The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is comprised of seven distilleries found in the scenic bluegrass state. We found Bardstown to be the ideal central point to explore the Bourbon Trail, especially with the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center providing a historical backdrop to the American art of bourbon making.
At Heaven Hill, guests have the opportunity to walk through a historical overview of bourbon in this reason of the country, along with their own personal brand history. They also have a short (probably 15 minute) video that tells the Evan Williams' brand history and the other products produced here at Heaven Hill Distilleries. After the video, guests are walked across the street to the barrel house to see how the bourbon is aged. Once back at the Heritage Center those 21 and older are invited into the tasting barrel to sample a couple of the bourbons produced here. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday 10:00a-4:00p and Sundays 12:00n-3:00p. (Times denote last tour time.) For more info phone 502-337-1000.
Next on our tour was Maker’s Mark in Loretto, KY which is approximately 30 minutes from Bardstown. If for no other reason that the lovely grounds, you MUST pay a visit to Maker’s Mark. On the Historical Register, Maker’s Mark is a tribute to outstanding American bourbon, made today as it was over 225 years ago over seven generations ago by Robert Samuels. This is by far our favorite distillery tour AND bourbon offered in our home. The distinctive red wax seal is the trademark of this outstanding smooth bourbon which can be found throughout the USA and aboard. On this visit production was down in the mash and distilling house, but fret not. It was a very informative walk through the distilling and bottling process. Since our last visit in May 07, they have built a new gift shop complete with a tasting bar. The tasting allow guests over 21 to not only sample the final product of Maker’s Mark bourbon, but also the "White Dog" which is the distilled product before it is aged in the oak barrels. Tours are offered seven days a week, and similar to those at Heaven Hill.
The last stop during this trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail was at Wild Turkey in Lawrenceburg. Unfortunately they are closed for tours on Saturdays, only offering a walking tour of the grounds. We were also informed upon our arrival that their operations are completely shutdown for summer, scheduled to reopen in a couple of weeks. This was of great disappointment, although we did enjoy the brief video provided on the history of Wild Turkey Bourbon.
The other four distilleries that are part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are Four Roses (Lawrenceburg), Jim Beam (Clermont), Buffalo Trace (Frankfort) and Woodford Reserve (Versailles). More information on all seven along with hours of tour operations may be found at: www.kybourbontrail.com. If you want to take in all seven, we'd suggest you have at least two full days because of the distance between some of the cities. Not to mention, you do not want to rush through your scenic drives of this beautiful area of our country. If you plan on touring all seven, be sure to pick up your "passport" at tourist information centers around the area. After visiting and obtaining a stamp from each you can submit your passport and receive a free tee shirt.
From journal Labor Day Weekend Getaway to the Bluegrass State