KY Bourbon Trail

I think Louisville is best place to fly in if that’s what you’re planning.

Definitely include Woodford Reserve. It’s only place I’ve visited so far. I was on a quick trip to Cincinnati and made a half day trip to Woodford and back. I believe it’s only an hour or so from Louisville.

You might get lucky and get a good bottle or two from one of the distilleries, but more than likely you won't. Once you see a couple they are all the same. We had a driver from Mint Julep and did a custom itinerary that included Buffalo Trace, 4 Rose tasting only (this was a let down and our driver agreed, nothing special about this stop), Three Boys distillery, it was a mom and pop operation, metal building. Guy was originally from Louisiana and we were able to fill bottles from a barrel, label and seal them for our purchase. This was really awesome. Fourth stop was Jeptha Creed. We had a private tour with the owners, drank from barrels in the rickhouse. It was a great tour.

I'm going up at the end of October and first week of November.
Finishing the trip by attending the Breeders Cup at Keeneland. I'm so stoked.

We flew into Louisville and stayed downtown.

Booked our tour through Bourbon Hall tours and it couldn't have been better. Driver met us at our AirBNB, bus was BYOB and we made stops at Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Willet, and Heaven Hill.

I went in March and it was chilly, January will be downright cold

Flew into Louisville in October 2021 & last month.

On the first trip, we left the airport and went straight to Stitzel-Weller for an Orphan Barrel tasting...walking around seeing the Old Fitz landmarks was special.

Next day we had 23 of us on a Mint Julep tour bus, cannot recommend them enough. Our driver Terry took great care of us (we definitely hit the "over" of yelling "Back up, Terry!")

We started with a Russell's Reserve tasting at Wild Turkey, followed by a tour & tasting at Woodford and then a visit to Castle & Key, which is on the grounds of the Old Taylor distillery. Turkey had the best juice (including an Eddie Russell pick), Woodford was the most well-balanced experience, and the scenery at Castle & Key was a nice way to end things.

Last month we went back to tour & hand dip our Maker's Ambassador bottles after the barrel came of age. The tour there was fantastic and gave a lot of insight to the history of production. They also had the BRT-01 & 02 limited releases available for purchase (don't think they've made it to LA yet). There's also a really good restaurant on site with bourbon slushes that were great.

On the way back to Louisville, we stopped at Heaven Hill which has a brand new facility. They offer (pricey) pours of some really great juice. We sampled an Elijah Craig barrel select (in the baby barrel bottle) and an Old Fitz 17-year.

All the spots listed were winners for us. It's hard to go wrong up there, honestly. As far as how many days, I think flying in Thursday night and leaving Sunday morning leaves plenty of time to do what you'd like to do.

Any other questions, feel free to ask...happy to help.

Louisville for sure fly in… several in and around Louisville. (Mitchers, Angels, Bullliet… etc)

The known, big names are within 45 mins or so. Plenty of tour options with Mount Julep being the biggest.

Don’t let the big names consume you. Bardestown Bourbon is awesome place to end the afternoon. Drinks, food, games, amphitheater… places like Lux Row and Yellowstone are small distilleries that neat history lessons too.

You will learn… they blend, mix, distill, horse trade and private label all over those blue grass hills.

Awesome Experience! You wont be disappointed, unless you are a vodka or wine drinker!