Distilleries on the kentucky bourbon trail bulleit distilling company. Upon visiting your first distillery, pick up one of the bourbon trail passports for free and carry it with you at all times. The kentucky bourbon trail, a collection of seventeen bourbon distilleries, is drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Americas native spirit 95 percent of the worlds bourbon is distilled, aged and bottled right here in kentucky bourbon country.
Bourbon is booming right now and so is tourism in kentucky. Touring the bourbon trail gives visitors an upclose look at how bourbon is distilled, the history behind the crafting of bourbon, and the art behind the perfect bourbon tasting. Cocktail cruise will go to our pick of louisville neighborhoods to visit some of the 44 urban bourbon trail destinations. Use our free souvenir passport to make your kentucky bourbon trail adventure one to remember. Our favorite stops on the kentucky bourbon trail two. Lexington is the second largest city in kentucky, making it a great jumping off point for starting the official bourbon trail.
As you travel the kentucky bourbon trail, there is no doubt that you will bump into some magic. Awaken your senses and explore the birthplace of bourbon as you embark on a selfguided journey to discover the. There are many great resources online as well, and the kentucky bourbon trail website is a perfect place to start planning. There are certainly other books on kentucky bourbon country, and kentucky has several excellent web sites on the bourbon trail which we had used to plan our trip, but this book will get you all worked up about heading out to sample kentucky s best, is a very nice start to any trip there, and a nice conversation starter once you get home. The 10 best things to do near kentucky bourbon trail. If you are into bourbon and want to visit where the best bourbon is made, you should visit the kentucky bourbon trail. It is one of the bestselling brands of bourbon in the world. The kentucky bourbon cocktail book by joy perrine, susan. The kentucky bourbon trail began in 1999 and has since entertained more than 2. Touring the distilleries, learning about the origins of bourbon, and tasting lots and lots of bourbon whiskey is an excellent way to spend a long weekend. For the ultimate relaxing bourbon experience, book passage on my old kentucky dinner train. The kda has registered the phrase kentucky bourbon trail as a protected trademark.
Typically, distillers use approximately 70% corn content and are free. This very short book is jampacked with information about all facets of bourbon production, from early farm distilling to nineteenth century commercial distilleries to the craft distillery movement, and everything inbetween. In this guide youll find answers to the following questions often asked by those planning a trip to bourbon country. Kentucky bourbon trail itinerary kentucky bourbon trail. Susan reigler, awardwinning former restaurant critic and travel writer for the louisville courierjournal, is the author of the complete guide to kentucky state parks and coauthor of the kentucky bourbon cocktail book. The kentucky bourbon boys is a family owned and operated business that started from a shared love of bourbon and our old kentucky home.
And, almost more importantly, knowing when there are no shortcuts. Currently there are 10 distilleries on the kentucky bourbon trail with four more being added this year. How to spend 3 days on the kentucky bourbon trail 21c. There are so many ways to plan your route, but here is what we suggest. In louisville, stay downtown at the brown hotel, a city landmark full of history and romance. Its home to the university of kentucky, which means that youll easily find hotels, airbnbs, and restaurants to suit any budget.
The distilleries of the kentucky bourbon trail are deeply rooted in history, many beginning operations in the 18th or 19th centuries that are still operated by the same families generations later. The bourbon trail is a collection of nine historic bourbon distilleries stretching between louisville and lexington through bourbon country and majestic horse country, each offering a guided tour of their distilleries and a bourbon tasting. Jan 07, 2019 the bourbon trail in kentucky is a pilgrimage spot for those who love this amazing spirit. Tours are eight 8 hours in length and include transportation and tours of two 2 distilleries, bourbon tastings, gift shop visits, lunch on your own, and a complimentary web link to our kentucky bourbon trail distillery tour magazine, which lists 50 bourbon terms, provides a history of bourbon in kentucky, and information on all. A short bline away from the heart of the kentucky bourbon trail and a place to create your own unique bourbon experience. Kentucky bourbon trail tours departing from cincinnati and. The room you need at the hotel chain you trust pick the location thats just right for you. This book offers a look back at some of the pioneers of whiskey distilling, the distilleries that have come and gone, and the history of those brands that carry on the. But i do have one final cheers to tom, and to a fabulous long weekend discovering the kentucky bourbon trail. Start your tour of kentucky s bourbon country in louisville at the evan williams bourbon experience, located in an old whiskey row building. See all 2 kentucky bourbon trail tours on tripadvisor. Remember there is no wrong way to experience the kentucky bourbon trail and the kentucky bourbon trail craft tour, as long as you. Bulleit experience at stitzelweller, four roses bourbon, evan williams bourbon experience, heaven hill heritage center, jim beam american stillhouse, makers mark, town branch, wild turkey bourbon, and woodford reserve.
To reach the oldest and smallest distillery on the bourbon trail. Kentucky bourbon trail tours from cincinnati executive. Jeanine scott archival photographs help trace the history and development of the kentucky bourbon trail, which celebrates kentucky bourbon and the influence it has had on the states people, events, and economy. The 10 best holiday inn hotels in bourbon trail kentucky. Your allinclusive ticket to the kentucky bourbon trail we plan your day on the kentucky bourbon trail from start to finish transporting you to three different kentucky distilleries and grabbing lunch at a local restaurant. The kentucky bourbon trail is a mecca of sorts for bourbon enthusiasts around the globe. Two days on the kentucky bourbon trail alyssathomasevents. The urban bourbon trail mark is being used with the permission of the kentucky distillers association. This collection of kentucky bourbon bars and restaurants specialize in all things bourbon. Being bourbon lovers ourselves, we finally got the chance to visit the region to check out some of our favorite distilleries as well as others weve always wanted to try. The kentucky bourbon trail was published in 2009, and since then, the kentucky bourbon trail tourist attraction has grown to include 10 of the states largest and most famous distilleries along with members of the new kentucky bourbon trail craft tour. The kentucky bourbon trail treats visitors to a tour and taste experience at 10 kentucky distilleries where worldfamous kentucky bourbon is made. The kentucky bourbon trail is an attraction that celebrates the heritage of kentucky bourbon, bringing to life the people, places, and events that signify the bourbon industry.
Oct 24, 2017 if youre a bourbon drinker or want to learn about the spirit the kentucky bourbon trail should be on your list. Hit the urban bourbon trail to find the bourbon citys best bourbon and cocktail bars. Kentucky bourbon trail tours pegasus distillery experiences. Jan 20, 2020 dont forget your kentucky bourbon trail passport. Kentucky bourbon trail passports collect a stamp at each distillery.
Find and book deals on the best holiday inn hotels in bourbon trail kentucky, united states of america. The kentucky distillers association, its member distilleries and the louisville convention and visitors bureau ask that you please enjoy kentucky bourbon responsibly. Started in 1999 by the kentucky distillers association, the trail consists of 10 distilleries, each offering tours and tastings of kentuckys signature spirit. If you choose to drive yourself, youll need to book tours in advance and. The best of the kentucky bourbon trail at 9 bardstown. Public bourbon tours on the kentucky bourbon trail mint. Find and book deals on the best marriott hotels in bourbon trail kentucky, united states of america.
You must be 21 to participate in the urban bourbon trail. Summer is high season along the trail, so youll have more crowds to contend with, and hotels will be slightly more expensive. Bardstown and the bourbon manor create the best bed and breakfast getaway while exploring the kentucky bourbon trail. All nine distilleries on the trail are listed inside, with a page to have your passport stamped upon your visit, as well as a place for some note taking. The kentucky bourbon trail book kentucky bourbon trail shop. The kentucky bourbon trail is a regional tour of nine worldrenowned bourbon distilleries including. Bourbon is an american whiskey produced mainly in the southern part of kentucky state. Jan 04, 2017 grab a copy of your own kentucky bourbon trail passport.
Cocktail cruise will go to our pick of louisville neighborhoods to visit some of the 44 urban bourbon trail. Kentucky bourbon trail a three day guide to pack it all in. Most of the distilleries are generally located in the lexington, ky area, which is just a 1 12 to 2 hour drive from cincinnati. Bourbon trail kentucky bourbon trail map of ky trails. The kentucky bourbon trail began in 1999 as a way to bring tourism to kentucky. Want to leave the driving and planning to someone else. We often have guests who are eager to dodge interstates and take a scenic route through kentucky instead. Urban bourbon trail cocktails bourbon citys best bourbon.
Plan to spend at least 23 days traveling along the bourbon trail, and stop off at some of the many charming kentucky towns along the route. Today the kentucky bourbon trail includes eight distilleries in the bluegrass bourbon whiskey is a distinctly american product with its roots planted deep in the limestoneenriched soil of kentucky. We recommend booking kentucky bourbon trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The best bed and breakfast near the kentucky bourbon trail. The kentucky bourbon trail and distillery tour in 1 day. Kentucky bourbon trail tours bourbon country experiences. The kentucky bourbon trail tour is an institutional experience that keeps people coming back for more year after year. The kentucky bourbon trail book from contains nearly 200 vintage photographs of the bourbon industry, past and present, making it an essential companion for bourbon enthusiasts as they visit the kentucky bourbon trail distilleries. The bourbon distilleries are all within about a 80 mile radius of louisville, kentucky. The kentucky bourbon trail blog luxury rv travel goss rv. The kentucky bourbon trail is a lot of fun, and completing it is a nice accomplishment for bourbon connoisseurs, but if youre not visiting for the free shirt consider visiting a few of the distilleries on the kentucky bourbon trail craft tour.
Do you have to like bourbon to enjoy the kentucky bourbon. And its new american while oak barrels were toasted to specifications. Awaken your senses and explore the birthplace of bourbon as you embark on a selfguided journey to discover the story inside every bottle on the kentucky bourbon trail and the kentucky bourbon trail craft tour. The kda has registered the phrase kentucky bourbon trail as. A complete guide to the kentucky bourbon trail california.
The best stops on the kentucky bourbon trail livability. Wild turkey kentucky spirit is one of the most popular bourbons. Buffalo trace, the first stop on our twoday tour, has been in the distillery business since 1787. Pick up your kentucky bourbon trail passport at your first stop along the trail, then collect all 10 stamps and the kentucky distillers association will send you a free tshirt to commemorate your journey. Kentucky bourbon boys kentucky bourbon trail distillery tours. Mar 12, 2020 bourbon tourism has become a big economic driver for kentucky, with nearly 2 million visits to the distilleries on the kentucky bourbon trail and the kentucky bourbon trail craft tour in 2019. Jim beam is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced in clermont, kentucky, by beam suntory, a subsidiary of suntory holdings of osaka, japan.
If youre thinking of planning a trip, i hope our itinerary will be of some help. In the kentucky bourbon cocktail book, joy perrine and susan reigler provide a readerfriendly handbook featuring more than 100 recipes including seasonal drinks, afterdinner bourbon cocktails, derby cocktails, and even medicinal toddies. Each tour is unique and offers a different perspective and history of the bourbon industry in kentucky and is one of the best foodie experiences in kentucky and is the bourbon lover. The famous kentucky bourbon trail is actually a program sponsored by the kentucky distillers association created to promote the bourbon program of its 16 member distilleries. The kentucky bourbon trail sometimes informally shortened to the bourbon trail is the name of a program sponsored by the kentucky distillers association kda to promote the bourbon whiskey industry in kentucky.
If you love bourbon, as i do, then the kentucky bourbon trail is probably on your bucket list. Today, bourbons popularity is at an alltime high, and in the past 20 years or so, many new distilleries have popped up among old favorites. You can pick up an official kentucky bourbon trail passport at any of the 17 participating distilleries free of charge. The official online store of the kentucky bourbon trail tour. Your perfect kentucky bourbon trail ten legendary distilleries waiting to share their historic craft and timeless secrets. As we are currently operating under restrictions due to covid19, please allow additional shipping time.
Mar 08, 2020 bardstown and the bourbon manor create the best bed and breakfast getaway while exploring the kentucky bourbon trail. Well take you to kentucky bourbon distilleries large or small where you can experience history, beautiful grounds and interesting tastings of your favorite bourbons. The kentucky bourbon trail through the eyes of a tour guide. Kentucky bourbon trail itinerary theres nothing better than a good ol classic. A new taste, decadesold history, or some bourbon mystery. Today, bourbon s popularity is at an alltime high, and in the past 20 years or so, many new distilleries have popped up among old favorites. Bourbon, beer and beyond tours will craft a tour to meet your needs. Aug 15, 2017 this singlebarrel 103proof kentucky straight bourbon whiskey was released in june 2017 for the kentucky bourbon affair. Exclusive bourbon merchandise, flasks, glassware and apparel for kentuckys native spirit. The kentucky bourbon trail is a collection of bourbon whiskey distilleries located in kentucky. Located between louisville and lexington, it offers beautiful scenery, quaint southern towns, and enough bourbon brands to suit every taste.
We had two full days on the trail and decided to see three distilleries each day, which was the perfect amount from my perspective. Mint julep experiences bourbon trail tours give you an immersive experience with kentuckys best bourbon distilleries along the kentucky bourbon trail and beyond. As an official sponsor of the kentucky bourbon trail, mint julep is. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Sip, stroll and savor your way across the bluegrass on this 18.
Bourbon whiskey is a distinctly american product with its roots planted deep in the limestoneenriched soil of kentucky. Experience the kentucky bourbon trail in style, luxury and private with your group. The bourbon trail in kentucky is a pilgrimage spot for those who love this amazing spirit. Threeday trailblazer group tour pegasus distillery experiences. There are way more distilleries than those 16 on the proper bourbon trail. Tap into the worldfamous distilleries with generations of storied tradition. Book your kentucky bourbon trail adventure at the beautiful bourbon manor.
During our time we will visit four distilleries both on and off the famous kentucky bourbon trail and learn from area experts about the craft that started in the 1700s with the first settlers of kentucky. Let us show you around bourbon country on one of our fully custom and private experiences or join us on one of our planned public trips. Our favorite stops on the kentucky bourbon trail feb 22 1 reply if youve been reading two purple couches for a year or two, you may have heard me talk about what has now become our valentines tradition of visiting the kentucky bourbon trail with friends. Mint julep tours offers a selection of bourbon trail tours. Begun in 1999 as a way to bring tourism to kentucky, this tour gives visitors an upclose look at how bourbon is distilled, the history behind the crafting of bourbon, and the art behind the perfect bourbon.
A master distiller hosts a bourbon tasting to savor along with a gourmet fourcourse meal. With locations in louisville and lexington, ky, 21c museum hotels is the perfect place to begin you trip on the kentucky bourbon trail. Kentucky bourbon distilleries announce no more tours as covid. A guide to the kentucky bourbon trail the everygirl. The best time of year for a road trip down the bourbon trail. According to us trade legislation, a bourbon is a type of whiskey where the mashbillwhich is the recipe of grains used to produce the whiskey consists of 51% 80% corn. Things to do near kentucky bourbon trail on tripadvisor. I traveled to the trail with a photo of a ceramic wild turkey decanter that has been perched on a shelf in my familys home place for decades. Escape to a romantic bed and breakfast in a charming, historic kentucky town thats home to some of the best bourbon makers in the country.
Michael veachs first book is the seminal work on kentucky bourbon heritage and american whiskey in general. Kentucky bourbon trail 2020 all you need to know before you. The bline is the new northern kentucky bourbon tour the b. Louisville is a great place to start your kentucky bourbon trail adventure after all, their official drink is the. The books introduction explains how the use of specific spirits and ingredients, glassware, and special. Albert schmid, author of the gourmandaward winning the kentucky bourbon cookbook this book brings the experience of bourbon under one cover, offering the reader a tour guide including what is to be learned at a given distillery, where to stay, cuisine to sample locally, and additional historical sites that give a flavor of the community.