Bourbon whiskey has long been a staple of Tennessee, Kentucky and true southern americana. Over the past decade, however, bourbon has been gaining in popularity across the United States and internationally as more people continue to explore the complexities and history that make up this sweet, spicy and smokey spirit that is both legally-regulated and legally-defined by U.S. law.
According to Title 27 in the Code of Federal Regulations, bourbon must be made in the U.S., contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill, must be aged in new charred oak barrels, must not contain any flavors or additives and must be bottled at 80-proof or higher.
Whether it's in a cocktail, on the rocks, or neat, everyone has their favorite bourbon and everyone has a reason for enjoying it.
Beyond consumption, Kentucky's Bourbon Trail is a mere stone's throw away from us in Middle Tennessee and becomes an exploration must to appreciate the history, culture and art that bourbon makers have been crafting and perfecting for generations.
Take a ride with us as we head north on Interstate 65, crossing into Kentucky, as we make several stops along the world famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
- Makers Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY, distillery est. 1889
- James B. Beam Distilling Company (Jim Beam), Clermont, KY, distillery est. 1943
- Heaven Hill Distillery (Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Larceny) Bardstown, KY, distillery est. 1935
- Four Roses Distillery, Cox Creek/Lawrenceburg, KY, distillery est. 1910
- Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfurt, KY, distillery est. 1812
- Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY, distillery est. 1838