buffalo trace bourbon tour in kentucky

The Trace Tour

The Trace Tour is an incredible introduction to the history and science of bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery. You will walk amidst the path of rolling bourbon barrels. You will be captivated by the alluring smell and atmosphere of bourbon sleeping inside the aging warehouses. Our engaging tour guides can teach guests of all levels and will bring the story of Buffalo Trace to life.

The Trace Tour is open to all ages and is ADA accessible.

All tours are complimentary and include a tasting of some of our award-winning products.

Reservations are required.

Tour Details

Tour sizes are limited. Check availability of all tours by time and date. 

The Trace Tour leaves at least hourly or more frequently as needed. 

Due to limited quantities of our whiskeys, we only offer a few brands for tasting and purchasing in our Visitor Center.   Learn More

Tour & Tasting

113 Great Buffalo Trace, 

Frankfort, KY 40601

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tours & Tastings

Distillery hours.

Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is closed Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.  

Gift Shop Hours

Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Photography Guidelines

Click here to view information on our Photography Guidelines

Driving Directions

Other tours you might like.

Old Taylor Tour

Botanical Gardens Tour

Taste of the Trace

Hard Hat Tour

National Historic Landmark Tour

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Buffalo Trace Distillery

America’s oldest continually-operating distillery is Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky. After remaining open for “medicinal purposes” throughout Prohibition, this historic site boasts four centuries of architecture on 440 acres.

The Distillery Tour

Home to a long list of popular bourbons and whiskeys (including E.H. Taylor, Pappy Van Winkle, W.L. Weller, Rock Hill Farms, Elmer T. Lee and George T. Stagg), the Buffalo Trace Distillery tour offers a look into their bourbon-making process, a walk through a rickhouse and a pass along the bottling line where each bottle of Blanton’s bourbon is hand-labeled and corked.

Mint Julep Experiences offers tours to Buffalo Trace every week.

The Bourbon Tastings

A tasting may include Buffalo Trace bourbon, Eagle Rare bourbon, Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1, Wheatley Vodka or Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Unfortunately, you will not be able to taste or purchase Pappy Van Winkle bourbons on your Buffalo Trace tour — sorry!

BOOK A MINT JULEP TOUR HERE

Photo by Buffalo Trace

Things to know about Buffalo Trace

Frequently asked questions.

Where is Buffalo Trace bourbon made?

Buffalo Trace bourbon is made at 113 Great Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Ky.

Who owns Buffalo Trace?

The Sazerac Company owns the Buffalo Trace brand.

What bourbons and whiskeys does Buffalo Trace produce?

Brands produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery include Buffalo Trace, Sazerac Rye, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Elmer T. Lee, Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Collection, Old Rip Van Winkle, Van Winkle, Pappy Van Winkle, Rock Hill Farms, Hancock’s Reserve, W.L. Weller, Ancient Age, McAffee’s Benchmark Old No. 8, Old Charter, Stagg Jr., Blanton’s, Wheatley Vodka, Hiram Walker’s Ten High, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Not all brands are available for purchase and/or tasting on site.

Is Buffalo Trace on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

No, Buffalo Trace Distillery is not a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Which distilleries are near Buffalo Trace?

Nearby distilleries east of Louisville in the Frankfort area include Woodford Reserve , Wild Turkey , Castle & Key and Three Boys Farm Distillery .

Where can I find out more about Buffalo Trace?

Learn about Buffalo Trace at buffalotracedistillery.com .

Start Planning Your Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Tour

Let’s start planning your ultimate Kentucky bourbon distillery tour today! We offer a variety of public tours as well as custom-made experiences that are tailored to your every bourbon desire.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

THE TRACE TOUR

About the tour.

This 4 hour experience is offered as a package tour with Buffalo Trace Distillery. Have you had trouble getting a tour booked at Buffalo Trace? Well, this experience is a tour on the Kentucky River and a tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery. This tour operates on Mondays and starts with a tour at the historic and famous Buffalo Trace Distillery. Home to some of the finest bourbon produced, you will learn and see how bourbon is made, aged and bottled.

After your distillery tour and time in the gift shop, you will head to the river that built bourbon, the Kentucky River, where you will enjoy a 1.5-hour river cruise. During your time on the water we will complete the story of bourbon that was began at the distillery and enjoy some great sites along the way.

Reservations are REQUIRED!

Available Monday

Cost $59.95 per person

701 Wilkinson Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 219-3318

[email protected]

TOURS OFFERED

• Bourbon Themed Tour
• Historic River Tours
• Kentucky River Tour 
• Bourbon Tour
• River Boat Tours
• Buffalo Trace Tours
• Bourbon Trail Tours
• Bourbon Distillery Tour

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Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour Frankfort, Kentucky

Buffalo trace distillery tour: a signature experience in bourbon town.

Set off on an exploratory journey with the Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour, a pivotal part of the renowned Bourbon Town Tours. In the heart of a region celebrated for its distilling legacy, Buffalo Trace Distillery offers an immersive experience into the world of bourbon and spirits. Ideal for both connoisseurs and curious visitors, this tour provides a comprehensive look into the art of distilling, showcasing time-honored traditions and modern innovations.

Discover with Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

Buffalo Trace Distillery, with its rich history and esteemed reputation, is a landmark in the spirits industry. The tour commences with an enlightening backstory of the distillery’s origins, its evolution through the years, and its commitment to excellence in bourbon making. This introduction provides context and depth to the tour, illustrating the distillery’s significant role in shaping the bourbon industry.

Journey Through the Art of Distillation

Visitors on the Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour are guided through the intricate process of bourbon making. From grain selection and milling to fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling, each step is detailed thoroughly. The tour is interactive and educational, giving guests a firsthand look at the meticulous care and expertise that goes into each bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon.

Tasting Sessions: Exploring Rich Flavors

A key feature of the tour is the tasting session, where guests sample a range of Buffalo Trace’s finest bourbons and spirits. These sessions, conducted by knowledgeable guides, delve into the diverse flavor profiles of each bourbon, highlighting the unique characteristics that make Buffalo Trace’s products stand out in the world of spirits.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Impact on the Community

The tour also focuses on the distillery’s contributions to the local community and the spirits industry. Buffalo Trace Distillery is not just a producer of fine bourbons; it is a steward of bourbon culture, actively involved in preserving and promoting the heritage of bourbon making in Bourbon Town and beyond.

An Inclusive Experience for All

The Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour is crafted to cater to a wide range of interests and knowledge levels. Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or new to the world of spirits, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience. The welcoming environment ensures that every visitor, regardless of their background, enjoys a memorable and insightful visit.

Educational Aspects of the Tour

The tour extends beyond bourbon tasting, offering valuable insights into the broader context of the spirits industry. Participants learn about the historical evolution of bourbon, the nuances of different types of spirits, and current trends in distilling. This educational aspect provides a more complete understanding of the craft of bourbon making.

Sustainability Initiatives at Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sustainability is a key theme at Buffalo Trace Distillery, as highlighted during the tour. The distillery’s commitment to using sustainable practices, including environmental stewardship and resource conservation, demonstrates its dedication to responsible production and care for the environment.

Special Events and Limited Edition Releases

Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its array of special events and limited-edition bourbon releases. During the tour, visitors receive information about these exclusive opportunities, inviting them to engage further with the distillery and the dynamic bourbon community.

A Must-Do on Bourbon Town Tours

The Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour is an enlightening and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in the art of bourbon making and the history of spirits. As a key component of Bourbon Town Tours, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking to delve into the rich world of bourbon and spirits.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of bourbon making? Book your Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour today and join us for an enriching journey into the heart of bourbon country. Connect with fellow bourbon lovers, learn about the intricate process of distilling, and experience the best of Bourbon Town’s bourbon culture. Sign up now for an unforgettable adventure at Buffalo Trace Distillery!

Why BourbonTown Tours Is The Perfect Choice?

Pocket-friendly adventures.

Embark on an unforgettable journey without burning a hole in your pocket.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots that only we can guide you to.

Passionate & Knowledgeable Team

With our expert crew, each tour goes beyond sightseeing.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Colonel E. H. Taylor Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Ancient Age KY Straight Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Benchmark Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Eagle Rare 17 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

George T. Stagg KY Straight Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

O.F.C Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Old Charter KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sazerac Rye Whiskey – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Weller 12 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Weller Antique 107 Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Weller Special Reserve Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Wheatley Vodka – Buffalo Trace Distillery

William Larue Weller KY Straight Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Rye Whiskey – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Bourbon – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sazerac Rye 18 Year – Buffalo Trace Distillery

Vacation starts with our tours around kentucky, enjoy amazing tours along the kentucky bourbon trail with a great team of expert guides..

• 1-844-BOURBON / 844-268-7266
• [email protected]
• Louisville, Kentucky

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour: What To Know Before You Go

By: Author Melody Pittman

Posted on May 16, 2023

Buffalo Trace Distillery – a must-visit Kentucky bourbon destination! This top-notch facility, voted “2018 Distiller of the Year”, is over 200 years old and found in Frankfort. Even if you’re not a bourbon lover, you’ll find enjoyment in your visit. The property itself covers 440 acres, and tours and tastings are free. Don’t miss out!

How to Get to the Buffalo Trace Distillery

Come visit Buffalo Trace Distillery, just 28 miles away from Lexington , Kentucky, or 55 miles from Louisville . Buffalo Trace is a National Historic Landmark that’s sure to impress.

Distillery Hours and Tour Prices

The wide variety of tours at Buffalo Trace Distillery run Monday through Friday and include a complimentary tasting. Note that reservations are required and tours are not available on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Discover the rich history and delicious bourbon of Buffalo Trace with a variety of tours! The Trace Tour is the most popular option that offers a glimpse into the brand’s past and an introduction to the iconic property . Available daily, no reservations required!

Learn about our pre-prohibition distilling history on the National Historic Landmark Tour, which focuses on the architecture and Buffalo Trace property, mostly from 1933 to 1953.

Get spooked on the Ghost Tour with legendary stories of haunted areas like Stony Point Mansion and The Old Taylor House. This one is only available Thursday through Saturday evenings.

For bourbon enthusiasts, the Bourbon Barrel Tour is the perfect pick. Discover the bourbon aging process, barrels, and what happens to them when they can no longer store the beloved bourbon.

Fun Fact : Buffalo Trace is America’s oldest continually-operating distillery.

The Whiskey Making Process

Come explore the secrets of the 90-proof (45% alcohol by volume) whiskey at EH Taylor Tour and Buffalo Trace’s Hard Hat Tour! Get an exclusive look at the distilling process, from grain to bottle.

Experience the unique “Bourbon Pompeii” on the E. H. Taylor Tour and learn about the man himself, while the Hard Hat Tour takes you on a journey from the grain distillery process to bottling. The tours offer sensory delights that will make any whiskey lover swoon.

Don’t miss your chance to discover how your favorite drink is made – tours run on Saturdays too!

The Tasting and Buffalo Trace Distillery Brands

Meet Mr. Freddie Johnson – the third-generation Buffalo Trace Distillery employee, local celebrity (Neat: The Story of Bourbon), and 2018 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee. As a VIP Visitor Lead at the distillery, Freddie is the ultimate tasting guide, making sipping and sampling an unforgettable experience.

During my visit, Freddie showcased his expertise with a selection of premium products – Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rare Eagle Bourbon Whiskey, Wheatley Vodka, Bourbon Cream (think a beefed-up Bailey’s Irish Cream), and Freddie’s Root Beer. He even explained how to properly sip and get your mouth warmed up for the bourbon tasting.

Trust me when I say that pairing Bourbon Cream with soda is the ultimate dessert-like experience! I couldn’t resist taking both products home to enjoy later. And, of course, we couldn’t leave without indulging in a Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Ball made with Buffalo Trace.

Thanks to Freddie’s charming personality and passion for all things bourbon, my visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery was an incredible highlight and a must-do for any spirit enthusiast.

Buffalo Trace brands include O.F.C. Vintages, Van Winkle, Bourbon Cream, Benchmark, Wheatley Vodka, Ancient Age, and many more. One of the most coveted photography spots at Buffalo Trace Distillery is inside, with the hundreds of aging barrels as the backdrop.

Masks were required during my visit, but I will cherish the photo opportunity and remember learning about an essential part of Kentucky’s history.

Bonus Features at The Trace

Don’t forget to check out the Whiskey Vault, where rare and oldest bottles are displayed. As your tour guide explains the collection’s significance, appreciate the vast history within this tiny space. Cap off your visit at the George T. Staff Gift Shop and Gallery, where you will find signature logo apparel, collector’s items, bourbons, Wheatley Vodka, and more.

If you can’t make it in person, you can do a virtual tour at buffalotracedistillery.com/virtualtour .

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Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information

Bourbon Obsessed℠

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

• October 10, 2023
• Distilleries , Distillery Reviews

113 Great Buffalo Trace Frankfort, KY 40601 Tours/Tastings: 800-654-8471 Gift Shop: 800-654-8471 or 502-696-5926 www.buffalotracedistillery.com Tour/Review

Please enjoy our Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour review!

Buffalo Trace Distillery Is A Great Place To Visit

Among distilleries anywhere, Buffalo Trace is top notch, and we’ll tell you just a few of the reasons why.  First, Buffalo Trace Distillery is a National Historic Landmark. Designated in 2013, the grounds are beautifully groomed and the historic buildings transport the visitor to another time. Second, tours are free.  Yes, all six currently offered tours and tastings are free of charge.  Third, the different types of tours available are impressive. Whether you want a general overview of the distillery, a behind the scenes look at the distilling operations or a walk through the Arboretum, Botanical Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, there’s a tour for you. We have taken many of the different tours over the years, and they are all very educational and enjoyable.

A Recent Expansion

Buffalo Trace recently underwent a massive expansion of both their distillery and the visitor center. The new visitor center is LARGE. It features the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop, as well as portrait displays which are utilized during the tours. In addition, there are now multiple tasting rooms and tasting bars, as well as expanded seating. Even with this expansion, the number of people wanting to visit still exceeds capacity.

The Trace Tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery

On our first visit back in 2019, we chose The Trace Tour, which at the time, was the only tour that did not require reservations. Reservations are now required for all tours at this point, as Buffalo Trace Distillery has become a very popular destination. Importantly, The Trace Tour is the only tour that is open to all ages. All of the other tours are not available for children under 12 years of age. As of October 2023, the Trace Tour runs at least hourly, Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM and Sunday 11AM-5PM.  Based on visitor flow, tours may run more frequently during the hour.  For example, the day we toured, the Trace Tour was being offered every 20-30 minutes, but your results may vary.  This tour is a great option to get a nice overview of the Distillery and to sample some of Buffalo Trace’s products.

Book Your Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour Well In Advance

Booking tours at Buffalo Trace Distillery is now a streamlined process, but it does take advanced planning. Tours are booked online at buffalotracedistillery.com , with dates released weekly, on Wednesdays at 10AM Eastern. Buffalo Trace releases dates up to 8 weeks in the future, so it behooves you to plan well in advance of your anticipated visit. They even post on their website the exact date and time when booking for specific dates will open up. Finally, a waitlist tool is also available if your dates of choice are already full.

Parking At Buffalo Trace Distillery

Parking is easy at Buffalo Trace distillery.  The paved lot is large, and the ample signage directing the way, makes it quick, too.  Motorcycle parking is available as well. The parking lot allows easy access to the visitor center. But first, after parking but before entering the distillery grounds and the visitor center proper, all visitors must check in the building at the end of the parking lot. Don’t forget to bring your ID!

Our Tour Begins

While the details may have changed a bit over the years, the general flow is similar. The order and choice of stops may very a bit, with some tours visiting more of the working distillery. Now a days, tours start from the visitor center and can either head directly back into the distillery or out onto the campus. Upstairs in the Visitor Center are multiple portraits of the men who shaped what would become the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Your tour may start discussing the distillery’s history, as you move from portrait to portrait. We have also had tours begin outside.

Our First Buffalo Trace Tour

On our initial The Trace Tour, after a brief introduction by our tour guide, we first headed to the nearby Free House where we saw an interesting video on the history of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. After the video, our guide explained the basics of aging the bourbon and was aided by a nifty display which included 4 barrels of bourbon with see through barrel heads. Each barrel was at a different stage in the aging process:  one at entry level, the next at 4 years, then 9 years, and finally 18 years.  All 4 barrels had a different level and color of bourbon.  It was a great visual aid for the explanation of the changes that take place during aging, including the yearly loss of bourbon due to evaporation (known as the “angels’ share”).

Buffalo Trace Distillery Warehouse C

Our next stop brought us to the very large Warehouse C. Warehouse C is a very old warehouse on the property. It was built by Colonel E.H. Taylor back in 1885 and has been the aging location for many fine whiskeys. In fact, two are highlighted in the E.H. Taylor Bourbon family – the Warehouse C and Tornado Surviving Bourbons. We walked in and immediately the sweet smell of the 24,000 barrels of aging bourbon whiskey overwhelmed our senses.  Here we learned about how Buffalo Trace warehouses and ages their products.

Time To Bottle The Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

The Albert B. Blanton Bottling Hall was our final dabble into the world of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. While Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is famously aged in Col. Blanton’s favorite Warehouse H, it is all bottled here. This tiny building is an active bottling facility for Blanton’s Bourbon and amazingly, it is all done by hand.  It was fun and surprising to see how many steps are required for the finished bottle.

Back To The Buffalo Trace Distillery Visitor Center

The Trace Tour, like most distillery tours, ends where it began, back at the visitor center.  This time we headed to the second floor for our tasting.  Five products were available for tasting.  They included the White Dog, Wheatley Vodka, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Bourbon Cream, and of course, a bourbon ball.  Our tour and tasting lasted approximately one hour, although today’s The Trace Tour has a duration of 75 minutes. Overall, we really enjoyed our time at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and have returned many times since to take advantage of the other available tours. A visit is highly recommended; just don’t forget to plan well in advance! Cheers!🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour review! Would you like to learn about a couple of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Bourbons? Check out our Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review and Blanton’s Bourbon Review !

Please note that Distillery Hours and Tour/Tasting Availability may vary. Please contact the distillery or check their web page or social media for details before you go.

Updated: October 10, 2023

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7 Reasons Why You Should Experience the Magic of a Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

• Post author By admin
• Post date May 8, 2024

Table of Contents

Looking for a Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour? Central Kentucky is a haven for bourbon enthusiasts, boasting a rich history and legendary distilleries that have perfected the art of crafting this iconic American spirit. If you’re planning a trip to the heart of bourbon country and seeking an unforgettable experience, look no further than a Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour offered by Central Kentucky Tours. This immersive adventure unlocks the secrets behind bourbon production and allows you to witness firsthand the dedication and expertise that goes into every bottle.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the captivating world of Buffalo Trace Distillery Tours, exploring the seven reasons why they should be your top choice for exploring Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. We’ll also provide details about the tour itself, including its informative content, engaging tastings, and focus on the distillery’s impact on the community.

7 Reasons to Choose a Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour with Central Kentucky Tours:

• Unparalleled Access and Expertise: Partnering with Central Kentucky Tours grants you access to exclusive experiences at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Our knowledgeable guides, who are passionate bourbon connoisseurs themselves, will lead you through the historic grounds and provide insightful commentary throughout the tour. Their enthusiasm is contagious, ensuring a tour that is both informative and engaging.
• A Signature Experience Tailored to You: Central Kentucky Tours understands that one size doesn’t fit all. While we offer the captivating standard Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour, we also excel at crafting custom itineraries that perfectly align with your interests. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado seeking an in-depth exploration of the production process, or a curious newcomer eager to learn the basics, we can curate a tour that caters to your specific preferences.
• Convenience and Comfort: Let Central Kentucky Tours handle the logistics, so you can focus on savoring the experience. Our tours include comfortable transportation to and from the distillery, eliminating the hassle of navigation and allowing you to unwind and appreciate the scenic beauty of Kentucky’s bourbon trail.
• Beyond the Distillery Walls: Our tours extend beyond the confines of the distillery itself. We offer unique experiences that allow you to delve deeper into the world of bourbon and explore the cultural significance of Kentucky’s bourbon country. Imagine participating in an interactive barrel rolling experience, where you’ll have the opportunity to hand-roll a freshly filled bourbon barrel into a rickhouse for aging. This is a truly unforgettable opportunity to become part of the bourbon-making legacy.
• A Celebration of Flavor Through Tastings: A central highlight of the Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour is the curated tasting session. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a range of Buffalo Trace’s finest bourbons and spirits. These sessions delve into the unique flavor profiles of each bourbon, highlighting the distinct characteristics and nuances that make Buffalo Trace products stand out in the world of spirits.
• Commitment to Community: The tour doesn’t just focus on the production process; it also sheds light on Buffalo Trace Distillery’s significant contributions to the local community and the spirits industry as a whole. You’ll learn about the distillery’s dedication to preserving and promoting the heritage of bourbon making in Bourbon Town, ensuring this cherished tradition continues to thrive for generations to come.
• An Inclusive and Educational Experience: Central Kentucky Tours is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests, regardless of their bourbon expertise. Our Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour is crafted to cater to a wide range of interests and knowledge levels. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to the world of spirits, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience. You’ll gain valuable insights into the historical evolution of bourbon, the intricate steps involved in crafting this spirit, and current trends in the distilling industry.

Ready to Embark on Your Bourbon Adventure?

By choosing a Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour with Central Kentucky Tours, you’re not just signing up for a tour; you’re signing up for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of bourbon country. Connect with fellow bourbon lovers, learn about the meticulous process of distilling, and experience the best of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s rich history and commitment to excellence. Contact Central Kentucky Tours today to book your tour and embark on a journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a newfound appreciation for this iconic American spirit.

• Tags Buffalo Trace , Buffalo Trace Tours

Full-Day Bourbon Tour to Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey

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Your all-inclusive ticket to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

We plan your day in Bourbon Country from start to finish – transporting you to Kentucky bourbon distilleries and grabbing a local lunch along the way (except Sundays). Your Mint Julep guide will lead the day with fun facts and bourbon history, filling in the blanks between each stop. They will take care of all the details – from tour timing to distillery admissions and more. You just sit back and enjoy your fully-guided bourbon tour!

Interested in Multi-Day Bourbon Tour?

Two-day and three-day bourbon tour packages are available through a Custom Bourbon Tour booking. When booking a custom bourbon tour, you will work with an Experience Coordinator to pick your favorite distilleries to make your own bourbon trail itinerary. For help with your booking, call 502-583-1433 or fill out the Request Tour form . 

Thursday Bourbon Tour

January - December 2024

Rabbit Hole, Buffalo Trace, Bulleit

This Thursday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings. Distilleries include: a tour & tasting and tasting at Rabbit Hole, a local lunch, a premium tasting at Buffalo Trace, and bourbon tour and tasting at Bulleit Bourbon.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 8:45 a.m. Returns at 6:15 p.m.

Friday Bourbon Tour

January - June 2024

Woodford Reserve, J. Mattingly, Angel's Envy

This Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Woodford Reserve, a tasting at J. Mattingly, and a tour and tasting at Angel's Envy.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 7:30 a.m. Returns at 4:15 p.m.

July - December 2024

Woodford Reserve, Jeptha Creed Stitzel Weller

This Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Woodford Reserve, a tour/tasting at Jeptha Creed, and a tasting at Stitzel Weller.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 7:30 a.m. Returns at 4:45 p.m.

Lux Row Heaven Hill, James B. Beam

This Friday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Lux Row, a Connoisseur tasting at Heaven Hill, and a tour with tastings at James B. Beam Distilling Co..

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 8:15 a.m. Returns at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday Bourbon Tour

Maker's Mark, Heaven Hill, Bardstown Bourbon Co.

This Saturday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will enjoy a tour and tasting at Bardstown Bourbon Co., a Connoisseur tasting at Heaven Hill, and a tour with tastings at Maker's Mark distillery.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Depart at 8:15 a.m. Returns at 5:30 p.m.

Stitzel-Weller, Angel's Envy KY Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve

This Saturday bourbon tour includes guided transportation, 3 distillery stops for tours and tastings, and a local lunch. Guests will start the day with a tasting at Stitzel-Weller, enjoy a tour and tasting at Angel's Envy after lunch, and a tour and tasting at KY Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Depart at 9:15 a.m. Returns at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Brunch & Bourbon Tour

Local Brunch, Kentucky Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve, Buffalo Trace

Your Sunday brunch experience includes guided transportation, a local brunch that includes 1 breakfast cocktail at The Cafe in Louisville, a tour with tastings at KY Artisan/Jefferson's Reserve and a tasting at Buffalo Trace distillery.

Departs from the Omni Hotel in Downtown Louisville Departs at 10:15 a.m. Returns at 5:15 p.m.

Reviews from Guests

• This was the perfect way to tour the Bourbon Trail! The three distilleries we went to were unique from each other which provided a diverse tasting experience. Diane was a wonderful tour guide and Nelson was a great driver! I would highly recommend Mint Julep to anyone visiting Louisville. Thanks for a great day on the Bourbon Trail! Mary M. 8/13/2023
• Made us feel like we were family and took care of us every step of the trip. Chuck was an absolute TREAT! He made us feel like we were family and took care of us every step of the trip! Chuck provides great insight and will be able to answer ANY question you toss his way! Can't recommend Chuck and Mint Julep Tours enough!!! Kori 4/09/2020
• I can’t recommend Mint Julep enough, it is the only way to do the Bourbon Trail right. Mint Julep was fantastic to work with from the beginning. We had great support and communication in the planning, suggestions, and guidance taking into account all our preferences for creating a custom trip for our group. The experience was seamless and easy due to all the hard work and organization by the Mint Julep team. This was my fourth time on the Bourbon Trail and this was by far the best. Our driver was knowledgeable and proficient of course, but just as important fit our groups’ personality really well. I can’t recommend Mint Julep enough, it is the only way to do the Bourbon Trail right. Richard B. 11/01/2023
• Extremely convenient to go through Mint Julep Very educational tour with a good amount of product tasting. I loved how I didn't have to navigate around any of the stops. Extremely convenient to go through Mint Julep, and to have lunch already secured was an added enhancement! Thank you for the great time and wonderful memories. Lisa &. 4/09/2020
• I highly recommend Mint Julep Tours to maximize your Bourbon Trail adventure. This was our second time on a Mint Julep tour. As expected, it was fantastic! From the promptness of the pickup, cleanliness and comfort of the vehicles, to the knowledge of all things Bourbon, we had a remarkable experience. I highly recommend Mint Julep Tours to maximize your Bourbon Trail adventure. Jim M. 5/20/2023

The Bardstown Collection VIP Bourbon Experience

A Multi-Day Tour of Bardstown Bourbon with VIP Tastings, Tours, and Exclusive Experiences. 

More Information

Departure information.

All ticketed bourbon tours depart from the Mint Julep Experiences Hub inside Falls City Market in the Omni Louisville Hotel (unless otherwise noted at booking or upon confirmation).

Departure times and destinations vary. Please double-check your confirmation sheet for the exact timing . In most cases, tour availability opens 180 days in advance of the tour departure date. For help with your booking, call 502-583-1433 .

Best Time To Visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®?

The beauty with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is you can visit any time of the year, as the distilleries operate year-round. Some distilleries are closed to the public on certain days of the week, but most are open seven days a week.

What is included on a ticketed bourbon tour?

• Transportation: Each public ticketed bourbon tour includes transportation to all tour destinations. Public tours depart from the Falls City Market in the Omni Louisville Hotel in downtown Louisville. You’ll be in a Mint Julep Tours vehicle. All of our vehicles are sanitized after each tour— learn more about it on our Vehicle Safety Procedures page.
• Admission & Tastings: All distillery admissions for the day and tastings at each location are included.
• Lunch: Lunch at a local Louisville restaurant is also included. The lunch location will vary. Guests will be able to choose one option from a special menu. *Lunch is not included for the public Sunday tour. If you would like to purchase alcohol at lunch or any souvenirs or bottles to take home, that is not included.
• *Gratuity for your Tour Leader is not included but always appreciated. Kentucky sales tax and a convenience fee will be added at checkout. Parking is not included in your ticket fee. For Louisville parking information, visit PARC Map or PARC Garage websites.

How much walking is involved on a ticketed bourbon tour?

Each distillery tour varies but there is a fair amount of walking in Bourbon Country. We do suggest comfortable closed-toe shoes on all tours. Most distilleries are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate special circumstances. Most tours are partially outdoors.

Where is the pickup location?

All ticketed bourbon tours and most other ticketed tours depart downtown Louisville. Tours depart from the Mint Julep Hub in the Omni Louisville Hotel. Please check-in at least 15 minutes before your departure time. Your tour leader will check you in, give you a wristband, and lead you to the bus as a group. 

Book a Custom Bourbon Tour with Private VIP Transportation

Build a Bourbon Trail itinerary that takes you to all your favorite places in Bourbon Country, Horse Country and more! A Custom Tour can be tailored to your interests, schedule and tastes. Popular custom experiences include hands-on mixology classes, bottle-your-own experiences, bourbon heritage site tours, bourbon-infused culinary experiences and so much more! Please contact us to work with an Experience Coordinator to discuss a Custom Tour itinerary for you and your group.

Learn More About Custom Tours

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I Don't Like Bourbon, But I Loved Visiting Buffalo Trace Distillery In Kentucky

Andrea Limke

A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.

More by this Author

I live in Kentucky and I don’t like bourbon. There, I said it. But what you also need to know about me is that I do love Kentucky. The landscape, history, horses, food, the people… the Commonwealth is a wonderful place to live. Since moving to Kentucky from Cincinnati almost 20 years ago, I have been determined to discover my inner love for the Bluegrass State’s favorite drink, but I had yet to take a trip along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail . So after two decades, I decided to seek out this love at the destination that traces back to Daniel Boone himself: Buffalo Trace Distillery , the most award-winning distillery in the world.

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I truly hope you enjoy your time at Buffalo Trace as much as I did. I plan on returning soon – it would be the ideal spot on a beautiful spring, summer, or fall day. Whether or not you love bourbon, you will love this distillery tour, and you’ll also, very likely, fall in love with Kentucky all over again.

Follow the links throughout the article for more information, or head here to visit the Buffalo Trace website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Discover the Best Bourbon Trail Tours in Kentucky

Explore the unique world of bourbon with these top 13 Kentucky bourbon trail tours. Sip on your favorites and discover Kentucky's distilleries.

Ready to sip your way through the best bourbon trail tours in Kentucky? This in-depth bourbon distillery tour guide will take you through 13 of the best Kentucky bourbon distillery tours like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Evan Williams, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, & many more.

Each distillery offers a unique experience, from the tour of the distillery to the tasting room. With this in-depth bourbon distillery tour guide, you can easily plan your trip and choose the best bourbon trail tours in Kentucky to suit your taste and preferences. Get ready to discover the rich history and distinct flavors of Kentucky’s signature drink!

3 Tips for Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail

1. When you are planning, ask yourself: What is my favorite bourbon brand (or the one I’d like to know more about)?

Once you settle on those favorites, see what other distilleries are located nearby that you might enjoy touring and tasting then reserve those to fill in the rest of the day.

2. RESERVE IN ADVANCE.

As soon as you know that you’re taking this trip, start reserving bourbon distillery tours immediately . The best tours book up fast, particularly on the weekends. On my most recent trip in July of 2023, I had to adjust my trip to a day earlier because so many of the tours I wanted to take were already booked.

That being said, if there’s a distillery tour you would like to take that’s located on “Whiskey Row” in downtown Louisville but you can’t book it online, my advice is to go in person and talk to one of the guides at the reservation desk. They might not be able to get you in on a specialty tour, but they can typically get you a space on the regular tour.

*Also note that most distilleries in July (and for some in December as well) close their fermentation facilities for maintenance, meaning you won’t be able to tour those areas.

3. Base yourself in Louisville in a hotel on or near Whiskey Row.

From here, you can easily walk or Uber / Lyft to 4+ amazing distilleries, which is a great option if the time on your trip is limited. I most recently stayed at Hotel Distil on Whiskey Row, and I would gladly stay there again. It’s an ideal location for walking to all major downtown attractions and distilleries. Plus the Hotel Distil also houses one of Louisville’s best restaurants, Repeal .

Regional Guide to Kentucky’s Distilleries

The Kentucky Bourbon distilleries listed below are grouped within each region and then ranked for their tour and bourbon quality.  The majority of Kentucky’s distilleries are spread throughout the regions of:

• Loretto, Clermont, & Bardstown
• Versailles, Lawrenceburg, & Franklin

Due to the distance between these regions and potentially conflicting tour times, it might be difficult to tour 2 to 3 of your favorite bourbon distilleries in one day. So here are my top three tips for planning your bourbon trail trip.

Now, time to talk about Kentucky’s distilleries…

13 Best Bourbon Trail Tours

Table of Contents

Region: louisville bourbon distilleries, “whiskey row”, evan williams experience.

“Civilization begins with distillation.” William Faulkner

The  Evan Williams Experience  is located in downtown Louisville on historic “Whiskey Row.”

The seamless tour features state-of-the-art films and interactive elements to relay the history of Evan Williams and the art of distilling bourbon. All tours conclude with a bourbon tasting in one of the upstairs rooms on the recreated street of “Whiskey Row.”

One tasting room is a “speakeasy” that once stood on that site with Prohibition-era replica tables where the bourbon could be hidden inside. An easy lift on the tabletop in front of you reveals the inner compartment that contains pre-filled bourbon glasses.

Although it’s one of the lower-priced bourbons, Evan Williams  is remarkably good in its flavor profile, smoothness, and complexity, and Evan Williams Single Barrel is excellent. Whenever I’ve done a blind bourbon-tasting flight, their Single Barrel always ranks in my top 3.

General Tour Information

•  Traditional Tour & Tasting: $18

Evan Williams offers several more extensive tours as well as seasonal tasting experiences, so check their website for the most recent offerings.

Old Forester Distillery

“Always carry a flagon of whisky in case of snakebite, and furthermore, always carry a small snake.” – W.C. Fields

The Old Forester Distillery Tour & Visitor Center opened on “Whiskey Row” in the summer of 2018. Although it’s a relative newcomer to Louisville’s historic downtown district, Old Forester is the only bourbon continuously sold by the same company before, during, and after Prohibition.

But that’s not the bourbon’s only claim to historic fame. In 1870, George Garvin Brown ensured his bourbon’s consistent quality by becoming the first distiller to sell the bourbon in a sealed glass bottle.

The general tour is a top-quality experience with one of the most memorable aspects being that you can see the meticulous barrel-making process first-hand.

It’s one thing to look at a charred American white oak barrel stave, but it’s something else to see (and feel the heat) of that charring in person.

The Old Forester Distillery tour ends as most tours do in a private room with four bourbons to taste.

Paired with the tasting is Old Forester’s chocolate-dipped bourbon modjeskas, which are marshmallows wrapped in caramel and then dipped in bourbon dark chocolate, topped off with smoked sea salt. If you love them, you can buy a bag in the gift shop which is filled with loads of other great gifts.

If you’re in a hurry and can’t find the time to tour Old Forester, you can pay a visit to George’s Bar which is a cozy cocktail lounge offering cocktails and flights in the visitor center.

• Old Forester Tour: $32
• Nothing Better In The Market Tour: $70

Angel’s Envy Distillery Tour

“I wish to live to 150 years old, but the day I die, I wish it to be with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.” – Ava Gardner

While I prefer both the Evan Williams Experience and Old Forester Distillery tours over this one, Angel’s Envy is still well worth the visit. The gift shop is large and well-stocked, and the facility is interesting to tour.

The standard tour is exactly that, “standard,” with not a lot of extras to experience, but you will learn the intricate process of making bourbon and why all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

What makes Angel’s Envy a standout from other bourbons and ryes on the Bourbon Trail is their emphasis on “finishing” the bourbon.

In addition to meeting the bourbon standard aging process (a minimum of two years in a new charred American oak barrel), Angel’s Envy then places its bourbon in port barrels and its rye in rum barrels to finish, lending each one a more distinctive flavor profile which you’ll explore during the tasting at the end of the tour.

500 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

• The Signature Tour: $25
• Private Select Tour: $45

Angel’s Envy offers several experiences and classes, so check their website for the most up-to-date offerings.

Michter’s Distillery

“Happiness is having a rare steak, a bottle of whisky, and a dog to eat the rare steak.” – Johnny Carson

Also located on Louisville’s historic “Whiskey Row,” Michter’s Distillery is a great option for those who prefer a tour that doesn’t involve a lot of walking, given that the entire tour takes place in one large room.

Situated across the street from the iconic Louisville Slugger Museum , Michter’s is a smaller facility with limited space, but the tasting is where the tour shines. The guide places an emphasis on tasting notes and the role that smell plays in how we perceive flavors.

801 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

• The Discovery Tour: $25
• The Founder’s Tour: $50
• The Legacy Tour: $100

The 2nd floor features The Bar at Fort Nelson which is a relaxed space filled with leather club chairs where you can enjoy classic and creative cocktails. Click here for more information on the Bar at Fort Nelson.

Stitzel-Weller Distillery Tour

“It is true that whisky improves with age. The older I get, the more I like it.” Robert Black

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Louisville, making it one of the most convenient and historic outlying distillery stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Originally opened on Derby Day in 1935 and reopened to the public in 2014, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery is one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey industry. 

Bulleit Bourbon (and their Rye) has long been one of my favorite Kentucky bourbons. It’s hard to miss that orange label, tilted just slightly as it curves around the lower half of the bottle. 

In the past few years, I’ve enjoyed the Stitzel-Weller standard tour which guides you around the historic property and buildings, ending with a tasting of these four bourbons in a private tasting room:

• Bulleit Bourbon
• Bulleit 10 Year
• I.W. Harper
• Blade and Bow

Most recently, I booked their new progressive walking tour which combines the tasting with the tour. I really enjoyed this different take on the standard tour where periodically you pause, pull out the provided glass cairn (which is yours to keep as part of the tour), and sip the various bourbons and whiskeys offered along the way. The setting is also picturesque as you stroll from building to building.

3860 Fitzgerald Road, Louisville, KY 40216

• The Stitzel-Weller Experience: $25
• Progressive Walking Tour & Taste: $65

Stitzel-Weller offers a variety of additional classes and experiences, so check their website for the most up-to-date offerings.

Stitzel-Weller is also home to the Garden & Gun Club, located on the 2nd floor of their visitor’s center. Here you can rest your feet while enjoying a light bite and one of their curated cocktails. Click here for the Garden & Gun Club.

Region: Loretto, Clermont, & Bardstown

Maker’s mark distillery.

“Nothing is so musical as the sound of pouring bourbon for the first drink on a Sunday morning. Not Bach or Schubert or any of those masters.” Carson McCullers

The road to  Maker’s Mark bourbon distillery in Loretto, KY, can be a little confusing. On my first visit here, the route guidance told me that I had arrived, and there was nothing but fields, barns, and a small house or two scattered about. 

To avoid potential confusion and arrive in time for your tour, Maker’s Mark provides these instructions for getting to their distillery from Louisville:

Star Hill Farm is located at 3350 Burks Spring Rd., Loretto, KY, 40037. From Louisville: Driving time: Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes. 

• Take I-65 South from Louisville to exit #112, Clermont/Bernheim Forest exit. At ramp turn left onto Hwy. 245 South to Bardstown. 

• Take Hwy. 245 to intersection of Hwy. 62, turning right, and continue on Hwy. 62 east for approx. 2 miles. Hwy. 62 runs into Hwy. 150 where you will turn left and continue approx. 2 miles and drive past My Old Kentucky Home State Park. 

• At intersection of Hwy. 150 and 49, turn right onto Hwy. 49 South and follow the brown historical landmark signs to Holy Cross, which will direct you to go left onto Hwy. 49. 

• Follow Hwy. 49 where you will turn left onto Hwy. 52 East into Loretto. Continue on through Loretto. 

• Turn left onto Bill Samuels Jr. Rd. and historic Maker’s Mark® Distillery is straight ahead. 

Regardless of which tour you reserve (they offer a wide variety and actively update them), you’re in for a great experience. Plus, Maker’s Mark is just a beautiful place. The grounds, house, and distillery buildings are picture-perfect. 

At the end of each tour, you’ll have an opportunity to taste a selection of their bourbon.  

I’ve had the opportunity to experience 2 of Maker’s Mark Distillery Tours, and if you only have time to tour one of Kentucky’s distilleries, make it this one. It was the hands-down favorite (on currently my 3rd trip) along the Bourbon Trail. 

General Distillery Tour Bourbon Tasting 

• Maker’s White (which is basically moonshine or “white dog”)
• Regular Maker’s Mark (the kind you can buy anywhere)
• Maker’s 46 (which is made by inserting seasoned French Oak staves into the bourbon barrels to add additional rich flavor)
• Maker’s Cask Strength (bourbon derived from a single barrel and my favorite of the 4).

After the tasting, you’re given a decadent bourbon chocolate to savor before you walk under the Chihuly glass ceiling of the hallway to the Maker’s Mark gift shop. 

If you like, you can dip your own bottle of Maker’s Mark in their iconic red wax or buy an exclusive bottle of the Maker’s Private Select.

The distillery address is technically: 3350 Burks Spring Road, Loretto, KY 40037.

GPS will try to take you to the Business Office, but the Historic Distillery is more directly accessed using Bill Samuels Jr Road.    

• General Distillery Tour: $ 24
• Behind the Bourbon: $65

Be sure to check the Maker’s Mark website for the most up-to-date tours and experiences.

James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Jim Beam)

“I have never in my life seen a Kentuckian who didn’t have a gun, a pack of cards, and a jug of whiskey.” – Andrew Jackson

It doesn’t get much more iconic than Jim Beam bourbon . With its instantly recognizable name and its best-selling brands including Booker’s, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, Old Grandad, and, of course, Jim Beam, the distillery is an impressive one to visit.

Located 30 minutes from Louisville by car, it’s an accessible bourbon trail distillery to visit if you don’t want to drive too far afield. Due to the fermentation tanks, rickhouses, and bottling facility being situated fairly far apart, this tour involves riding a large comfortable bus to a couple of the locations, but it’s a quick trip each time.

Quite a lot of thought has been put into the design and aesthetics of the tour experience, with the first building of the tour featuring an indoor waterfall illustrating Kentucky’s natural limestone filtration which makes the whiskey taste better.

Towards the end of the distillery tour, you’ll walk the Knob Creek bottling line where you can hand pick and purchase a Single Barrel bottle and customize the warm wax seal with your thumbprint.

Finally, you return to the Visitor’s Center where you’ll be able to taste four of their most popular bourbons before being set loose in their two-story gift shop.

I really enjoyed this tour, and I would happily do it again. Due to the popularity of this bourbon brand, I feel it’s a great place to start, but the tours fill up fast.

568 Happy Hollow Rd. Clermont, KY 40110

• Bourbon The Beam Way – Distillery Tour & Tasting: $28

Jim Beam Distillery offers several more tasting options and experiences that you can book, so check the website for the most up-to-date listings.

Another great feature of Jim Beam Distillery is their onsite restaurant, The Kitchen Table. Here you can order appetizers, salads, burgers, pizzas, brisket, fried chicken, and even dessert. The large cocktail bar in the center shakes and stirs up some great bourbon cocktails, or just order your favorite bourbon to sip neat.

If you’d like to make a reservation for The Kitchen Table, it’s available on Resy.

Willett Distillery

“There is no bad whiskey. There are only some whiskeys that aren’t as good as others.” Raymond Chandler

Located about 30 minutes from Maker’s Mark is the  Willett Distillery , perched on top of a hill overlooking the green valleys of Bardstown, KY.

One of the most recognizable aspects of Willett bourbon is their striking pot still bottle design.

This rustic family-owned distillery is beautiful and well-maintained from its photo-filled visitor waiting area to the final tasting room.

Because Willett Distillery functions on a smaller scale, only 1 tour experience is offered at this time, so if touring Willett Distillery is at the top of your wishlist, reserve early. They accept bookings 90 days in advance.

1869 Loretto Road, Bardstown, KY 40004.

• Distillery Production Tour with Tasting: $25

Willett Distillery also features “The Bar at Willett” where you can order up-scale small plates alongside classic and inventive cocktails. Reservations are required, so click this link if you’re interested in reserving The Bar at Willett.

Heaven Hill Distillery

“Whiskey is liquid sunshine” George Bernard Shaw

An official member of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, Heaven Hill Distillery is also located in Bardstown near the Willett Distillery. 

While their gift shop and visitor center are top-notch with self-guided exhibits and an informative film in their 1935 Distillery Theatre, the actual general tour is not that exciting or enticing, especially when compared to the quality of tours offered by Maker’s Mark & Jim Beam. 

Heaven Hill might not be a familiar name to you, but most likely, you’ve heard of some of their bourbon brands:

• Rittenhouse Rye
• Elijah Craig
• Evan Williams

While the website calls it a bourbon trail “tour,” it’s actually an informed tasting inside a room with a guide. You won’t be walking through rickhouses or seeing yellow bubbling mash unless you pay more for their “Bottled & Bond Tour & Tasting” for $35.

If you’re looking to sample more varieties of bourbon while giving your feet a rest from touring distilleries, or if you’re looking for a more “indoor” experience, Heaven Hill is a great option. 

1311 Gilkey Run, Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004

• Magic of the Mashbill: $18
• Whiskey Connoisseur Experience: $25
• Bottled-in-Bond Tour and Tasting: $35

Heaven Hill also offers a bar experience on the 2nd floor of the visitor’s center called Five Brothers Bar which features bourbon flights and cocktails.

Dining Tip: Eat Lunch in Historic Bardstown

In between touring the many Kentucky distilleries along the bourbon trail, you’re going to want some lunch or dinner, and Bardstown has a lot to offer. 

Perfect for lunch or dinner,  Talbott Tavern , built in 1779, is a site steeped in history.

“The Talbott Tavern is a uniquely well-crafted early American stone building and as a young boy Abraham Lincoln and his family stayed here. .. There are noticeable bullet holes in the now faded paintings where legend Jesse James shot them.” | Dry Stone Masonry Institute of America

In keeping with the theme of the bourbon trail, Talbott Tavern offers a customized flight where you choose your tasting made up of the wide variety of bourbon and rye they serve sourced from the surrounding distilleries. 

Another great option is the Scout & Scholar Brewing Company offering classic pub food and plenty of beer on tap if you’re looking for a break from all that bourbon. But if you’re not, they also offer Private Select Bourbon flights to expand your tasting profile.

Region: Versailles, Lawrenceburg, Franklin

Woodford reserve distillery.

“A good gulp of hot whiskey at bedtime—it’s not very scientific, but it helps.” Alexander Fleming (Inventor of Penicillin)

The Woodford Reserve tour is charming in every aspect—from the old barrel railway used to move the freshly filled barrels to the rickhouse to the on-site bottling facility and visitor/tasting center. This tour was one of the most memorable I have ever been on over the years I’ve been touring Kentucky’s distilleries along the bourbon trail.

The Woodford tour ends, as all do, with the bourbon tasting. The tasting room is located on the other side of the fireplace wall of the visitor center, with a rectangular bar facing the fire. The guide stands in the middle, offering tasting note tips.

We were able to taste the  regular Woodford Reserve  and the Cask Strength  (or dessert bourbon as they call it) combined with a chocolate bourbon truffle. 

7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383

• Woodford Reserve’s Path To Flavor Tour: $32

Woodford Reserve offers several additional tours and specialty experiences, so click the link below to see their current offerings.

Four Roses Distillery

“Whiskey, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation.” Haruki Murakami

Situated on top of a breezy hill is the most romantic of the Kentucky distilleries along the Bourbon Trail:  Four Roses .

Established in 1888 originally on “Whiskey Row” by Paul Jones, a Louisville businessman, the Four Roses label is rooted in the story of his proposal to a Southern belle named Mary. After courting her for a number of years, Jones asked Mary to respond to his “final” marriage proposal by wearing a corsage of four red roses to a cotillion dance.  This time she accepted and entered the ballroom wearing the corsage.

While Four Roses bourbon is smooth and the distillery, with its Spanish Mission style architecture, has a unique and interesting story from 1888 to the present, the tour itself can still use some work. It’s more of a “Cliff’s Notes” brief summary version of how they make their bourbon.

Their bottling facility is located at a different location as well, so that element of the process can’t be witnessed on-site. If you have the time, you can take your distillery tour ticket stub and visit the bottling facility for free if you’re interested.

You will be given four bourbons to taste:  The Standard Yellow Lable Four Roses, The Small Batch, Single Barrel, and The Cask Strength.

Before or after your tour, browse the large gift shop fittingly accented throughout with roses or you can enjoy a cocktail or bourbon tasting in Bar 1888.

1224 Bonds Mill Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

• Distillery Legacy Tour: $22

Four Roses Distillery offers several additional tasting experiences as well as seasonal offerings, so check their website for the most up-to-date tours.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” Mark Twain

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a juggernaut in the world of bourbon.

Consider the brands they make; in addition to the standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon, they are also responsible for crafting Eagle Rare, Blanton’s (John Wick’s bourbon of choice), Pappy Van Winkle, E.H. Taylor, Stagg, Sazerac Rye, and Weller to name a few.   

What sets Buffalo Trace Distillery even further apart from the competition is that they never charge for their tours. They are always complementary. That being said, you still have to reserve in advance, particularly if you want to go on a specialty experience like: The Buffalo Trace Hard Hat Tour .

Even if you’re not overly into bourbon, the grounds are beautiful, not to mention they have one of the largest and most interesting gift shops of the distilleries along the bourbon trail. The tours are also highly detailed and informative.

That being said, the bourbon tasting experience at the end of the tour leaves a little to be desired. Due to limited quantities, Buffalo Trace only offers a few brands for tasting and purchasing in the Visitor Center. 

113 Great Buffalo Trace, Franklin County, Frankfort, KY 40601

• All Buffalo Trace tours are complimentary including tours for large groups or tours that require reservations.
• The Trace Tour
• The Hard Hat Tour
• The Expansion Tour
• Old Taylor Tour

Additional Tours are available focusing on the gardens and historic landmarks, so check their website for current offerings.

Wild Turkey Distillery

“There’s no app for a bourbon buzz on a warm day in a cool, dark bar. The world will always want a drink.” Gillian Flynn

The  Wild Turkey Tour  is as industrial as it gets. Not that it makes the tour less interesting, but I prefer the smaller distilleries along the Bourbon Trail as opposed to the mass conglomerate operations. 

The tour lasts about one hour, and you get to see where they make the bourbon as well as where they bottle the various vodka brands that they own. An impressive operation, to say the least. 

The Visitor Center is a fun place to look around and learn a bit more about the history of the distillery location and the origin of the name. Currently, Wild Turkey is closed to visitors and tours as they refresh the visitor’s center, so I’m looking forward to see what updates they have in store.

1417 Versailles Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

Final Thoughts

“My own experience has been that the tools I need for my trade are paper, tobacco, food, and a little whisky.” William Faulkner

Every year, I look forward to visiting more distilleries along Kentucky’s bourbon trail so check back for updates.

The next two bourbon trail distilleries on my hit list include:

• Bulleit Distilling Company Visitor Experience
• Castle & Key Distillery

While I did a tour and tasting of Bulleit when it was located at the Stitzel-Weller facility, I have yet to visit their new Visitor Center experience that opened in 2019 in Shelbyville, KY. Click here for more information.

And finally, the distillery that is currently intriguing me the most is Castle & Key, which I saw from a distance when I was driving to Lexington. It actually looks like a castle, and in addition to their distillery and grounds tours, they offer a rotating calendar of events. Click here for more information.

Everyone’s taste is unique and preferences differ, but hopefully, this guide helps you discover your go-to bourbon as you forge your own path along Kentucky’s bourbon trail.

If you’re planning on staying in Louisville, then be sure to check out the Go-To Louisville KY Guide for Best Hotels, Attractions, & Dining .

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7 thoughts on “discover the best bourbon trail tours in kentucky”.

You’re welcome, and I’m glad you found the information helpful. Enjoy your trip this summer!

Thank you for posting all of the information with tour prices and your opinion. I am looking forward to visiting Kentucky this summer 2023.

Hi Terri, I would recommend checking out the Pegasus Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Packages. They are rated really well and offer several packages to choose from with a driver to take you to the distillery region of your choice for the tours. My personal favorite region is the South / Bardstown Distilleries which includes Maker’s Mark (my favorite tour).

https://www.takepegasusdistilled.com/distillery-packages

Hope this helps!

I want to find a package tour that goes to several distilleries/breweries, one inclusive price, and transportation. Is there such a thing?

I would recommend checking out the Pegasus Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour Packages. They are rated really well and offer several packages to choose from with a driver to take you to the distillery region of your choice for the tours. My personal favorite region is the South / Bardstown Distilleries which includes Maker’s Mark (my favorite tour).

Here is the link: https://www.takepegasusdistilled.com/distillery-packages

If you’re staying in Louisville, The Brown Hotel is my favorite, but there are lots of great hotels along 3rd street between W Broadway and the Riverwalk which put you right in the middle of Louisville’s downtown scene where you can walk to restaurants and other attractions.

Hope these suggestions help, and I hope you have a great trip!

Want to schedule a tour for three and set up a driver to visit 2 top rated distillery’s Also will need accommodations for 2 nites. .any suggestions.

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post. I’ll be sure to check out your site as well!

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15 Best Bourbon Tours in Kentucky (2024 Edition)

• Written By Lydia Martin
• February 13, 2023

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! 

Table of Contents

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

• Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM -5:00 PM
• Sunday – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tour Price: FREE

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

• Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday – 11:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Tour Price: $22  

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

• Thursday to Saturday – 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday – 12:00 PM – 5:00 AM 

Tour Price: $30

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

• 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

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.

But what’s our favorite place to stay for the Bourbon Trail ?

6. Four Roses Distillery

Address:  1224 Bonds Mill Rd Lawrenceburg, KY 40342

• Wednesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday – 12:00 NN – 4:00 PM

Tour Price: $16-$45

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

• Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM

Tour Price: $12 – $45 

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

• Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tour Price:  $25 – $40

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

• Wednesday to Saturday – 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Sunday – 12:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Tour Price: $22

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

• Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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

• Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Tour Price: $20

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

Tour Price: $32

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

• Tuesday to Saturday- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tour Price: $25

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

• Thursday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tour Price: $10

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

• Tuesday to Saturday – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday – 12:00 NN – 4:30 PM

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! 

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey

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Unveiling the Secrets: Booking Your Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour

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Count down to the next window of available tours.

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the history and flavors of one of the most iconic distilleries in the heart of Kentucky? The Buffalo Trace Distillery, renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional bourbon, awaits your visit! Here’s your comprehensive guide to securing a spot on this exclusive tour.

Why Visit Buffalo Trace Distillery?

Nestled in Frankfort, Kentucky, the Buffalo Trace Distillery stands as a testament to time, tradition, and exceptional craftsmanship. With a legacy spanning centuries, this distillery offers an unparalleled experience for whiskey enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious visitors alike.

Booking a tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery is a coveted opportunity due to its popularity and limited availability. Fear not, as the process is straightforward!

Step 1) Pick a reservation date

The Buffalo Trace reservation calendar that opens this Wednesday at 10:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time) for tours taking place in 8 weeks. You may book your reservation date online at reservations.buffalotracedistillery.com , but availability goes quick!

Once you click on a date, you will be prompted to select the type of tour you wish to join. Not all tours are available every day so you may have to browse different dates to find a specific tour.

Below are the choices to select from.

Hard Hat TOUR

• A start-to-finish tour of the distilling process throughout the facility.
• For safety purposes, this tour is not available for guests under 12 years old.
• This tour route is not ADA-accessible.
• All tours are complimentary and include a 15-minute tasting.
• Note that no allocated bottle released that day is held for you.
• Reservations are require

Expansion Tour : Limited Time Only

• A hard hat tour of the Distillery’s expansion to ferment, distill and bottle their whiskies.
• For safety purposes, this tour is not available for guests under 12 years old. This tour route is not ADA-accessible.
• Reservations are required.

Old Taylor Tour

• Tour of the Old Taylor House, the OFC Building, OFC Fermenter #7 nicknamed “Old Taylor”, and Warehouse C.
• The tour route includes stairs and there is a lot of walking involved so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Those with acrophobia and/or fear of walking across metal grates may want to seek a different tour.
• Tour gives you the full history of the Distillery.
• Visitors of all ages are welcome to join us for this tour.
• Please be prepared for a significant amount of walking so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The Trace Tour is open to all ages and is ADA-accessible.

Step 2) Enter your reservation Information

Next, you will need to enter the following information to continue with the booking process.

• Number of Guests over 21
• Number of Guests under 21
• How did you hear about the distillery?

Step 3) Special Requests

They will then ask for any special requests regarding ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) or if it is for a special occasion.

Step 4) Review Your Order and Confirm

You will receive a confirmation number once you have finished.

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Tried to get on wait list for tomorrow 03/26/24, but kept asking me to select a date in the future???

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Ancient buffalo carved paths through the wilderness that led America's first pioneers and explorers westward. One such trail led to the banks of the Kentucky River where we've been making bourbon whiskey the same way for over 200 years. Uncompromised and unchanged, we're proud of the whiskey we make. Dedicated to the independent spirit of America, Buffalo Trace is the world's most decorated distillery. We invite you to explore our rich history, our award-winning bourbon and learn why we'll always stand strong.

Ancient buffalo carved paths through the wilderness that led American pioneers and explorers to new frontiers. One such trail led to the banks of the Kentucky River where Buffalo Trace Distillery has been making bourbon whiskey the same way for more than 200 years. In tribute to the mighty buffalo and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them, we created our signature Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

• Explore the result of 200 years of uncompromised bourbon craftsmanship from the world's most decorated distillery. www.Buffalotrace.com/mobile

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How to Collect Buffalo Trace Whiskey

A nyone who’s visited their local liquor store lately has heard of Buffalo Trace , the maker of Weller Special Reserve – also known as “Young Pappy” and “Weller Green Label” – an affordable bottle of whiskey that, dollar for dollar, is easily one of the best bourbons on the market. Aficionados also know that the Frankfort, Kentucky-based distillery is the architect behind Pappy Van Winkle , perhaps the most famous and beloved name in American whiskey, whose rare bottles easily command tens of thousands of dollars on the secondary market. Both whiskeys – as well as the William Larue Weller – use the same wheated recipe, with their differences being the age and which sections of the warehouse the bottles are aged in.

Such is the advantage that centuries of whiskey-making know-how can offer. The master distillers behind Buffalo Trace, which has history back to the 18th century, have perfected the craft of making exceptional whiskeys, bourbons and ryes that offer a superior sip at every price point.

Here we take a look at their most collectible offerings, from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection to Old Rip Van Winkle and more.

The History of Buffalo Trace Distillery

The list of accolades achieved by Buffalo Trace Distillery is nearly as extensive as its illustrious history, which dates to the 1770s. Located in Kentucky’s capital city, Frankfort, and named for its location along an old American bison migratory route, the distillery has won over 100 awards from various magazines, beverage industry organizations and domestic and international competitions. Not least of which includes becoming the first American distillery to win Whisky Advocate ’s esteemed international award “Distillery of the Year” in 2000, only one year after rechristening the distillery name to Buffalo Trace. Notably, the distillery has garnered international recognition from Whisky Magazine for “Visitor Attraction of the Year,” “Brand Innovator of the Year” and “Distiller of the Year.”

Named a National Historic Landmark in 2013, Buffalo Trace produces many famous brands named for important contributors to the distillery’s history. Brothers Hancock and Willis Lee began distilling at the site in the mid-1770s, but there was no permanent infrastructure for a distillery until Harrison Blanton constructed one in the early 1810s. Hancock’s President Reserve is now a single-barrel product and Blanton has a whole line of whiskeys bearing the namesake – although technically the famed whiskey is named after his grandson, Albert Bacon Blanton, who would begin working as an office clerk at age 16 in 1897, and by 1921 would become president of the distillery.

Two former distillery owners also have prestigious modern-day brands bearing their namesakes, the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. , and the person Taylor would later become business partners with, George T. Stagg . Colonel Taylor purchased the property in 1869, and in 1870 built a new distillery, naming the business O.F.C. Distillery in reference to the belief that the finest whiskey is produced in old-fashioned wood-fired copper stills. Taylor would sell the distillery at the end of the decade to Stagg, although Taylor remained at the distillery to oversee operations. Stagg & Taylor formed E.H. Taylor, Jr. & Co. with Stagg as the President.

E.H. Taylor (as the line of whiskeys named after him is known) was integral in legitimizing the bourbon industry and helped usher the first ever consumer protection law through Congress, the “Bottled-in-Bond Act” of 1897, which codified standards for barrel-aged spirits. Stagg has two releases named after him , one of which belongs to the celebrated Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and the other being a limited cask strength release, Stagg, Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The distillery would be renamed as George T. Stagg Distillery in 1904, 10 years after his death.

Colonel Taylor’s influence is still felt today, as several of the storied warehouses he built in the 1880s are still aging whiskey. He was also technologically ahead of his time, installing the world’s first distillery warehouse steam-heating system in 1886, a process the distillery still uses. The company’s hiring of Albert B. Blanton under Taylor’s watch would prove to be one of the most invaluable decisions in whiskey history, as Blanton ended up directing the distillery to survive and even thrive during World War I, obtaining one of the coveted “medicinal licenses” during Prohibition and the Great Depression – not to mention navigating a devastating flood, World War II, an ownership transition when Schenley Distillers Corp. purchased the distillery in 1929 and numerous other challenges throughout the early 20th century.

The last of the famous namesake properties is Elmer T. Lee , named after the mind behind the creation of the Blanton’s brand. Elmer joined the company in 1949 and would eventually hold the dual title of plant manager and master distiller. He, too, has a single-barrel bourbon named after him, as well as a number of limited offerings that are highly collectible and coveted. Shortly after Lee’s retirement, but with him still acting as ambassador and master distiller emeritus, the distillery once again became a family-owned business after purchase by the Sazerac Company in 1992.

Finally, accompanying renovations in 1999, the distillery was renamed Buffalo Trace and launched its namesake flagship brand that same year. Three years later, in 2002, Buffalo Trace would enter a joint partnership and take over distillation of the Van Winkle line of whiskeys. Elmer T. Lee was inducted into the Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001.

Buffalo Trace’s Best Whiskeys

Buffalo Trace produces numerous whiskeys that are highly sought after on the secondary market. The Van Winkle Family of whiskeys is easily the most famous and includes six annually released whiskeys, five bourbon and one rye. The bourbons are called Old Rip Van Winkle for the 10-year age statement, Van Winkle Special Reserve for the 12-year age statement and Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve for the 15-year, 20-year and 23-year expressions; the lone rye is called Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye. No collector would consider their whiskey collection complete without a full set of the Pappys, which have been lauded by food and beverage professionals such as David Chang and Anthony Bourdain. Pappy Van Winkle has even been hand-delivered to Pope Francis as a gift, with the Pope reportedly decreeing: “Very good bourbon.”

Blanton’s is possibly the most gifted bourbon. The brand resulted from a partnership between Buffalo Trace and Age International Inc., a subsidiary of Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd., a Japanese beverage company. The Blanton’s portfolio includes the iconic Blanton’s Original Single Barrel , Blanton’s Gold , Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel , Blanton’s Special Reserve, Blanton’s Silver (discontinued duty-free only release), Blanton’s Black and Blanton’s Red Takara. Now available in the United States, Blanton’s Gold was formerly only available to international markets along with Straight from the Barrel and Special Reserve. Two versions are available only in Japan: Black (80 proof) and Red (93 proof).

Few bourbon releases are more highly anticipated than the annual Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – in the United States, liquor stores are known to develop lines overnight. This series consists of five whiskeys, three bourbon and two ryes, which garner a following of collectors trying to obtain a vertical of every year’s release. These whiskeys are George T. Stagg , which is always minimum 15 years old , Eagle Rare 17 Year , William Larue Weller , Sazerac Rye 18 Year and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac , a no-age-statement, cask-strength rye whiskey.

While these whiskeys are known for their remarkable world-class consistency, the E.H. Taylor collection is perpetually evolving to offer expressions that are as unique as they are rare. There are three different regular release Colonel Taylor’s, and so far Buffalo Trace has released 19 limited-release expressions under the Colonel E.H. Taylor brand, including 11 barrel-strength releases. The most coveted of this series is the 2011 Old Fashioned Sour Mash bourbon.

Rare Buffalo Trace Whiskeys at Auction

Buffalo Trace has mastered the art of the ultra-limited release with the likes of Double Eagle Very Rare , Elmer T. Lee 90th Birthday , Eagle Rare 25 , O.F.C. Vintages and the newly announced Weller Millenium.

Since 2023, Sotheby’s has auctioned the Double Eagle Very Rare for over $13,000, O.F.C. 1980 for over $27,000, O.F.C. 1982 for over $32,000 and Colonel E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash for $20,000. In January 2024, Sotheby’s auctioned a case of Pappy Van Winkle’s 20 Year Old Family Reserve Single Barrel distilled in 1986 for $160,000. The limited releases from Buffalo Trace prove time and again to be among the most prized whiskeys on the market, regardless of style.

Buffalo Trace has a storied history, and the property on which it sits has long produced some of the best American Whiskey ever made. With more unique limited offerings than perhaps any other American distillery, Buffalo Trace’s portfolio of bourbon, rye and American whiskey offers the widest variety of flavor, experience and value. The Buffalo Trace team is led by Executive Chairman Mark Brown of Sazerac Company, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, Master Blender and Director of Quality Drew Mayville and the first James Beard Award winner from Kentucky, Julian P. Van Winkle III.

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We Visited Buffalo Trace Distillery's New London Digs And It's A Must-See For Whiskey Lovers

B eing a bourbon fan in the U.K. can be difficult. Unless you hop on a nine-hour flight to Kentucky, your options are limited. Sure, there are some excellent whiskey bars, one-off tasting experiences, and general whiskey shops around the country, but finding a venue dedicated to bourbon is mission impossible. This is why I was so excited to be invited to a tasting event at Buffalo Trace Distillery London . It's an interesting step for a company that has seen rapid growth over the last 20 years, as it's now trying to expand its global reach.

Buffalo Trace's footprint in Kentucky is vast, with new warehouses being built almost continuously to support the millions of barrels it produces. While the American distillery may be massive, its London storefront is nestled in a quaint space on Covent Garden's busy streets. A 400-mile round trip from the soaked streets of Northwest England to the equally sodden streets of London seemed like a minor inconvenience to sample this new experience. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Buffalo Trace London.

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Finally, A Dedicated Experience For U.K. Bourbon Lovers

It may be obvious to some, but it's important to get one thing out of the way: this is not a distillery. I overheard another guest asking this question, so I thought it was important to clear up. As the distillery's Global Communications Director, Victoria Zabel-Wirdak, joked with me, it couldn't be classed as bourbon if it was made in the U.K. So you'll find no cookers, fermenters, or stills here. If that sounds like a disappointment to some, the U.K. isn't short on world-class distilleries if you want to know how whiskey is made. And even though exact methods change from one distillery to the next, all whiskey is more or less made with the same principles.

The reason to be excited about Buffalo Trace London is that it's the first of its kind. Nowhere else in the U.K. can you step into a store for one of America's most famous distilleries. Even Jack Daniels (the most well-known whiskey name in the U.K.), doesn't have a physical foothold in the country. While other bourbon tasting experiences can be fleeting, highly priced, or poor quality, Buffalo Trace's establishment offers a permanent home for anyone looking to taste fine bourbon. At the tasting, they emphasized a desire to become a globally recognized brand, and this store was one part of the process of making that happen.

The Shop Has A Cozy Spot In Covent Garden

Finding prime real estate in London is a difficult task, but the store is conveniently located. If you're taking a trip to London, you won't need to go inordinately out of your way to find it. Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, it's close to most major train stations, and a few feet from the Covent Garden underground station. The London leg of my journey started with walking from London Euston station and a whistle-stop tour of the famed British History Museum. Its proximity highlighted the shop's accessible location, and before long, I walked on to find my way to Buffalo Trace.

Stepping out onto Long Acre Road, the distillery stood out among the crowd. The dark green and gold coloring provided an elegant effect, especially in contrast with many of the bland-looking shops surrounding it. I'm not sure if this was more to do with the non-stop rain, but the warm lighting and the wooden fittings inside made me eager to walk in. Once I did, you're surrounded by many bottles of bourbon adorning the walls in a relatively small space that nevertheless did not feel cramped. The smell of fresh wood greeted the nose, which felt suitably apt. If the distillery wanted to make an impression with the space, it certainly did. The modern lighting and fixtures contrasting with the traditional building materials were a nice metaphor for how great whiskey balances the old and the new.

London's Buffalo Trace Distillery Offers Plenty For Bourbon Lovers

The floor space is divided into three sections. The first is the storefront where you have a selection of merchandise and bottles to gaze upon. Beyond that, you have a curtained-off area that contains two separate tasting rooms. It gives those who are there for a tasting experience a sense of privacy and quiet away from the busy shop. Now, however, we come to the only disappointment of my experience. There were only two bourbons on sale: Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare. The other bottles available were Sazerac Rye, Bourbon Cream, and Wheatley Vodka.

While I didn't expect to see any Pappy or Stagg, it would have been nice to see a few more brands from the Buffalo Trace catalog , with the likes of Weller, E.H. Taylor, or even the more premium bottles of Benchmark. All of the expressions in the shop can easily be bought online in the U.K. Therefore, I think expanding the portfolio would give whiskey lovers even more reason to visit. That being said, this isn't just a whiskey shop. There were many pieces of stylish merchandise on display, and two different tasting experiences were offered. There is a cheaper experience going through some of the core lineup and a more premium experience offering the likes of Eagle Rare and E.H. Taylor Small Batch. For whiskey lovers in the area, it makes it an enticing place to be.

It's A Chance To Learn The Rich History Of Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace has a unique and storied history. The distillery honors many of its whiskey pioneers when naming its bottles, and the tasting experience room features portraits of many of them. During the tasting session you'll get to learn a lot about this history while sampling whiskeys along the way. In front of you, you'll get a card to fill out with the four spirits that will be a part of the tasting session. The room is tastefully decorated to provide a warm and inviting experience, making you feel a world away from the bustling high street outside.

After a walk through the grains used in the mash bill, we got to enjoy White Dog Mash #1. It's an acquired taste, but what I love about white whiskey is that it gives you a unique glance into the raw taste of whiskey. After a bit of water to cool the palate, we moved on to the unmistakable flavor of Buffalo Trace before enjoying Eagle Rare. With its clean and dry profile, it beautifully showcases the vanilla and almond notes. The real treat of the session was the E.H. Taylor Small Batch . Another clean spirit, it gives you a beautiful warmth with some pepper and fruits, along with an elegant vanilla sweetness. Those four whiskeys give you a brilliant journey through how the age and mash bill affect the final product.

We Met Buffalo Trace's Master Blender, Drew Mayville

There were a few special treats on this tasting session that won't be a standard part of the everyday schedule. The first was having it presented by the brilliant Drew Mayville, Buffalo Trace's Master Blender. With an engaging charm and charisma, he spoke passionately about his 40-plus years of experience, the role of a Master Blender, and the history of Buffalo Trace. It made the trip extra special, especially being able to pick his brains about age statements, blending, and mash bills. It was also amazing to learn he's the man who invented Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, which I recently reviewed .

The other two special treats were the glasses to the left and right on the board above. On the left, we had Pappy Van Winkle 20-year. I've had it before, but chances to drink it are very few and far between. It is probably my favorite bourbon , and it was a delight to have another chance to indulge in it. The glass to the right was the incredibly hard-to-get and expensive Double Eagle Very Rare. Simply put, I've never smelled or tasted anything like it. It has an incredible and luxurious taste, with each flavor being deeply rich. With a long, dry and warm finish, I ended the tasting experience a very happy man.

We Hope Buffalo Trace Can Be Industry Trendsetters

The overall experience at Buffalo Trace Distillery London was a great one. Even without those special treats, I would have thoroughly enjoyed my visit. But I do wonder if it has got the selection of whiskeys right for the tasting experience. Both experiences are affordably priced, although I feel there is scope for a more premium experience. I'm sure bourbon lovers would be happy to pay that a little extra to taste something a bit more special than the whiskeys you see on the card. With two tasting rooms, it will be interesting to see if this changes over time. However, for those curious about whiskey, there is a huge amount to learn throughout the experience.

I left the tasting experience with hope for two things. One is that this Buffalo Trace shop can be a long-term success, and two, that it's not the last of its type. It would be great to see more American companies follow Buffalo Trace's lead. Perhaps an overly optimistic third hope would be that it opens a shop a little closer to my home! A quick Google Map search revealed that the premises used by Buffalo Trace were previously rented by Coca-Cola. It perhaps shows that even the biggest beverage companies can struggle to attract visitors to a physical store. However, what Buffalo Trace offers here is unique, and I'll be sure to visit again next time I'm in the British capital.

Read the original article on Tasting Table

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We had the most amazing day on our Kentucky Bourbon Boys tour! From day one with reserving our date and coordinating with Rachel and Abigail we had great communication all the way to our tour. Andrew was our guide and he was accompanied by Lynn who was in training. Andrew’s lively personality made the day even more fun and his knowledge taught us so much about the area. Lynn was quick to always get the door for us and help the gals in and out of the van. We toured Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Bulleit. We were running a little early to our first stop so Andrew wanted to show us Castle and Key along the way. It was a bonus and we loved being able to see it and get a few pics! Each tour was so special and we especially enjoyed learning all the history behind each distillery. Buffalo Trace was my personal favorite! We would 100% recommend Kentucky Bourbon Boys! We are so grateful for the amazing day we had and would definitely do it again. Booking KBB is the only way to go! Thank you all for your hospitality and making my husband’s birthday so memorable!

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