Must-Visit Stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
In partnership with: Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Did you know that Kentucky produces a whopping 95% of the world’s bourbon? The industry pours $9 billion into the state’s economy annually, and some of those dollars are attributed to tourism along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Established in 2012 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, this “road trip-style experience for bourbon lovers to visit the Bluegrass State’s signature distilleries” attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year.
To keep track of spirits savored, Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventurers should purchase the Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide. This robust booklet is available online for $14.95 and also at participating distilleries.
The guide map highlights 42 distilleries categorized as either a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour (KBTCT) or a Kentucky Bourbon Trail signature distillery (KBT). Bourbon aficionados are encouraged to collect stamps at each site and redeem rewards. Ready to explore? Check out the list below to discover a few must-visit cities and stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
A Few Fun Facts About Kentucky Bourbon:
- Bourbon is American whiskey distilled from a mash primarily made of corn.
- “Bourbonism” is a term used to describe bourbon tourism.
- Distillers produced a record 2.7 million barrels of bourbon in 2022, making it the fifth year in a row topping 2 million.
- There is now a record inventory of 12.6 million bourbon barrels aging across Kentucky.
Louisville
Main Street in downtown Louisville is referred to as Whiskey Row, so it’s no surprise that Kentucky Bourbon Trail travelers often start their trek at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center at the Frazier Museum.
Louisville is home to seven distillery destinations. Evan Williams was the first distillery to open locally (in 1783). There are a variety of ways to enjoy the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience featuring both straights and seasonals. Options include the Traditional Tour & Tasting, Choc-ology (a whiskey and chocolate pairing), The Ideal Bartender Experience and The Speakeasy Experience, among others.
Aside from serving President George Washington on a stopover during the Revolutionary War, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery is truly a historic site. In 2023, Michter’s made whiskey history when it was voted World’s Most Admired Whiskey by Drinks International – a first-of-its-kind title for an American brand.
Old Forester Distilling Co. is the only bourbon distillery continuously in operation before, during and after Prohibition under the same name. Toast its founder, George Garvin Brown, for crafting Old Forester – named after his colleague, Dr. William Forester. Brown is credited with bottling and labeling the first ‘medicinal bourbon’ during his time as a pharmaceutical salesperson.
While in this Louisville Bourbon District, also visit Angel’s Envy, Copper & Kings, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. and Rabbit Hole.
Lexington
Dubbed the Horse Capital of the World, equine enthusiasts can pony up to another six distilleries in Lexington. These include Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company, the only brewery and distillery combo on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Company is best known for its beloved Town Branch Bourbon. Take a “brew-distillery” tour to sample assorted spirits, like bourbon, rye, Irish whiskey and gin. Don’t forget to order a pint of the 8.2% ABV Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale!
Three other Lexington distilleries are situated in a walkable cluster. RD1 Spirits offers great experiences. Most visitors to RD1’s tasting room opt for a bourbon flight. It includes four generous bartender pours, plus a fifth pour that the visitor can personally thieve from a barrel. If you love this brand, consider purchasing a mini 3-liter barrel to age at home.
At the bar at James E. Pepper Distilling Co., tastings are popular but so are Old Fashioned cocktails. For something a bit stronger, head to Barrel House Distilling Co., which also makes moonshine in addition to smooth bourbon.
Bluegrass Distillers and Fresh Bourbon are also worth a stop when trailblazing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in Lexington. And another well-known label, Four Roses, is located in nearby Lawrenceburg.
See more: Kentucky Bourbon is Rooted in Agriculture and State Tradition
Clermont
The small city of Clermont is home to one of the world’s most famous bourbons, Jim Beam. James B. Beam Distilling Co., founded by the “first family of bourbon,” has a lot to offer. Tours dive into the history made over two centuries. Plus, this household-name distillery hosts tons of engaging events, like mixology classes and an upcoming summer concert series. Craving more? Pull up a stool at the Cocktail Bar. Or snag a seat in either the dining room or patio of The Kitchen Table, a full-menu eatery.
Loretto
Every Kentucky bourbon distillery has its own recipe, but the one at Maker’s Mark in Loretto is signature indeed. This full-flavored bourbon is made with soft red winter wheat, instead of the usual rye. Maker’s Mark has also left its mark when it comes to bottling, as every bottle is hand-dipped in red wax.
Maker’s Mark offers distinctive distillery opportunities too. Aside from basic tours and tastings, visitors can book The Whisky Creek Walking Tour, Maker’s Mark Art & Design Tour, The Star Hill Farm Tour, an inclusive ASL Interpreted Maker’s Mark Tour and several other experiences.
And a short drive from Maker’s Mark, check out two more Kentucky Bourbon Trail stops: Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon and Log Still Distillery in New Haven.
Bardstown
Bardstown also offers an enjoyable itinerary. This gateway city is home to Bardstown Bourbon Company, Heaven Hill Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, Preservation Distillery and Willett Distillery.
Northern Kentucky
On the banks of the Ohio River, Northern Kentucky boasts even more must-visit spots, including New Riff Distilling and Pensive Distilling Co. + Kitchen, both in Newport; plus, Second Sights Spirits in Ludlow.
See more: Kentucky’s Top 10 Agricultural Products
How to Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
To visit Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries, one can drive, ride share (i.e., Lyft or Uber) or join a tour group. Do drink responsibly! There are a few preferred transportation partners, such as Kentucky Bourbon Boys, Mint Julep Experiences and Pegasus Distillery Experiences.