Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour: Experience the Trail Like a Local
A Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation and a must on any Kentucky itinerary!
The following guide has everything you need to know from guided tours to a complete 3-day self-guided itinerary (You guys know I love my 3-day trips)! Trust me, you do not want to miss it!
Side note: This post was written by Mike, a Kentucky local. As a local resident he has completed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour many times! This way, you can ensure you are getting the BEST and most accurate Bourbon trail guide…complete with secrets and insider tips!
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love 🙂
Table of Contents
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Quick Facts
- Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail is divided into East, South, and Urban regions, each offering unique experiences.
- Opt for guided tours for a hassle-free experience with local insights, or go for a DIY self-guided adventure for flexibility. Remember to book tours in advance and consider transportation options.
- 95 percent of the world’s (yes the world) bourbon is made in Kentucky.
- You’ll find 46 Distilleries along the trail with 18 located in our around Louisville.
- Some distilleries are 70 miles apart (so you’ll definitely need 5+ days if you want to see them all).
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Map
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail officially starts in Louisville and travels throughout 11+ different Kentucky cities and ends in Lexington. Many distilleries are close to each other, while some are over 70 miles apart! Here’s a map showing the 18 different distilleries along the trail near Louisville.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Guided Tours
We really like touring bourbon country with a guide because tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and make the experience stress-free!
Here are some popular guided tours to check out before embarking on the Bourbon Trail! Each one stops at different distilleries/explores a different region.
- Bardstown Area Bourbon Trail: This small group tour explores 3 different distilleries with easy hotel pick up and drop off. Expect to be gone for 8+ hours.
- Bourbon Tour (03): This customizable tour allows you to pick 3-4 distilleries to visit (from a list of 15). The guide will also pick you up and drop you off so no need to worry about a designated driver! The exact start and end time will depend on the distilleries chosen.
- Outlaws and In-laws Tour (Private): If you are visiting the region with a group of people, be sure to check out this private tour! You and 7 friends can check out 3 distilleries of your choice along the Kentucky Bourbon trail + you’ll have a meal and round-trip transfers.
- Bourbon Distillery & Horse Farm Tours (top pick!): What’s better than tasting bourbon? Bourbon tasting, tours, AND a horse farm stop! Prices for this tour vary depending on the number of people, but each tour can be customizable and includes lunch!
Guided bourbon trail tours offer an unmatched blend of local insight, convenience, and enjoyment. It’s the ideal way to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Kentucky’s bourbon culture.
DIY Self-Guided Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours
For those who love a bit of adventure and flexibility you can have an awesome time on the trail by planning your own adventure.
DIY self-guided Kentucky bourbon trail tours are an excellent choice for visitors looking to save a few dollars to put towards that perfect rare bottle of bourbon as well. Just be sure you have a plan AND designated driver before touring!
Mapping the Bourbon Trail
Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail is segmented into three main regions: The East Bourbon Trail, The South Bourbon Trail, and The Urban Bourbon Trail. Each region is separated by about 60 to 70 miles so planning your trail stops in advance is critical.
Plus distilleries can be crowded so you need to purchase tickets in advance.
Let’s jump into the distinct flavors of the East, South, and Urban Bourbon Trails.
East Bourbon Trail: The Cradle of Bourbon History
Central Kentucky (Frankfort, Lexington) is home to The East Bourbon Trail. Visitors to this region will appreciate the rolling hills and the double fence lines of Kentucky’s many thoroughbred farms. The scenery here is simply breathtaking. Key stops include:
- Prominent Distilleries:
- Buffalo Trace: Home of Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Stagg, and more.
- Woodford Reserve: Known for its rich heritage and gorgeous copper pot stills.
- Wild Turkey: A powerhouse of deep flavors and unique 101 proof bourbon! We highly recommend requesting Bubba as your tour guide…he’s the best!
- Four Roses: Two mash bills and five yeast strains equals lots of amazing bourbon flavor profiles.
- Craft Distilleries:
- Wilderness Trace: Fantastic small batch bourbon with a softer profile thanks to the higher wheat content.
- Jeptha Creed: Bringing Bloody Butcher Corn from farm-to-glass is pretty cool sounding and the whiskey is good too!.
- Dining Gems:
- Wallace’s in Midway: A diner with heart and soul. Don’t skip out on desert. They are all so good you can’t pick just one!
- Rebecca Ruth’s Candy Shop: Indulge in sweets with a bourbon twist.
While in the area, be sure to check out the other exciting things to do in Lexington!
South Bourbon Trail: A Journey Through Hidden Gems
Bardstown and Lebanon Kentucky are the home of The South Trail. Visitors to the South Region will enjoy rolling hills and an abundance of farms that supply all the corn to produce our beloved Kentucky Bourbon!
We recommend stopping at some or all of these amazing distilleries:
- Renowned Distilleries:
- Maker’s Mark: Iconic, with an immersive tour experience.
- Very Old Barton / 1792: A blend of history and modernity.
- Jim Beam: A household name with deep Kentucky roots.
- Craft Distilleries:
- Bardstown Bourbon Company: A fusion of tradition and innovation.
- Limestone Branch: Small-scale, with a focus on quality.
- Culinary Stops:
- Mammy’s Kitchen and Bar in Bardstown: Hearty meals in a homey setting.
- My Old Kentucky Home: A perfect photo op and a slice of history.
Bonus Stop: The South Region is home to Kentucky Cooperage which is open for tours. Watching barrel makers shape staves into barrels illustrates the craftsmanship put into every drop of bourbon whiskey!
Urban Bourbon Trail: Discovering Louisville’s Finest
Louisville, Kentucky is not just the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail but also a hub for some of the most innovative urban distilleries.
I find Louisville to be a perfect home base because you can check out a local distillery before heading out on the trail or vice versa.
Here’s your quick start guide to navigating the Urban Bourbon Trail:
Recommended Distilleries:
- Evan Williams Bourbon Experience: Dive into the world of Kentucky’s first distiller. The tour showcases how bourbon came to be!
- Angel’s Envy: Known for its unique port barrel finishing process, Angel’s Envy offers a distinctive twist on traditional bourbon. Plus you don’t want to miss the tasting room and bar. I think people only leave because they close the place down every night! It’s that beautiful.
- Peerless Distilling: A family-run distillery that prides itself on its small-batch spirits. Their commitment to quality is evident in every sip. Try to Double Oaked if you get the chance!
Culinary Recommendation:
- Doc Crow’s: Billed as Southern Smokehouse, Doc Crow’s serves up some amazing southern food! Their whiskey and bourbon drinks are tasty too!
Whether you choose the East, South, Urban trail, or a bit of both, you’re in for an authentic bourbon experience, complete with delightful dining and unique discoveries.
Self-Guided Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Itinerary (3 days)
As a local, here’s a sample itinerary of how I would plan my perfect long weekend enjoying Kentucky’s bourbon trail. This is designed to give you a taste of the best our region has to offer.
Mix and match to fit your timeframe. You can always come visit us again! We have 12 million barrels of bourbon aging!
Day One: Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail
- Mid-Day Arrival: Start your adventure with an urban distillery experience. With tours lasting about an hour, you have time for two tours before cocktail hour kicks into gear.
- Choose from Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Stilze Weller, Peerless, Old Forester, or Michtners.
- Enjoy a Memorable Cocktail: Visit the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Speakeasy for a cocktail (remember, reservations are required).
- Visit the Giant Bat (Louisville Slugger): Squeeze in a tour at the Louisville Slugger Museum.
- Go Big Time for Dinner: For the best steaks in town choose from Jeff Ruby’s, Jack Fry’s, Pat’s Steakhouse, or Repeal. Or for an authentic Louisville experience, The Brown Hotel for their famous Hot Brown.
- Finish with a Night Cap: Conclude your day with a drink at the Old Seelbach Bar.
Day Two: Lexington’s Scenic Routes and Distilleries
- Sunrise Tour: Head to Buffalo Trace, the home of Pappy Van Winkle and other exclusive bourbons. Tours sell out months in advance, so reserve your spot early or get a guide!
- Afternoon Journey (Option 1): Visit Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg, nestled in picturesque hills, known for it’s everyday sipping bourbon and special small-batch bourbons.
- Afternoon Journey (Option 2): Enjoy the beauty of Woodford Reserve. The stone buildings are as fantastic as the copper pot stills. The copper pots are some of my favorite sites on the entire bourbon trail.
- Craft Distillery Stop: On your way back to Louisville, drop by Jeptha Creed to taste their unique whiskey made with special bloody butcher corn.
Day Three: Exploration from Louisville to Bardstown
- Southern Beauty: Begin at Maker’s Mark, one of the most beautiful properties on the trail. We love visiting around Christmas time when the decorations deck the halls! The warm Kentucky Hug of the bourbon nips even the coolest breeze!
- Jim Beam: The mecca of mass produced bourbon, Jim Beam is massive. Visitors get a sense of just how huge this industry is touring this property. As an added bonus we get to use the whiskey thief and drink bourbon from the barrel! That was so cool! Grab a souvenir bottle of Knob Creek!
- Innovative Tastings: Visit Bardstown Bourbon Company to try their distinctive Destillare expression.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pick-up a Bourbon Passport to remember your journey!
Logistics Note: Louisville and Lexington are about 70 miles apart so plan on about an hour drive. Bardstown is about 60 minutes south of Louisville, so you will have a drive here as well.
This itinerary offers a blend of classic and craft bourbon experiences, set against the backdrop of Kentucky’s breathtaking landscapes.
Our landscapes of rolling hills and deciduous trees make fall a perfect time to visit. If you visit during the fall take a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. It’s the perfect time to visit in my opinion!!
Best Places to Stay Along the Bourbon Trail
Louisville: From Historic Elegance to Modern Vibes
- The Brown Hotel
- Why It’s Great: A historic hotel offering spacious rooms, antique details, and the famous hot brown dish. It’s perfect for those seeking a classic Louisville experience.
- Hotel Distil
- Why It’s Great: On the historic Whiskey Row, Hotel Distil combines luxury with a nod to bourbon history. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a refined and upscale experience.
Lexington: Uncompromising Comfort and Style
- 21c Museum Hotel Lexington
- Why It’s Great: This unique boutique hotel and contemporary art museum offers a cultural and luxurious experience in the heart of downtown Lexington.
- The Sire Hotel
- Why It’s Great: A unique hotel in Lexington’s Gratz Park garden district, embodying rustic yet upscale living. Ideal for those who appreciate distinctiveness and southern hospitality.
Bardstown: Charming and Intimate Stays
- Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn
- Why It’s Great: A charming B&B offering exceptional service, delicious breakfast, and a mix of period antiques with modern amenities. Perfect for a romantic or tranquil getaway.
- Bourbon Ball Inn
- Why It’s Great: This historic home B&B in the heart of Bardstown offers a cozy, intimate experience, ideal for immersing in the local charm.
Bonus Tip: Castle & Key Distillery offers a cool AirBnb option to stay at a distillery…probably need the big checkbook for this one. Definitely one of a kind!
Each of these accommodations offers a unique experience that complements your journey on the Bourbon Trail, from urban luxury to rustic charm. Whether you’re in Louisville, Lexington, or Bardstown, these top picks ensure a comfortable, stylish, and memorable stay.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour FAQs
What is Bourbon?
Bourbon is America’s native spirit, a unique type of whiskey with a rich heritage. Characterized by its primary ingredient of corn (at least 51%) and distinct aging process in new charred oak barrels, bourbon offers a robust, slightly sweet flavor profile. This iconic drink, deeply ingrained in American culture, is synonymous with tradition and craftsmanship.
How is Bourbon Different from Whiskey?
Bourbon, while a type of whiskey, stands out due to its specific corn-based recipe and aging process. It must contain at least 51% corn and be aged in new, charred oak barrels. The taste profile and flavor of bourbon comes from the barrels and the aging process!
What are the Costs associated with a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour?
Bourbon Trail tours offer options for every budget. The price will differ depending if you complete a self-guided tour or guided tour AND how many distilleries you choose to visit.
Most single distillery tours last about 60 to 90 minutes. Following the tour visitors are free to enjoy the grounds and explore the gift shops. Pricing for these tours differ from distillery to distillery.
Full day guided tours typically start around $295 per person. However, there are a wide variety of sections so there’s a range of choices to fit various timeframes and financial plans.
How many days are needed for a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour?
To fully appreciate the trail and the unique distilleries, I recommend spending at least 3 days. This is of course not enough time to see all the distilleries along the trail, but you will get to see a variety. If you are hoping to check all 18 off, I would plan to spend 10+ days in the area.
What Unique Experiences are Offered on the Bourbon Trail?
The Bourbon Trail is known for unique experiences like exclusive tastings and interactive workshops. Christmas in bourbon country is special. All the distilleries decorate to the nines and really bring the spirit of the season alive.
Maker’s Mark welcomed Chihuli Glass on property for months several years ago which was super cool! A piece of his art remains in the ceiling of the tasting room.
If long distance running is your thing then, you will appreciate the annual Bourbon Chase relay marathon. Set up as a relay running event teams run from Bardstown to Lexington along 170 miles of the bourbon trail! Talk about a lifetime of bourbon trail memories!
Where Can I Make Exclusive Bourbon Purchases?
Looking for rare bottle or just something special? Rare bourbons can be found at various distilleries along the Bourbon Trail. Often, visitors can find unique bourbon expressions that are only available at the distilleries.
Visitors can also try local liquor stores and chat up the owners. This can be effective, but don’t expect any below market deals! Rare bourbon is tough to find along the trail because it gets sent around the world!
Pro Tip: If you are flying out of Louisville or Lexington, be mindful you may have to ship your bottle home to avoid TSA snagging your rare find!
How Many Stops are on the Bourbon Trail Tour?
The Bourbon Trail features 46 unique distilleries, each offering a different perspective on bourbon production and history. The legends that surround the distilleries are often as intriguing as the bourbon.
I love hearing the history of how distilleries like Woodford Reserve were resurrected and brought into a new life. Or how Jeptha Creed grew from a family’s desire to create a unique farm-to-glass bourbon with their Bloody Butcher Corn.
Are There Family-Friendly Options on the Bourbon Trail?
The Bourbon Trail offers activities suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly destination. While the distilleries are the main attraction, the trail also features various historical and cultural sites that cater to a broader audience.
As parents we might consider a quick stop to show our kids the manufacturing process, but we would not drag our kids through multiple distilleries. It would be a long day for everyone!
Want to Extend Your Stay in Louisville?
That is a great idea! Louisville is a dynamic city with so many fun things to offer. We wrote an article about the Best Day Trips From Louisville.
How Do You Handle Hangovers on the Bourbon Trail?
To handle hangovers, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and drink in moderation while on the Bourbon Trail. Water between tastings and responsible drinking are key to enjoying the experience without the aftereffects.
What is the Dress Code for the Bourbon Trail?
The dress code for the Bourbon Trail is generally casual. We recommend comfortable clothing for tours. Tours involve walking both indoors and outdoors.
While tours are casual, enjoying a cocktail or dinner may require stepping up your game a bit. As a plus dressing up a bit always makes the food and bourbon taste better and lifts our spirits!
Looking good…Feeling good!
What Role Does Bourbon Play in Beer?
Besides the fact that beer drinkers save more bourbon for the rest of us, bourbon barrels get a second life crafting beers, adding a twist to the flavors. These barrels impart unique characteristics to the beer, creating a rich and complex taste profile that’s becoming increasingly popular in the craft beer scene.
While you are checking out Louisville stop into one of our many craft beer brewers. From TEN20 Brewery to Goodwood, we have tons of local craft beers that will make Louisville your go to destination for all things bourbon and craft beer!
Final Thoughts on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour
Navigating the Bourbon Trail is not just about the destinations; it’s also about the journey. Here are some resources to enhance and ensure a safe experience:
- Podcasts for Bourbon Enthusiasts: To immerse yourself in the world of bourbon before your visit, check out podcasts like “Bourbon Pursuit” or “The Bourbon Daily.” They offer insightful discussions about different bourbons, distillery histories, and insider tips for trail visitors. These podcast helped me learn about bourbon, the master distillers, tasting notes, and so much more!
- Responsible Drinking: Always ALWAYS remember to drink responsibly. Savoring bourbon is about quality, not quantity. Pace yourself and enjoy the unique flavors each distillery offers.
- Transportation Tips: Consider hiring a professional guide, designated driver or using ride-sharing services. Many distilleries are spread out, and safe transportation is key.
These resources not only prepare you for the trail but also ensure that your adventure is both enjoyable and safe. Remember, the essence of the Bourbon Trail lies in appreciating the craftsmanship and stories behind each bottle.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your bags, pick your trail, and get ready to embark on a journey that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul. Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail awaits you – cheers to an adventure of a lifetime!
About the Author!
Mike & Sara Lynch are life long Kentucky residents. They enjoy exploring the bourbon trail with friends. Each year they host a fun party called “Mikefest” where they enjoy a bourbon trail tour.
When they are not enjoying fine Kentucky Bourbon, they enjoy RV travel and they write and publish a blog, Our Campfire Unplugged. Head on over to learn more about travelling with two kids, a dog, and a giant fifth-wheel! We hope you create memories that last a lifetime on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail! Cheers!! 🥃
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