A Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
As the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—the official route that includes dozens of distillers of America’s Spirit (the corn whiskey distilled in oak barrels that’s only made here)—celebrates its 25th anniversary, there’s never been a better time to experience it. With a quarter-century under its belt, the trail of makers has seen smaller bourbon networks spring up nearby—like the Kentucky Craft Trail—for a smaller feel. And for something more urban, there’s now Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail, and Northern Kentucky’s B-Line of bourbon bars located just outside of bustling Cincinnati.
But no matter which bourbon trail you prefer, a trip to Kentucky isn't complete without experiencing a bourbon maker (or a few) of your choosing. Here are the stops and routes to consider for a Kentucky bourbon trip—whether you want the urban side of the route, or to get into the countryside for more remote producers—and the unique lodging options along the way.
Getting to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Most travelers will find Louisville to be the easiest destination to fly into, but Cincinnati is a good alternative if you’re starting on the northern end of the state to work your way south. To collect stamps and for some guidance along the way, download the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail app and field guide before you go, and know that reservations are also recommended at the big-name distilleries. And it should go without saying, but imbibing travelers should plan ahead how to get around: use a tour operator like the Kentucky Bourbon Bus, or a designated driver.
Louisville
When it comes to bourbon tourism, there’s no place quite like Louisville. You’ll see its character come out as soon as you land at the airport, which has multiple stores selling the Kentucky-made spirit, and iconic rocking chairs made from whiskey barrels.
Distilleries to visit and other things to do
You could easily hit dozens of distilleries within a weekend in Louisville, since most are within a short walk of downtown. Each one offers something different but at the very least has tours of the facility that typically include a tasting, often rare picks. Some distilleries offer something beyond the ordinary—at Michter’s, visitors can see the company’s original still, salvaged from the former Pennsylvania location, and fill their own bottles. Angel’s Envy also has their own bottling experience and monthly cocktail classes to help you craft the perfect drink with the company’s spirits.
Start at Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby, the biggest day in horse racing, takes place. The museum features exhibits on famous past winners, the over-the-top attire worn by guests and, of course, the iconic mint julep. The Frazier Museum of History covers the state's history, including famous citizens and inventions plus interactive exhibits on how the spirits are made (and there's even a speakeasy). Don’t forget to get your official Kentucky Bourbon Trail passport here. Wander through Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum, Louisville’s historic burial ground, where the state’s biggest names, Colonel Harlan Sanders and Muhammad Ali, are buried.
Where to eat and drink
Louisville’s culinary scene is among the best in the region and no chef has helped cement its reputation like Edward Lee. Make a reservation at his flagship restaurant, 610 Magnolia, for his creative spin on Southern cuisine.
Start the day with the fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches at Butchertown Grocery. Bar Vetti has playful Italian fare and tasty cocktails. And if you aren’t bourboned out, end the night with a cocktail at Neat Bourbon Bar, voted one of the nation’s top bourbon bars.
Where to stay
Louisville is home to the historic Brown Hotel, plus there’s the contemporary art-addled 21C Museum Hotel, design-forward Hotel Genevieve, and the Myriad Hotel set in a former disco ball factory. But if you’re in town strictly here for bourbon, your best bet is the Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection: The converted barrel warehouse has a fantastic restaurant and location steps away from the fun of Whiskey Row.
Detour: If you’re road tripping between Louisville and Bardstown, detour to the town of Clermont, where you’ll find the sprawling Bernheim Arboretum and the incomparable James B. Beam Distilling Co.—take part in Master Distiller-led tasting before a delicious Southern-style meal (and one of the deliciously balanced bourbon cocktails) at the Kitchen Table Restaurant.
Bardstown
Called the “Bourbon Capital,” Bardstown’s history is deeply entwined with the spirit. There’s a mix of old and new distilleries to explore as well as the charming downtown. It’s a popular day trip option, but there’s enough to keep you overnight.
Distilleries to visit and things to do
All the heavy hitters are based in Bardstown, like Heaven Hill, the largest independently run bourbon distillery, with museum quality exhibits on bourbon history, the founding Shapira family, and its selection of brands like Elijah Craig and Larceny. Then visit the farm at Preservation Distillery, where longhorn steers roam the fields. Any whiskey nerd will want to stop by the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, located in an 1800s school and orphanage. It takes its name from a whiskey wholesaler who contributed the bulk of the museum’s collection of bourbon advertisements, bottles, and other artifacts.
Where to eat and drink
The Old Talbott Tavern has a storied history beyond its menu, including past guests like Jesse James, Abraham Lincoln, and Daniel Boone. Dating back to 1779, it’s deeply tied to bourbon history, owned for a time by Jim Beam’s brother. It’s the best spot in town for a Hot Brown, Kentucky’s famous sandwich—plus, you can even spend the night. Scout & Scholar Brewing is a casual brewpub for wings, sandwiches, beer, and even barrel pick bourbons.
Where to stay
The options in Bardstown include bed and breakfasts and a few chain hotels but for something different, book a stay at the Bourbon Barrel Retreats, cabins made in the shape of whiskey barrels. Set between Bardstown and Louisville, all come equipped with kitchenettes and access to fire pits and hammocks for post-tour relaxation.
Detour: If you want to take your time on the Bourbon Trail up a notch, tour the Lebanon cooperage that makes white oak barrels for the state’s top distilleries.
Lexington and Frankfort
Set in the heart of horse country, the university town of Lexington and the nearby state capital of Frankfort are secondary options for basing yourself on the Bourbon Trail. Lexington has its own “urban bourbon” trail to explore, including stops like Fresh Bourbon Distillery and Bluegrass Distillers.
Distilleries to visit and things to do
In Lexington, check out the exhibits at James E Pepper, one of the oldest distilleries in the area, before your tasting. At RD1 Spirits, choose from one of half a dozen tastings ranging from the basics to more in-depth mixology classes.
In Frankfort, Buffalo Trace Distillery has rightfully earned a place as an essential stop, where people line up for bottle releases and tours, including its Old Taylor distillery, arboretum, and landmark district. Don’t miss a chance to wander the gardens of Castle + Key, which surround the former E.H. Taylor distillery. This part of the Bourbon Trail has unique ways to see the area, including by bicycle or by riverboat. If your visit falls during spring and fall, don’t miss Keeneland, another famous horse race in the Bluegrass state.
Where to eat and drink
Lexington has great dining, including Doodles, with its all-day breakfast, and Bourbon on Rye, which, of course, has a vast bourbon selection with elevated bar food. In Frankfort, Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub crafts pizzas with the best local ingredients. End the night at Trifecta Glass Art Lounge, a speakeasy in a glassblowing studio.
Where to stay
The Manchester is the newest addition to Lexington’s hotel scene, with equestrian-inspired decor, vintage soaking tubs, and an in-house restaurant.
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Northern Kentucky
The up-and-coming bourbon region is across the border from Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky. It’s here where you’ll find some of the state’s oldest operations. And you typically won’t need a reservation to visit the distilleries like you might with some of the bigger ones.
Distilleries to visit and things to do
In Maysville, Old Pogue has the state’s third distilling license and was even owned for a time by notorious gangster George Remus. Stop by the riverside tasting room for a sample. New Riff in Newport is known for its ryes, but has incredible bourbon tastings, especially its bottled in bond bottles. Second Sight Spirits in Ludlow has a carnival-type feel with a “fortune-telling” still creating Kentucky bourbon, brandy, and rum. Learn about the area’s Prohibition history on the Newport Gangster Tour, which highlights the wild heyday of the city with gambling, brothels, and bootleggers like Remus. Back in Covington, you won’t want to miss Revival Vintage Spirits, which offers tastings and sales of its dusty bottles.
Where to eat and drink
Family-run Libby’s Southern Comfort in Covington crafts an excellent brunch with local dishes like goetta plus plenty of bourbon. Don’t miss the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, with its narrow shelves covered in every type of bourbon imaginable. Head to Baker’s Table Bakery on Wednesdays, when the shop sells its delicious sourdough pizzas.
Where to stay
Hotel Covington, set inside a 1912 department store. The chic spot features a shop of local goods, and a bourbon-forward restaurant.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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