Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Kentucky is known for bluegrass and horse racing, but another reason to visit the state is the Kentucky distilleries, and its impressive roster has reached 73.
If you plan to take Kentucky’s bourbon trail, here are the best bourbon tours in Kentucky that you should not miss out on!
Top 15 Bourbon Tours To Experience in Kentucky
1. Angel’s Envy Distillery
Address: 500 E Main St Louisville, KY 40202
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Opening Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday – 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday – 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Tour Price: $25 – $99
What They Offer:
Angel’s Envy is one of the Kentucky distilleries that offer appointment signature tours. You will have a chance to see the bourbon distillation process and then a guided bourbon tasting.
At the end of the Angel’s Envy tour, you will taste their own Rye Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks and Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Casks.
2. Buffalo Trace Distillery
Address: 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM -5:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tour Price: FREE
What They Offer:
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned distillery, and even if it is not included in the Kentucky bourbon trail, you should not miss out Buffalo Trace tour and tasting.
Buffalo Trace offers a historic distillery visit, production and bottling process, and bourbon tasting for free!
3. Bulleit Distilling Co.
Address: 3900 Benson Pike, Shelbyville, KY 40065
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Tour Price: $22
What They Offer:
Bulleit Distilling Co is a Kentucky distillery that offers a full tour of their bourbon distillery where you can see up close the making of Bulleit bourbon.
A guided tour portion includes a shuttle ride plus a 15-minute rye whiskey tasting at their assigned tasting room.
We have some of the top snacks for bourbon tasting here.
4. Castle & Key Distillery
Address: 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Opening Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM – 5:00 AM
Tour Price: $30
What They Offer:
Castle & Key Distillery is a bourbon distillery that offers a guided tour so the guests can explore the distillery’s rich history.
In addition, the distillery tour includes a visit to the current production process of the bourbon.
The tours conclude with a neat tasting which every bourbon lover looks forward to.
5. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Address: 528 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday -11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tour Price: $15 – $25
What They Offer:
When planning to take the bourbon trail, do not miss visiting Evan Williams distillery because it is one of the best Kentucky distillery tours in the state.
One-hour distillery tour includes a trip to their bourbon history, viewing their bourbon distilling process, and a guided tasting.
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6. Four Roses Distillery
Address: 1224 Bonds Mill Rd Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 NN – 4:00 PM
Tour Price: $16-$45
What They Offer:
Four Roses distillery situated in Lawrenceburg is a historic distillery made in 1910. It is a National Historic Landmark in Kentucky because of its Spanish mission style distillery.
The three Kentucky distillery tours offer in-depth history and bourbon production of Four Roses; make sure to drop by their large gift shop.
7. Green River Distilling Co.
Address: 10 Distillery Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Tour Price: $12 – $45
What They Offer:
Learn how bourbon goes from mash bill to barrel with Owensboro’s Green River Distilling Co. distillery tour.
Bourbon lovers would surely enjoy the tasting experience of the brand, plus you can grab a delicious cocktail at their lounger after the tour.
Read: The Best Whiskey Distilleries in Scotland
8. Heaven Hill Distillery
Address: 1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tour Price: $25 – $40
What They Offer:
Heaven Hill Distillery tour is different from other distilleries because the tour revolves around tasting, purchasing bottles, and exploring the hands-on lab.
While it does not hold a personal tour around the production of Kentucky bourbon, you can inspect yeast in the microscope and test your sense of smell at their nosing station.
9. Jim Beam Distillery
Address: 568 Happy Hollow Road, Clermont, KY
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Sunday – 12:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Tour Price: $22
What They Offer:
Part of the Kentucky bourbon trail is the tour to Jim Beam Distillery (James B. Beam Distilling Co.). Like most distilleries in Kentucky, Jim Beam offers several interactive tours for guests.
In Beam Made Bourbon Distillery Tour, guests will walk through the bourbon production with the barrel tour and then taste bourbon whiskey.
10. Maker’s Mark Distillery
Address: 3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tour Price: $22
What They Offer:
If you want outdoor distillery tours, you can check out Maker’s Mark distillery, consisting of ¼ mile of walking.
Maker’s Mark distillery is a National Historic Landmark, so it can be your favorite tour because it is picture-perfect.
However, you have to get online reservations at Maker’s Mark to experience this state-of-the-art landmark.
Be toured around a few production buildings for crafting bourbon, and the tour will end with a bourbon tasting of Maker’s Mark bourbon.
11. Mitcher’s Fort Nelson Distillery
Address: Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, 801 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tour Price: $20
What They Offer:
Mitcher’s Fort Nelson Distillery in downtown Louisville is the home of one of the great-tasting bourbons, Mitcher’s Fort.
Make sure to drop by the distillery when taking the bourbon trail because you will learn the extra steps in the brand’s production process- from barreling to the bottling line.
Read: Some Bourbons You Can Only Get In Kentucky
12. Old Forester Distillery
Address: 119 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tour Price: $32
What They Offer:
Old Forester Distillery is one of the oldest Kentucky distilleries you can find in the bourbon country, so take their legacy tour.
Be guided from fermentation to tasting four expressions. The bourbon distilleries like Old Forester ensure that your trip will be worthwhile.
13. Rabbit Hole
Address: 711 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tour Price: $25
What They Offer:
Rabbit Hole Distillery is a state-of-the-art distillery in Louisville that hubs culture and food at their on-site restaurant.
The immersive one-hour tour starts with a dram of Cavehill, whiskey-making process, and an overlooking lounge where you can taste four award-winning spirits from the distillery.
14. Wild Turkey
Address: 1525 Tyrone Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Opening Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 NN – 4:00 PM
Tour Price: $10
What They Offer:
Discover and experience Wild Turkey bourbon’s complex and perfected process and walk through the memory lane in their Wild Turkey bourbon tour.
The distillery sits on top of the Kentucky River, and like other bourbon brands, it will end with a tasting of their sample goods, so relax and enjoy!
15. Woodford Reserve Distillery
Address: 7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 NN – 4:30 PM
Tour Price: $32
What They Offer:
The Woodford Reserve Distillery bourbon tour is a guided experience where you can learn and explore Woodford Reserve history and how they produce premium bourbons.
The Woodford Reserve tour concludes with tasting the award-winning craft bourbon, but you have to book three months in advance because they only allow 16 guests per tour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to do a bourbon tour?
The best way to do a bourbon tour is by doing a mix of tours, tasting, and interactive activities.
While most tours offer tasting and tours, few distilleries offer cocktail-making classes and in-depth behind-the-scenes tours.
What is the best time to do the Bourbon tour?
The best time to do the Bourbon tour is from the end of November to March. The weather is favorable to hold a tour, plus there are least tourists this month, so it is less crowded.
You will enjoy the unique tours without worrying about the weather and the crowd.
What is the best bourbon distillery to visit in Kentucky?
Choosing the best bourbon distillery to visit in Kentucky depends on personal preferences, but some renowned options are Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve.
Each distillery offers a unique experience, from historic facilities to picturesque landscapes. Buffalo Trace, for instance, boasts a rich history and a diverse range of bourbon expressions, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
How many days do you need for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail typically takes about 3 to 4 days to complete, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the bourbon culture.
This timeframe accommodates tours and tastings at multiple distilleries, as well as exploration of nearby attractions. However, the duration can be customized based on individual preferences and the number of distilleries one wishes to visit.
Is Jim Beam distillery worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Jim Beam distillery, located in Clermont, Kentucky, is one of the most iconic and historic distilleries in the state.
It offers engaging tours, showcasing the bourbon-making process, and provides a glimpse into the Beam family’s distilling legacy. The picturesque surroundings and diverse bourbon selections make it a worthwhile stop for both bourbon novices and connoisseurs.
Where is the best place to start the Bourbon Trail?
Louisville, with its central location and vibrant bourbon scene, is often considered the ideal starting point for the Bourbon Trail.
This city is home to the Frazier History Museum, featuring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, offering an informative introduction to the bourbon industry. From Louisville, visitors can easily access various distilleries along the trail.
What to wear to a Kentucky Bourbon tour?
Dress comfortably and casually for a Kentucky Bourbon tour, as many distilleries have relaxed dress codes. Comfortable footwear is advisable, especially if the tour involves walking through the distillery grounds. Given the often unpredictable Kentucky weather, it’s wise to bring layers, as tours may include both indoor and outdoor elements.
Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen can also be beneficial for outdoor tours during sunny days. Overall, the emphasis is on practical and relaxed attire, allowing visitors to enjoy the bourbon experience to the fullest.
What city has the most bourbon distilleries?
Louisville, Kentucky, is often considered the city with the most bourbon distilleries. As the largest city on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville serves as a central hub for bourbon enthusiasts.
It is home to a variety of distilleries, including iconic ones like Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, and the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience, offering a diverse range of bourbon experiences for visitors.
Which state has the best bourbon?
Kentucky is widely regarded as the state with the best bourbon. The Bluegrass State has a deep-rooted bourbon heritage, with its limestone-rich water and climate creating optimal conditions for bourbon production.
Kentucky’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship and adherence to strict standards contribute to the exceptional quality of its bourbons, making it a global leader in the industry.
What do you wear on the Bourbon Trail?
Casual and comfortable attire is suitable for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Since tours may involve walking through distillery facilities, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Dressing in layers is advisable due to potential variations in indoor and outdoor temperatures. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen can be useful for outdoor tours, especially during sunny weather. The emphasis is on practical and relaxed clothing, allowing visitors to enjoy the bourbon experience without any clothing restrictions.
Do you need reservations for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
While some distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail may welcome walk-in visitors, it is advisable to make reservations, especially during peak seasons.
Popular distilleries often have high demand for tours and tastings, and making reservations ensures that you secure a spot and have a smoother experience. Check the specific distilleries’ policies, as some may require reservations for certain tours or events.
Can you visit Kentucky distilleries without a tour?
Yes, many Kentucky distilleries allow visitors to explore their grounds without a formal tour. While tours provide in-depth insights into the bourbon-making process, history, and traditions, some distilleries offer self-guided experiences or have areas open to the public without requiring a guided tour.
It’s advisable to check each distillery’s policies in advance to determine whether reservations or specific tour arrangements are necessary for your preferred visit.
Finval Verdict: Best Bourbon Tours In Kentucky
The best bourbon tour in Kentucky is the Angel’s Envy Distillery because, aside from the conventional bourbon tour that involves history and tasting, they offer interactive activities. The tour starts at the distillery store, then in the heart of the production process, and ends at the finishing room for tasting.
Also, you can experience a hands-on bottling of a 750 ml bourbon for a separate fee and get to bring it home with a commemorative case and display stand. Imagine how fun it would be to learn the bourbon process [1] and get home with your own spirit that you bottled!
Reference:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey
