Bourbon Trail - We visited eight distilleries (the seven on the official Bourbon Trail kybourbontrail.com and also 1792 Barton). They each had something to offer. We did not tour each one because the bourbon-making process information doesn't change from place to place for the most part. So it could get boring if you tour all of them. But we tasted at each one and got stamps on our Bourbon Trail passports!

Jim Beam- Most informative with an enthusiastic guide. They are a huge distillery and their tour is well-run.

Heaven Hill - We did the mini tour here and it wasn't all that good. You just walk through the visitor center with a guide. You could just walk through the visitor center on your own and have a similar experience. Perhaps the full tour is better.

1792 Barton - Right in Bardstown so we stopped in. We just missed the tour but would have liked to take it as the people here were really friendly. We did a tasting and enjoyed chatting with the person who served us. She was quite knowledgeable.

Maker's Mark - Nice tour guide; tour wasn't really necessary here as it is mostly about the process, which we'd learned about previously. The family's history is interesting, though. The best part of a visit here is, of course, dipping your own bottle in the trademark "wax" (plastic). This was fun but, oddly, though it is clearly the most popular activity, they weren't set up to have it happen in an organized and efficient way--perhaps that is intentional to get you to spend more time (money) in the shop. Wouldn't have skipped it, though!

Four Roses - Had a very corporate feel but still a good tour and tasting.

Wild Turkey - Didn't take the tour here but the people were really friendly. We loved chatting with them while we tasted and we bought a cool barrel stave coat hook here that was made by one of the employees. Really neat souvenir.

Woodford Reserve - The most interesting property we toured and the process is sufficiently different to make the tour worthwhile. They have the best souvenir option--you have have their bottles of bourbon engraved for an additional $5 while you wait--an excellent gift.

Town Branch - Right in downtown Lexington: it isn't charming or particularly interesting nor was the bourbon very good. But their coffee-infused bourbon spirit was great. We probably would have skipped this stop if not for trying to get all our passport stamps. Perhaps the experience here will improve--they have only been open for tours since October 2012.

We didn't buy much bourbon because the prices at our VaABC are actually cheaper. We bought at Woodford because of the opportunity for engraving.

Mammoth Cave, Wild Cave Tour - Loved it! We crawled, wriggled, rolled and climbed on this tour. You go through some really tight spots and have to be comfortable with that. We had terrific guides and they managed to give us as many experiences as possible in the time permitted. The website notes you can wear shorts and a t-shirt under coveralls. My husband did but I actually wore jeans because I am perpetually cold and cave temperatures are consistently cool. I was comfortable as far as temperature but I should have worn leggings or something that stretched more easily for times when I needed to climb or contort a bit.

We saw two bats, which were cute! The cave is not pretty in the areas where this tour goes but you do see some pretty areas as you walk out at the end.

They provide knee pads, coveralls, helmet and lamp, and a fanny pack to carry snacks and water. They are also supposed to give you gloves but our guides forgot and I wish we had had them because the grit did hurt my hands after a bit of crawling. You can lock coats, keys and wallet in a locker before you go.

I carried my camera along but I don't recommend it--most areas of the cave aren't pretty or picturesque and your camera rattles around a lot and gets lots of dirt and dust in it. I will need to send mine for cleaning now. Though I did get a fantastic shot of my husband emerging from the very tight "bare hole."

We definitely felt a bit battered the next day (bruised knees, skinned elbows) but we had a fantastic time and would really recommend it for those looking for a bit of adventure in the cave.

Thank you for your trip report. I have family in Lexington/"Ver-sales" and tasted my first bourbon at Woodford Reserve just last year - of course I am spoiled now.

Loved hearing about the Wild Cave Tour.

Thanks for commenting, LCBoniti.

Indeed, Woodford is good stuff. I am going to try a cocktail they had recipe cards for called a derby ginger julep.
http://www.woodfordreserve.com/bourbon-drinks-recipes/
It sounds pretty good to me as I don't like straight bourbon.

Boy you guys were busy! We did this a couple years ago for two days, but could only fit in, I think it was 5. Our favorite was Maker's Mark. DH signed up to be an embassador and receives a Christmas gift every year.
Thanks for your report, brought back good memories!