We will be visiting distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for one day (near the Lexington Area, not further west near Bardstown.) We're considering visiting Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, and/or Buffalo Trace. We have limited time so we are trying to decide which to just visit, and which to do tours at. Any suggestions? Are any of these distilleries worth visiting without taking the tour?

Also I welcome any suggestions for hotels and restaurants.

Thanks!!

I think Makers Mark is fabulous. Have also done 4 Roses but think MM is better.

It is closer to Bardstown than Lexington, but the Heaven Hill Whiskey Center has an outstanding tour. Also there is a museum of whiskey history in Bardsrtown. Makers Mark is also closer to Bardstown.

I have a picture of me at Woodford Reserve and we loved every place we visited but I can't specifically remember it. What I can remember is Marker's Mark being the best! And I also remember Heaven Hill having a good tour.

Nothing to add. Just wishing I knew there was such a thing as a Bourbon Trail before my dad passed away. He would have loved this!

Woodford Reserve was my favorite. It is the smallest, but also the most historic/authentic. They have personal audio systems you wear so you can hear the tour guide, which was really nice!