Time To Plan A Trip Along The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Looking for something interesting to do for a few days in Kentucky? How about a trip along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? It sounds like a fun trip, but what exactly is bourbon? For a whiskey to be called bourbon, it must be made with at least 51% corn. It must be aged in new white oak barrels whose insides are charred with a torch before being filled with the liquor for aging. No barrels are reused. It cannot have any flavoring or coloring added—only the corn, wheat or rye, malt, and water. The coloring comes from aging inside the charred oak barrel. Lastly, bourbon has to be between 80 and 160 proof.
A common misconception is that for a whiskey to be called bourbon, it must be made in Kentucky. In reality, this liquor can be made anywhere, as long as the previously mentioned rules are carefully followed during the process. However, bourbon is traditionally produced in Kentucky. The limestone-filtered water and locally harvested grains are said to produce a better-tasting liquor. Also, the rolling hills and rich fertile soil have produced the majority of America’s bourbon, meaning the local people who are involved in all aspects of creating it have a deep passion for it. Not to mention, they also have time-tested recipes that can’t be beaten. So, whether you’re an aficionado or you just like to drink while learning a bit of history, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Must-Visit Distilleries
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is home to some of the most iconic distilleries in the world. These legendary spots have been producing bourbon for centuries, each with its own rich history, distinct flavor profiles, and unique production techniques. Here’s a closer look at the must-visit distilleries that make up the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail:
1. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (Louisville)
Named after one of Kentucky’s earliest distillers, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is an immersive, educational attraction in downtown Louisville. This stop offers a mix of history, interactive exhibits, and tasting experiences that bring the bourbon-making process to life.
2. Four Roses (Lawrenceburg)
Four Roses is known for its smooth and mellow bourbon, crafted using a unique combination of five proprietary yeast strains and two mash bills. The Spanish-style architecture of the distillery adds to its charm, making it a picturesque stop on the trail.
3. Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience (Bardstown)
Home to brands like Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna, Heaven Hill is one of the largest family-owned distilleries in the country. The visitor center in Bardstown offers an in-depth look at bourbon’s history and a chance to sample some fantastic pours.
4. Jim Beam American Stillhouse (Clermont)
No bourbon tour is complete without a visit to Jim Beam. This distillery offers behind-the-scenes tours where you can see every step of the bourbon-making process. From its massive rickhouses to hands-on bottling experiences, this stop is a fan favorite.
5. Maker’s Mark (Loretto)
Famous for its signature red wax-dipped bottles, Maker’s Mark offers one of the most scenic and artistic distillery tours. Stroll through the historic grounds, learn about its handcrafted approach to bourbon, and even dip your own bottle in the iconic wax.
6. Town Branch (Lexington)
A unique stop on the trail, Town Branch is both a bourbon and brewery tour, making it a must-visit for whiskey and beer lovers alike. Their small-batch production process and flavorful spirits make this stop worth the visit.
7. Wild Turkey (Lawrenceburg)
Known for its bold and spicy bourbon, Wild Turkey is a powerhouse in the industry. A tour of this distillery includes a visit to the rickhouses, stunning views of the Kentucky River, and a tasting session featuring some of its best expressions.
8. Woodford Reserve (Versailles)
One of the most picturesque distilleries on the trail, Woodford Reserve offers an intimate, handcrafted bourbon experience. Located in the rolling hills of Kentucky horse country, this stop features copper pot stills, traditional barrel aging, and one of the smoothest bourbons in the state.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour: Hidden Gems of Bourbon Country
Beyond the well-known names, Kentucky is also home to a growing number of craft distilleries that bring innovation and small-batch excellence to the bourbon scene. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour highlights these up-and-coming stars. Here are the must-visit stops on the Craft Tour:
1. Barrel House Distilling Co. (Lexington)
Housed in a historic building that once served as a barreling warehouse, Barrel House is known for its innovative approach to spirits. Their RockCastle Bourbon and Devil John Moonshine are standouts.
2. Corsair Artisan Distillery (Bowling Green)
Corsair is famous for pushing the boundaries of whiskey-making with experimental grains, smoke infusions, and creative aging techniques. If you’re a fan of unique and bold flavors, this stop is for you.
3. Limestone Branch Distillery (Lebanon)
A family-run distillery with deep Kentucky roots, Limestone Branch is best known for its Yellowstone Bourbon and experimental small-batch releases. Their passion for traditional bourbon-making shines through in every bottle.
4. MB Roland Distillery (Pembroke)
A grain-to-glass distillery that uses locally sourced white corn, MB Roland produces high-proof, unfiltered bourbon that packs a punch. Their rustic charm and commitment to quality make this a great stop on the Craft Tour.
5. New Riff Distilling (Newport)
One of the newer names in bourbon, New Riff has quickly gained a cult following for its bottled-in-bond releases and commitment to craft-quality whiskey. The modern distillery offers a fun and educational experience for bourbon lovers.
6. The Old Pogue Distillery (Maysville)
This historic distillery dates back to the 1800s and focuses on small-batch, handcrafted whiskey. The scenic location along the Ohio River makes it a picturesque stop.
7. Silver Trail Distillery (Hardin – CLOSED)
Silver Trail embraced old-school distillation methods, producing moonshine and whiskey with a rich, full-bodied character. However, in 2015, a catastrophic still malfunction caused a devastating explosion, tragically injuring one person and killing another while reducing the distillery to ashes.
8. Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville)
Known for its scientific approach to fermentation and barrel aging, Wilderness Trail has made a name for itself with its high-quality, wheated bourbon and rye whiskey.
9. Willett Distillery (Bardstown)
A family-owned distillery with a reputation for some of the best small-batch and single-barrel bourbons, Willett is a must-visit for any serious bourbon aficionado.
A Journey Worth Taking
Whether you’re in it for the history, the flavors, or just the scenic drive through bourbon country, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket-list-worthy trip. With a mix of legendary distilleries and innovative craft producers, there’s something for every whiskey lover to enjoy.
So, gather your friends, plan your route, and raise a glass to America’s native spirit. There’s no better time than now to experience the best that Kentucky bourbon has to offer!