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.
