If you’re a bourbon lover–or know someone who is–the draw to visit the rolling hills of Kentucky, where this well-loved libation was born, is a strong one. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers a host of delights for those ready for an old-fashioned adventure with friends or family.
This classic American spirit was born in Kentucky in the late 18th century – and by law can only be true bourbon if made in the United States. To become bourbon, the mash bill, or grain recipe used to make the spirit, must be at least 51% corn, aged in a new, charred oak container with no color or flavoring added. The result is a distinctive spirit that has a strong following both in the US and abroad.
Whether you prefer your bourbon neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like an old fashioned, The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers a wealth of both historical and craft distilleries to try. From favorites like Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and more, you’ll find guided tours, tastings, and in some cases, the opportunity to create your very own bottle.
While not all bourbon makers are in Kentucky, it produces about 95% of the world’s bourbon, with many major distilleries within an hour of Louisville or Lexington. These beautiful cities would make a perfect home base for your bourbon pilgrimage, offering a range of lodging options and additional sites to weave into your distillery visits. It’s important to note that distilleries can be a fair distance apart, so plan your visits accordingly and consider a private tour to allow for full enjoyment and a safe experience.
The Buffalo Trace distillery is a great consideration when crafting your plan. Perched on the banks of the Kentucky River in the capital of Frankfort, the site dates back to 1775. Considered the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, they offer a range of free tours of the site that produce a variety of both every day bottles to some of the rarest and collectible bourbons in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Pappy Van Winkle, Stagg, Colonel E.H. Taylor and more.
If your heart is set on filling your own bottle, distilleries like Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville and Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery in Louisville both offer this experience. At the Maker’s Mark Star Hill distillery in Loretto, you can hand-dip your own bottle in wax and order customized labels for the classic 750ml bottle online to personalize your bottle.
Be sure to check out some classic Southern cuisine on your bourbon trail adventure. The Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon topped with Mornay sauce, is a Kentucky classic. Other favorites to try include Burgoo, a thick, hearty stew, and Derby Pie, a bourbon-infused dessert made with chocolate and walnuts. Be sure to top these off with a classic Mint Julep or grab a bottle of Ale-8-One to use as a mixer with your favorite bourbon.
Whether planning a perfect trip for the boys or a generational trip with Dad, you’ll find The Kentucky Bourbon Trail full of flavor and memories to last a lifetime.