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The Kentucky Bourbon Trail — A Pilgrimage For Bourbon Drinkers

See the Best of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail This Fall
If you're a Bourbon drinker or curious about this staid Kentucky tradition, then the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is definitely something you need to experience this spring! The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers visitors a self-curated Bourbon experience. Journey through 18 distilleries. Stroll, smell, sip and savor the tradition, history, and echoes of Kentucky's past. You can lodge in one place during your Bourbon adventure. Or stay night-to-night in one of the many award-winning Bed & Breakfast Inns. Whatever your choice, you'll discover the charm of small towns and the soul of vibrant cities. All while learning the memoirs of Kentucky Bourbon and distilleries. 

Browse through our incredible collection of Kentucky Bed and Breakfasts, and book your bourbon-tasting adventure with us today!

What To Expect From The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket list attraction. The Bluegrass State, known for its many "things to do," but renowned for its Bourbon. Note: While you can personalize your Bourbon journey. It is best to book ahead in regards to the bigger distilleries (i.e., Jim Beam, Makers Mark ) to ensure availability. You can also use one of KY Bourbon Trail's transportation partners. That is if you want to enjoy Central Kentucky's beauty without having to focus on the road.

What you can expect from your time on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail:

  • You can expect distillery tours of at least an hour. After which you can enjoy the tasting if you desire. Some tastings need a paid tour.

  • Expect a knowledgable first-class guide at each distillery. You will know what it takes to make prime Bourbon. By the end of a few visits, you might consider yourself a Bourbon historian.

  • There will be some overlap of common themes between distilleries. The regulations on the bourbon-making process are why. You'll come to see the ingenuity in the way they put a unique delivery and spin on their products.

  • You will smell the aroma of various ingredients and processes — the wafting scent of the fermenting mash vats — the perfume of the barrel rack house will tell your nose these are the sweetest smells ever.  

An Easy To Follow Bourbon-Tasting Itinerary

Whether you do a half or full day — a couple of days or a week of tours, below is a suggested route to start your venture.

Day 1-3 - Louisville


Head down Whiskey Row and visit:
  • Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery

  • Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

  • Old Forester Distilling Co.

  • Angel's Envy Distillery


Start day 3 in the NuLu district.

Day 4 - Shepherdsville & Owensboro
  • Start with the Jim Beam American Stillhouse.

  • Check out O.Z. Tyler.


Day 5 - Bardstown
  • Visit Bardstown, aka the Bourbon Capital of the World®.


Day 6 - Lebanon
  • Makers Mark, located in the "heart" of Kentucky, offers beautiful grounds and architecture.


Day 7 - Danville & Lawrenceburg
  • Check out the Wilderness Trail Distillery in Danville.

  • Visit the Wild Turkey Distillery and their modern high-tech distillery.

Enjoy Cocktails on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 2020

Bourbon Country's Best Accommodations

Are you ready to visit Bourbon Country yet? We're waiting! When you are ready to explore the birthplace of Bourbon, its process, evolution, and storied history, Bed and Breakfasts Association of Kentucky would like to show you an alternative lodging option that reflects the real spirit of the Bluegrass State. We are so much more than a comfortable bed and a delicious breakfast. Though those things are hallmarks of our brand, we also focus on exceptional hospitality, and the finer details of your stay, ensuring that you leave with nothing but fond memories and dreams to visit again. Go ahead. Browse through our listings, and start planning your adventure along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.