Your Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is one of the best attractions in all of Kentucky. Not only will you have the chance to learn more about the culture and history of Kentucky, but you'll be able to pair it with scrumptious whiskeys and bourbon.

The "Trail" isn't a singular path, but in reality a series of different distilleries that stretch from Owensboro through Louisville, Lexington, and the towns in between all the way to Covington, KY. Because there are simply too many places to see along the trail, we plan to highlight some of the main highlights along the trail that most of our bed and breakfasts are located near!

Can I experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail without driving?

Yes! You can have a blast on the Bourbon Trail without needing to have a designated driver. From bourbon boats to cycling to the distilleries, these are some of the best travel options for couples and solo-drinkers.

Louisville Distilleries

The Gateway to the South is also your gateway to the Bourbon Trail.

Whiskey Row

The first stop you should make if you're looking for some of that strong Kentucky nectar is Whiskey Row, the downtown area of Louisville. The Frazier History Museum is a great starting point, as you can learn the history of the alcohol in the Bluegrass State before you begin...and don't think you won't have a chance to get some drinks while you're there!

After you exit the museum, you'll be able to walk the downtown area for some other tastings on Whiskey Row. Michter's Distillery, Angel's Envy Distillery, Old Forest Distillery AND the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience are all close by and worth a taste.

Rabbit Hole Distillery

Address: 711 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY

Though not on Whiskey Row, Rabbit Hole Distillery is a great place to go for a drink in a chic, modern environment. You can taste four different craft bourbons, or pop in for some dry gin and Liddel vodka instead. Distillery tours can add an interesting twist to your drinking experience.

Louisville Bed and Breakfasts

DuPont Mansion Historic Bed & Breakfast
The Butcher Rose
The Pepin Mansion Historic Bed and Breakfast
1840 Tucker House B&B
Louisville Bourbon Inn
Bluegrass Country Estate
Market Street Inn

Bardstown Distilleries

A small town just outside of Louisville, Bardstown is the kind of place you visit for the company and the drinks.

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Address: 1500 Parkway Dr, Bardstown, KY

Whether you plan to tour the facility or you just want to tour the bottom of each glass, The Bardstown Bourbon Company is a great place to explore. Not only is this a place to grab some drinks, but the food here is exquisite and pairs well with the beverages by design.

RESERVE YOUR TABLE

Old Talbott Tavern

Address: 107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY

Step into history at the Talbott Tavern, a building that's been standing since the 18th century. The Bourbon Bar is a fun time, as you can grab drinks, listen to music, and eat some great food. There are over 200 different beverages you can grab here, so there's no shortage of choice!

Tours of the building are a lot of fun, and there are even some ghost encounters for an extra spooky experience.

Bardstown Bed and Breakfasts

Bourbon Manor B&B Inn
Red Rose Inn B&B

Shelbyville Distilleries

The home of Bulleit Bourbon.

Bulleit Bourbon

Address: 3464 Benson Pike, Shelbyville, KY

Bulleit Bourbon is renowned throughout the country for its depth of flavors. When you step onto the distillery property, you'll be swarmed with the fruity aroma of cocktails and mixes being created. The rustic yet modern decor makes the tasting experience all the better for couples looking for a special treat together.

Consider looking at the array of classes and tastings before you go, so you can decide what kinds of drinks sound best to you.

WHAT CLASSES ARE UP?

Shelbyville Bed and Breakfasts

Pillow and Paddock Bed and Breakfast
The Inn at Spring Run Farm

Lexington Distilleries

While it's the horse capital of the world, it's also a bourbon magnet.

Woodford Reserve Distillery

Address: 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY

Five flavors of bourbon are what you seek at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. The 70 minute tour around the grounds will give you a taste of what bourbon crafting is all about. It's incredibly affordable at $30 a person.

After you're done taste testing the libations, you may talk to the master distiller Emeritus Chris Morris for a behind the scenes tour of the place where the drinks are crafted, but only if you're willing to pay the extra cost of $500 per guest!

Town Branch Distillery

Address: 401 Cross St, Lexington, KY

Also known as the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, the Town Branch Distillery is one of the finest places to grab a bottle or glass of the finest liquor in Lexington. Every hour a brewery tour is available, where fine drinks and interesting history tidbits are both enjoyed. Whiskey, Spirits, Beer, and Hard teas are all on tap for you to indulge in.

Lexington Bed and Breakfasts

Scottwood Bed & Breakfast
Emerald Shinobi Haus
Fairfield Farm Cottage
Rose Hill Inn
A Storybook Inn
Eighth Pole Inn
Emerald Shinobi Villa
Lyndon House B&B

Need help finding more distilleries?

We were only able to highlight a few of the many bourbon attractions in the area. If you are looking for more distilleries near a different city that you might be staying in, feel free to check out the map.

SEE THE MAP

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