Grab your designated driver and head out for 5 to 6 days of Bourbon tastings on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. While you can start wherever you like, most choose to set off on their journey from Louisville, Kentucky at The Frazier Kentucky History Museum which houses the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center. In the Welcome center you will find maps with suggested itineraries to visit the 18 distilleries on the trail, artifacts and even DrinkIQ stations to test your knowledge. Be sure to pick up your “passport” so you can accumulate stamps from the distilleries as you go. If you can complete the trail and gather all stamps, you will receive a gift and of course bragging rights among your friends.
Before you leave the welcome center, be sure to stretch and limber up because you are about to hit the ground running. As you turn left when leaving the welcome center, you will find yourself on Whiskey Row which hosts 4 distilleries in a 1-mile stretch. Pace yourself, you still have 14 more to go over the next few days. You can expect around 3-4 shots per distillery and while most tours and tastings are free, you can expect to pay between $10-$15 per person if they are serving the premium stuff.
Along the way you are going to discover excellent dining and additional experiences across the multiple cities you will visit. One of particular interest is the Cooperage tour at the Independent Stave Company where you will watch them build barrels. Observe as they bend the staves, hammer the rings, and then char the insides of the whiskey barrels to perfection. A stop at the Wild Turkey Distillery may get you a one-on-one chat and photo with the Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. With 60 years’ experience, his knowledge and expertise are legendary.
If your adventure starts in Louisville and ends in Lexington, finish strong with a visit to the Kentucky Derby or a tour of the many Thoroughbred Farms in the area. Many tour companies such as Mint Julep Tours offer guided tours of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and private custom tours (in case you never found that designated driver.)
Next time you find yourself looking for something to do, grab your DD and head to the heartland!
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