The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is one of America’s most popular destinations for authentic bluegrass culture, pleasant Southern towns and alcoholic beverages. Here’s everything you need to know before hitting the road and sampling this iconic drink.
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Must-Visit Spots
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a program sponsored by the Kentucky Distillers Association to promote the commonwealth’s thriving bourbon industry. Believe it or not, 95% of the world’s bourbon comes from distilleries in the Bluegrass State. Locals have been perfecting this unique type of liquor since the first European settlers arrived more than 300 years ago.
The trail includes 47 bars and distilleries from Newport along the Ohio River to Franklin near the southern border. Traveling the entire trail is easy, thanks to its proximity to the region’s major cities. If you’re staying in Louisville or Lexington or visiting the Nashville area in Tennessee, you can hit multiple spots on the trail in just one day.
Here are the most popular distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, some of which you might recognize.
1. James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont
Jim Beam is the most well-known bourbon distillery in Kentucky, going back to the late 1700s. Guests can tour the distillery’s daily operations, sample dozens of signature cocktails and enjoy a Southern-style meal of Kentucky’s famous hot honey fried chicken at the Kitchen Table Restaurant.
2. Wild Turkey Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg
Wild Turkey is another household name in the bourbon industry. It has arguably the best tourist attractions in the entire Bourbon Trail, including a visitor’s center that looks like an old tobacco barn and a tasting room that overlooks the Kentucky River. Of course, it also has a gift shop with various souvenirs and bourbon recipes.
3. Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto
Maker’s Mark is best known for its bottles dipped in red wax and having the largest bourbon distillery in the world. The original location in Loretto is a National Historic Landmark where visitors can learn about the brand’s history and the magic behind its centuries-old recipe. There is even a DIY dipping station where you can dip one of the bottles in the trademark red wax.
4. Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles
Woodford Reserve is home to another National Historic Landmark, as this distillery started making bourbon in 1812. The Prohibition-era warehouse buildings alongside the slow-moving Glenn’s Creek make for a remarkable scene. This place is a must-visit if you’re in the Lexington area.
5. Bulleit Distilling Co., Shelbyville
Bulleit is a family-owned operation going back to the early 1800s, known for its high-rye recipe that gives the bourbon a little more spice. There are several Bulleit locations in Kentucky, but the most popular spot to visit is the distillery in Shelbyville. A new interactive tour and gift shop opened in 2017, giving guests a more modern experience.
Bourbon’s Unique History
Bourbon production has a rich history in Kentucky. The reason for this alcoholic beverage’s timeless popularity goes back to the first European settlers. They quickly discovered that Kentucky had the perfect climate for bourbon production, with humid summers and harsh winters that allowed alcohol to mature faster.
Kentucky’s soil is also great for growing corn, which is bourbon’s main ingredient. The abundance of ancient oak trees was the third feature of Kentucky’s climate that made a huge difference. All bourbon in this area has been aged in charred oak barrels since before the Revolutionary War.
Several other requirements for making bourbon set Kentucky’s distilleries apart from the rest of the world. Bourbon was America’s highest-selling whiskey after World War II, and 75 million gallons were sold in 1963 alone. The drink’s popularity caused Congress to pass new laws for the beverage’s production:
- It must be made in America.
- Corn must make up 51% or more of its mash bill.
- It must be aged in charred oak barrels.
- It must be distilled at 160 proof, or 80% ABV
- After distilling, it must be placed in a charred oak barrel at 125 proof or less.
- It must be bottled at 80 proof or more, or 40% ABV.
Thanks to these restrictions, Kentucky has remained the world’s leading bourbon producer. There is no better place to experience the intricacies of bourbon than the Bluegrass State.
Tips for Navigating the Trail
Alcohol always makes travel plans more complicated. You obviously can’t drive around the state and keep drinking bourbon all day. Your traveling group needs to have a designated driver and map out the route so everyone knows the next destination. Another prudent idea is to bring snacks and plenty of water so you can pace yourself.
You should also try to visit the trail sometime between April and June. Late spring and early summer are typically the busiest distillation times of the year and have the best weather conditions. However, autumn and winter are the best times to drink brown liquor because their spicy flavors warm the body.
Plan a Weekend Trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Whenever you decide to visit, set aside at least an entire weekend to get the full experience of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The variety of historic distilleries and unique recipes will leave you wondering why you didn’t start drinking bourbon sooner. No other alcoholic beverage has a culture as fascinating as Kentucky bourbon, and you have a chance to witness it firsthand.
