Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The state of Kentucky has more bourbon barrels aging in rickhouses then there are people and horses combined. In fact, about 95% of the world’s bourbon is distilled in Kentucky. Why Kentucky you ask? It’s mostly about the varied climate that helps the aging process but also because of access to limestone filtered water in the region.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail was launched in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association with the goal to create a road-trip-style experience to promote bourbon tourism and boost the state economy. Starting out with seven distilleries, the Bourbon Trail has expanded to dozens of distilleries and has resulted in a significant increase in the popularity of bourbon. These Kentucky distilleries are now as much a destination as a factory, drawing millions of visitors a year.

We spent some time visiting several of the distilleries ourselves (for the sake of research) and have included a brief overview of each below. Keep in mind, there are approximately 125 license bourbon distilleries spread out in the state so you can’t visit them all in one trip and your short list may still require a couple of separate stops to cover.

Before we get to our list, we should first clarify what exactly bourbon is. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that complies to a specific set of legal and traditional rules as follows:

• It must be made in the United States
• The grain mash must be at least 51% corn
• It must be aged in brand-new, charred oak barrels
• It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof
• It must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof
• It must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof
• No additives for coloring or flavoring are allowed except water to dilute it
• To be labeled “straight bourbon”, it must age at least 2 years

So, now that you know what bourbon is, lets go tasting!

DISTILLERY EXPERIENCES

James B. Beam Distilling Co.

This was a great casual tour with a guy that you felt you could sit down and share a glass and a few stories with. The tour of this nostalgic distillery and brand was really well done with several tastings along the way. I didn’t realize how many different bourbons James Beam makes under the Jim Beam, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden labels. I really enjoyed the Basil Hayden Dark Rye which is actually a blend with Canadian rye whiskey and port wine. I’m not sure that “officially” makes it a Kentucky bourbon, but that’s OK.

Maker’s Mark Distillery

This post-prohibition brand has been around since 1954 and has grown in popularity considerably over the years. I loved seeing their open wood mash tanks and breathing in that amazing smell. They have a somewhat simple portfolio of labels but was quite interesting how they make their Wood Finishing Series, adding seasoned wood staves into the barrel for the last 5 to 10 weeks of aging for a truly unique flavor. The distillery and grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

Castle & Key Distillery

For a spirits company that has only been in operation for less than ten years, you would expect them to have a somewhat modern distillery, quite the contrary however. In 2014 they purchased the 1887 Old Taylor Distillery that had sat vacant for decades and went through an extensive restoration project to bring it back to its original form, featuring gardens and a castle. Today it’s as much a social venue as it is an active distillery. Great tour and great bourbons with my favorite being their Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon. I also highly recommend the taco truck if it is onsight during your visit.

Bulleit Distilling Co.

The Bulleit brand has only been around since 1987 and they first started distilling spirits themselves in their current facility in 2017. Prior to that, they had been sourcing from other distilleries and operated more as a blender/brand owner than a distiller. Their modern distillery, complete with a central control center to monitor all operations, is quite a change of pace from other distilleries that have a bit more history to them. Although the tour may not have been our favorite, the tasting experience rated at the top with the pairing of their bourbon with different aromas. It’s amazing how much smoother their 10 year aged bourbon is from the standard orange label. Be sure to stop at the bar before you leave and order a Campfire Brew drink – think expresso, bourbon and toasted marshmallow!

Woodford Reserve Distillery

The Woodford experience starts before you even arrive at the distillery, as it sits right in the middle of Kentucky’s Bluegrass horse country and several prestigious thoroughbred horse farms. This sets the tone for a distillery visit that is a step above the rest with everything from their luxury buses to their incredible distillery and bourbons. Although the Woodford brand has only been around for about 30 years, their distillery dates back over 200 years and is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest distilling sites in Kentucky. The tradition runs deep in their distilling process which uses copper pot stills and wood fermenting tanks and then that goodness is stored in a 1892 traditional rickhouse.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

After several very personalized distillery visits, Buffalo Trace was more like transitioning from a five star restaurant to a fast food chain. Leather couches and expensive decor were replaced with retractable barriers and a sense of checking in for a flight. That said, the distillery itself is immense and the tour very insightful. In fact, they have been distilling at this site, designated a National Historic Landmark, since 1775 and even survived prohibition as one of a few distilleries allowed to stay open by producing “medicinal whiskey” sold through pharmacies with prescriptions. Since 1999 it has been operating under the Buffalo Trace brand and produces many different labels of varying spirits. It was a good tour, they just need to step up the guest experience and especially the tasting, which was uninformative and rushed.

Wild Turkey Distillery

This experience exceeded our expectations in every way. Although the name has “only” been around since 1942, the distillery, located on a hill overlooking the Kentucky river, has a history of over 150 years. Their guiding principles of “not to innovate, to retain tradition” stands true in everything they do, including having the same master distiller (Jimmy Russell) since 1967. Our tour guide was personable and very informative, keeping it real rather than scripted, which we really appreciated. The distillery has gone through several expansions over the years and is currently going through another significant one. That could be because their bourbons are pretty darn good, from the traditional 101 to the bold Russell’s single barrel.

Four Roses Distillery

Standing out among other distilleries in the area with its Spanish Mission style architecture, Four Roses has gone through many transitions over the years. Their history dates back to 1888 and the distillery was built in 1910. They even survived through prohibition, selling “medicinal whiskey”. However, they all but disappeared in the US in the mid 20th century after being acquired by Seagrams and then finally reintroducing their bourbons to the US market in 2002 under new management. We only wish our tour was as interesting as their story. Our tour guide would have been better served on a broadway stage rather than doing a bourbon distillery tour. A tip for Four Roses: keep it real, we are not their for a performance, rather a personalized bourbon experience.

TIP: Distillery tours can book up quickly so plan well in advance. Each distillery has a different schedule of when they open tour reservations and some have days that they are closed for tours so the logistics of planning a bourbon trail trip can be challenging. Consider hiring a tour service to do the hard work and handle the driving.

DINING ALONG THE TRAIL

Yes, you have to eat! A good lunch as you’re going from one distillery tour to the other is a great way to break things up and recharge. Most of the time you’re traveling down country roads, so plan ahead and don’t rely on a passing fast food restaurant. We found some amazing spots along the way.

Old Talbott Tavern

This is a great stop for lunch in-between James Beam and Maker’s Mark visits and is much more than simply a lunch stop. The traditional tavern was established in 1770 and boasts the world’s oldest bourbon bar. The southern cooking, such as fried chicken and Kentucky hot brown, is amazing as you sit by one of the brick fireplaces.

Bourbon on Main

With its location in the heart of historic Frankfort, this is a convenient stop for lunch, or more bourbon indulgence, along the Bourbon Trail. It’s a charming pub in an old historic building which adds to the experience. We found the food to be adequate but nothing over the top.

The Stave

You might be tempted to drive right past this restaurant and bourbon bar which is not much more than a shack on the side of the road, but if you do, you will be missing one of the best lunch spots along the Bourbon Trail. It’s a cozy little place with exceptional food, from their thick cut bologna sandwich, to homemade meatloaf and burgers.

Mami Monchitas

Located on the outskirt of Frankfort is a family-owned Honduras restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Honduran food may not be your first thought when you think of Kentucky fare, but let me tell you, this place is the real deal. Just ask the waitress for a recommendation if you’re not familiar with Honduran food and enjoy! You might want to try one of the best Mojitos you’ll ever have while you’re there as well.

Momma’s Mustard Pickles & BBQ

If your trails get you into Louisville (recommended, see below) I highly recommend Momma Mustard’s. This one breaks our (hard earned) rule of no BBQ outside of Texas (yes, we’re snobs), but since it was featured on Diners Dives and Drive-ins, we couldn’t pass it up. The burnt ends are the real deal and the smoked chicken is moist and flavorful. They have plenty of napkins so dig in!

Rebecca Ruth Chocolates

Chocolate is food too and when it’s infused with bourbon it’s a Kentucky staple. Ruth Hanly Booe, one of the founders of Rebecca Ruth Chocolates, invented the bourbon ball in 1938 and they have been making them the same way in this small family business since then. In fact, the company has been in business since 1919. You might get to try one at one of your distillery tastings but be sure to stop in here for a tour and some more samples and then take a box home.

MIX IN A WINERY OR TWO

Although not as popular as bourbon distilleries, there are many wineries to visit in Kentucky as well. These wineries are typically located among the rolling hills and horse farms so they make for a great place to relax on a back porch and sip some local wines. We’re not a big fan of Kentucky wines but the experiences were still good at Prodigy Vineyard & Winery and Rising Sons Winery. Rising Sons makes their own wine infused jams which pair with their wines very nicely. I really enjoyed the Bourbon Barrel Chambourcin which pairs perfectly with a good cigar. We also had planned to go to Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery but didn’t get to make it there. Maybe next time.

SPEND A DAY IN LOUISVILLE

A day in Louisville may be exactly (and literally) what the doctor orders to rest your liver. The big city has a lot to offer, with two very famous locations that shouldn’t be missed.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

The Louisville Slugger company (originally called Hillerich & Bradsby) has been making baseball bats since 1884. Many famous players such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Derek Jeter have used the Louisville Slugger bats. The factory in Louisville is where all the magic happens to make these bats today, and the process is quite fascinating. The factory tour shows you how a log is split, cut into a block called a billet, turned on a lathe into a bat and then finally branded and finished. Although the general process is the same, bats made specifically for MLB players go through a much more rigid and customized process than bats made for the general public.

The museum provides a ton of baseball history that baseball fans young and old will certainly enjoy. There’s even a batting cage where you can test your hitting skills. Overall this is a fun and unique experience and worthy of a couple hours spent in Louisville.

Churchill Downs

Da-da da-da da-da DAH… da-da DAH! Since 1875 Churchill Downs has been home to the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. It was fascinating visiting this iconic place and learning about the history and taking a track tour. You could almost hear the “Call to the Post” bugle call as we stood in the stands under the iconic twin spires. It’s chilling to think of the famous horses such as Secretariat (who still holds the track record) who have raced here over the years. Every thoroughbred horse breeders goal from the day a colt hits the ground is to get them ready to race the Kentucky Derby as a 3 year old. It wasn’t race day, but it was still a very memorable experience.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience was a memorable one and sharing it with good friends made it even better. Each distillery tour takes you through the entire process from grain to barrel and highlights their individual unique approach to distilling bourbon. We chose the standard tour and tasting at each distillery but there are several options to choose from. Not all tours included a visit to the rickhouse where the barrels are stored, which we found to be one of the highlights of these tours, in addition to the tastings of course!

Check out our pictures, as for now it’s time to dry out and get down the road a piece.