep dive into history and bourbon, medications like generic Viagra have their own intricacies. It’s important to approach such medications with knowledge and understanding, particularly when it comes to potential side effects. Just as one would trust a tour guide to show the hidden gems of a region, it’s imperative to consult medical professionals to guide one through the potential benefits and drawbacks of any medication.

“The Mint Julep KY Bourbon Trail Experience was one of the BEST vacations that our group of 10 have ever been on.”

“If you want to see the Bourbon Trail but don’t have to work about planning, coordinating, or driving, then go with Mint Julep!”

“This group should come with a warning label, something to tell that a person will lose a week of work being distracted by happy memories and planning future trips back.”

“I HIGHLY, highly recommend Mint Julep Tours when looking to book a bourbon trail trip.”

“Unreserved 5-star review for our experience with Mint Julep Tours. If a sixth star was possible Phil and his tour would deserve it.”

“Leaving the driving to someone else is the only way to go!”

“Informative, engaging and just plain FUN!”

15 Years of Excellence & Counting

Certificate of excellence hall of fame.

2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023

Showing our Local Pride & Support

Member of many fine kentucky organizations.

Unfiltered Kentucky Bourbon Tours

Affordable Bourbon Experiences

Premium-Level Service 

Bourbon-Only  Experiences

Customizable 

Wine & Beer Tours

Museums & Outdoors

Why Choose Us

Every Guest VIP Service

With Unfiltered KY Tours, every guest receives our VIP treatment, no matter your "rate" or size of your party.  

Fully Customizable Tours

Like to shop, golf, or see museums? Let us take you to KY's best destinations for your favorite activities. 

Small Groups = No Strangers

We're a private-only tour group. We'd never load you on a bus with strangers, so you'll always know you're in good company.

See the Most of Kentucky

KY is known for more than just bourbon. Explore horse country, the outdoors, and so much more along the bourbon trail. 

Our Shuttle Service Areas

SEE OPTIONS >

Louisville Area

See the world-famous whiskey row and a number of award-winning distilleries in the surrounding areas.

Bardstown Area

The undisputed capital of bourbon. Just 40 mins from Louisville, this old-feeling boozy city is sure to impress.

Frankfort Area

The capital of Kentucky. See where bourbon giants, history and mother nature collide. 

Northern Kentucky

NKY might be off the bourbon trail, but this gorgeous area of Greater-Cincinatti is worth a day trip (or two!) 

Lexington Area

Kentucky's second city. Lexington is a craft distillery mecca, and a world-class destination for horse lovers.

Pricing and Rates

The pricing of our tours is rather simple. We have already built in taxes, tour prices, and gratuity into our simple pricing chart. The only thing you'll pay for on your distillery day would be for lunch, which will be determined the day of your tour. And of course, you may want to bring extra for bottles and souvenirs!

Please note, our pricing includes the "basic" tour package at each distillery and/or a standard tasting or cocktail  if such is specified in your itinerary . A standard 15% gratuity has been included in each of the below prices, but you can always add more for good service. 

Full-Day Private Distillery Tour Rates TAXES & GRATUITY INCLU DED!   

Parties of 2-3.

BMW or simular luxury sedan

PARTIES OF 4-6

Full-sized SUV or minivan

2 Passengers - $449 Per Person 

3 Passengers - $369 Per Person

4 Passengers - $319 Per Person

5 Passengers - $279 Per Person

6 Passengers - $249 Per Person

Parties OF 7 OR MORE

Passenger van 

7-12 Passengers - $249 Per Person

Additional Information

Included With Standard Price  ​

Private vehicle, driver, and transportation

Pickup at Louisville area hotel or Airbnb

Base admission to 3-4 distilleries as outlined in your itinerary

Standard distillery tour, or  co cktail , or standard tasting at each stop as outlined in itinerary

Water & snacks 

Taxes & gratuity 

Drop-off at original pickup spot. 

Rare Charges 

Northern Kentucky Charge - This destination is a little further, so there are some additional expenses we incur going to NKT. This fee is $100 per group.   

Lexington Pickup Charge - We are based out of Louisville. We would be glad to pick you up in Lexington, though! This fee is $100 if we pick you up in Lexington for Frankfort, Louisville, NKY or Bardstown Tours. If you want to tour in Lexington, however and your pickup is in Lexington, there will be no additional charge. 

After-Hours Fees - You are allotted 9 hours during a tour day. If you want to do more, then an additional $60 per hour will be added to the total. This is based on driver availability. This charge will not occur for traffic or any rare issues that arise in your originally planned trip.

** Price matching available  - If you find a lower rate, let us know! We'll do our best to match it. 

Multi-Day Discount 

Book a 2nd Day & Get 10% OFF

BOOK NOW >

About Unfiltered KY Tours

Your Preferred Tour Company 

Unfiltered KY Tours was created to be a difference maker in our small world of Kentucky Tourism. From working with other Kentucky Bourbon Tour companies, I heard a lot of guests saying they were burnt out with seeing bourbon so many times in a row, especially after a few days on the trail. So I searched the state looking for more non-bourbon experiences so our guests can have outings  that are uniquely "them." 

I also heard of some folks having anxiety about going out with s trangers on tour buses. So, I wanted to offer private tours that are close in price to some of the "big box" tour companies for added peace and privacy

More than anything, I wanted to offer experiences that give guests the same kind of hospitality as they encounter on the bourbon trail, without breaking the bank. 

Thanks for giving my small business a chance! We look forward to sharing the "unfiltered side" of Kentucky with you! 

- Chuck (UKT Owner/Operator)

The 22 Best Things To Do In Lexington, Kentucky

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

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

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

Explore Horse Country

Tour keeneland race track.

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

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

Attend the Keeneland Races

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

Visit a Retirement Home for Racehorses

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

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

Reserve a Tour at Famed Horse Farms

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

Take Advantage of Kentucky Horse Park

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

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

Follow The Bourbon Trail

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

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

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

Taste More Than Just Bourbon

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

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

Explore More Well-Known Bourbon Legends

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

Pay Visits to Small-Batch Bourbon Makers

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

Check Out The City

Spend an evening in the distillery district.

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

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

If You Haven't, Try Ale-8

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

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

Explore Downtown Lexington

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

Where To Eat

Enjoy southern cuisine at dudley's on short.

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

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

Start or End Your Day at Pearl's

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

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

Indulge in Kentucky Barbecue at Blue Door Smokehouse

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

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

Try the Latin Cuisine at Corto Lima

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

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

Grab a Slice at Missy's Pies

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

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

Where To Stay

Stay at an award-winning museum hotel.

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

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

Stay in the Distillery District

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

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

Stay at a Hip Pet-Friendly Hotel

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

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

Make A Rural Pitstop

Stop for lunch at wallace station deli.

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

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

Tour the Kentucky Castle

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

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

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These foodie walking tours will give you the true flavor of Lexington, Bluegrass

Over the years, I have taken food and drink tours in cities around the world, and found them to be fun but familiar. I would follow a guide to pre-selected establishments where I found a tasty dish or a tantalizing cocktail waiting.

The guide would describe what I was eating or drinking, and then we would be off to the next destination. All pretty routine — that is until I signed up for one of Erin Goins’ Bites of the Bluegrass tours.

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Oh, I did sample four specialty cocktails and three signature dishes at a trio of downtown locations. But during this two-hour cocktail-centric walking tour, I also learned that Lexington’s drinking past was pretty naughty, peppered with a cast of famous imbibers — some that I had heard of (Belle Brezing) and some that I hadn’t (Ike Miller.)

Beginning at The Thirsty Fox inside the Old Courthouse, our merry band of drinkers, which included a Baptist minister, started off with an Old Fashioned made with Old Forester 100 Proof bourbon. We learned that the Old Fashioned was thought to have been introduced at Louisville’s Pendennis Club in 1880.

The accompanying bite was a hearty dish of meatballs with tomato marinara and garlic provided by Zim’s Cafe , sister property to The Thirsty Fox.

Glass in hand, we listened as Goins, with her cropped blonde hair and a personality as large as her nearly 6-foot stature began her tale-telling with the story of Carrie Nation, Garrard County native and ax-wielding destroyer of saloons across Kansas.

“I always began my tours by using Carrie as a precautionary tale about the evils of drinking,” says Goins, tongue-in-cheek, adding “that since Carrie isn’t here though, we shouldn’t let that stop us.”

We also learned that America’s first regulatory laws came not for food, but for bourbon, and that in her lifetime notorious madam Belle Brezing was indicted more than any other Lexingtonian, yet never spent a day in jail.

Goins tells us about the plaque honoring John McKinney, who in the 18 th century, became Lexington’s first school teacher.

He may have been less known for teaching the three R’s than for using his bare hands to take on an unfriendly wildcat that had invaded his one-room schoolhouse.

Having dispatched the cat, he called his classroom to order and continued his lesson. Now, you know that was a man who probably enjoyed a good libation.

Next up was a stop at Creaux with its New Orleans-inspired food and décor. The fish sandwich was fresh enough to have come straight from the Gulf, and our Rising Star Cocktail ( Fresh bourbon , passion fruit and lemon juice) hinted at the torpor brought on by a tropical night in the Big Easy.

Goins used Creaux as a backdrop for talking about Kentucky’s historic ties to New Orleans insofar as the bourbon industry was concerned, and also to speak about the importance of African-Americans in the distilling industry.

“I always like to tell people about Nathan Nearest, known as Uncle Nearest,” she says. “He became the first African-American distiller on record in the U.S. at Jack Daniels in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

“One of my goals with these tours is to be very inclusive and share stories that too often remain untold,” says Goins.

With two cocktails under our belts, we arrived at our final stop, Harvey’s Bar in The Grove, where we would sample two more.

Goins tells us Harvey’s was named for the invisible six-and-a-half-foot tall cinematic rabbit in the James Stewart classic of the same name.

Our first cocktail, the Nurse Kelly (made with green apple Aperol and champagne) was a nod to the nurse who tried to help Stewart’s character Elwood prove his sanity.

By now, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a Harvey of my own, but it didn’t stop me from sampling our second cocktail, an espresso martini, made with vodka and Nate’s espresso (in case you’re wondering, I did arrange for a designated driver.)

Fortunately, Fable Charcuterie in The Grove provided us with a charcuterie platter to nosh on while Goins launched into another of her entertaining tales.

This one concerned Lexington’s Prohibition-era bootlegging wars waged by patrolman Lawrence Piercy and his chief rival Ike Miller, owner of a farm in what is today Cardinal Valley.

During one of his smuggling operations, Miller was hit with a bullet, and following his recovery, spent time in the Clark County jail where, undaunted, he continued to provide bootlegged alcohol to both inmates and staff.

By now, you have figured out that this is no ordinary foodie tour, but a chance to eat, drink and listen as Goins shares stories from Lexington’s often salacious, but always scintillating past.

She says it was taking a food tour in Montreal with her husband that showed her how much a city’s food and drink scene could be influenced by and interwoven with, its culture.

But it wasn’t until 2022 when she was on another food tour in Nashville that she had her light-bulb moment.

“It suddenly occurred to me that this would be perfect for Lexington,” she says. “We have so many walkable restaurants and bars downtown, and Lord knows, we have no lack of fascinating stories.”

Thus, Bites of the Bluegrass was born. Goins currently has four different itineraries (ranging in price from $85 to $250). In addition to my Cocktails + Bites Tour, there’s the Downtown Walking Food & History Tour, Distillery District Food & History Tour, and Just a Few Miles South Culinary Tour with chef Ouita Michel .

By mid-May, she plans to add four more, with tours focusing on Haunted Lexington, Black History, Pride History and one she calls Lexington History and More.

The “and more” refers to the 50 different partners she works with, which are not only restaurants and bars, but retail shops, art galleries and museums.

Goins has no plans to ever stop sharing with the world all that Lexington has to offer.

“I want to continue to create experiences,” she says. “I want to be the hostess with the mostest.”

To many of her tour participants, she already is.

Bourbon & Bars

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FOR THE LOVE OF LEXINGTON VALENTINE’S DAY PACKAGE FOR TWO

Are you looking for a luxurious and memorable Valentine’s Day in Lexington, KY? Look no further! Pegasus has you covered. Embark on an unforgettable journey with our exclusive For the Love of Lexington Custom Bottling Experience! This amazing Valentine’s Day package is valued at over $2,000, but we are currently offering a limited-time promotion for $1,189.

Limited Availability

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024

What is Included:

• Start your Valentine’s adventure at the historic Campbell House in Lexington, KY and travel in a Pegasus chauffeured luxury vehicle to J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery for a private custom bourbon blending and bottling experience.
• Your next stop on the tour is Whiskey Thief’s Uncut & Unfiltered Tour, a unique thieve-your-own bourbon experience.
• The last stop on your adventure will be at James E. Pepper Distillery for a tour and tasting.
• Finally, you will be transported back to the Campbell House for a specially curated Valentine’s dinner by famed chef T.J. Harville at The Rackhouse Tavern.
• Finish your romantic evening in a beautifully decorated suite at The Campbell House and enjoy breakfast the next morning at the charming Outpost Cafe.

Book now at   https://yourpegasus.com/ols/products/for-the-love-of-lexington-valentines-day-package-for-two   for a Valentine’s Day to remember!