KY Bourbon Trail - distillery tour recommendations?
 

DH and I are going to my nephew's wedding in Harrodsburg, KY in September, and we're taking a few extra days to do some sightseeing. We're flying in and out of Louisville, where we'll spend a couple of nights, then drive to Harrodsburg for the wedding festivities. We'll be staying at the Inn at Shaker Village in Spring Hill. I thought that it would be fun to do some distillery tours, but I don't know how many we'll have time for, and whether once you've done a couple of them, does it get redundant? I'm guessing two or three would probably be about right. There are only a couple of other threads here on Fodor's about the Bourbon Trail. The Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, and Woodford Reserve (which used to be Labrot & Graham's) were mentioned as good tours - Jim Beam & Maker's Mark really aren't on the way from Louisville to Harrodsburg, although I guess we could detour if they're worth it. Someone mentioned that not all distilleries have tastings, as some are in dry counties - I think it would be nice to be able to taste the product if possible, so that's a consideration. If anyone here has done some of the tours and can tell me which they recommend (especially if they're on the way to or near where we'll be staying, or, if not, whether they are worth straying farther for) I'd appreciate it. We don't have to do them all on the same day - we could do one or more either on the way to Harrodsburg, or on the day we drive back to Louisville for our late afternoon flight.

We have only done one -- Buffalo Trace in Frankfort. Excellent tour and tastings at the end. I can't compare with any others though. Bourbon was very tasty. They gave out Bourbon Balls (candy) too.

The Bourbon Heritage Center at Bardstown is part of a distillay and a nice place to visit. I can't recall the brand.
Near Bardstown is Marker's Mark and great place to visit.

I don't recall exactly where it is, but we enjoyed the tour at Ancient Age.

Bardstown is something of a historical center of bourbon-making and the home of Heaven Hill Distillery, maker of Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, etc. Those are all pretty good bourbons. I'm guessing that's the distillery that boom_boom referred to.

Buffalo Trace is one of the largest bourbon distillers in the country and that would be near the top of my list. The company's eponymous brand competes with Jim Beam and Jack Daniels at the same general price point in the whiskey market, and I think is better than either (far better than JD, and yes, I know JD is not bourbon). The distillery (which is owned by Sazerac company) also produces Blanton, Elmer T. Lee, Eagle Rare, and others.

If you're not familiar with these brands, why not take the opportunity to become familiar with them?

Thanks, everyone. So, we should take the detour to Bardstown?
Any other opinions?

Woodford Reserve is an awesome way to experience bourbon in Kentucky. It's a great tour of a small distillery in a beautiful historic setting nestled back in the horse farms. The drive to the distillery is awesome ... just can't beat the Kentucky horse farms for scenery. And, they have just brought on an outstanding chef, who is well known in the area and has from what I've heard been featured in Southern Living magazine. You won't regret going. AND you can sample...

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. For the greatest 'effect' I always suggest Makers Mark & Jim Beam. That way you get the contrast from a high volume, high production facility v. one where everything is essentially done by hand. Not too mention, I tend to favor the bourbons @ both as well. Bardstown is an intersting little town, you should try to hit also.

Thanks, that's more helpful information.

We just returned from doing "The Bourbon Trail".
I've been wanting to do this for a long time and It was better
than I had expected. We did all 7. Wild Turkey, Four Roses,Maker's Mark, Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam and Buffalo Trace. There is so much history there plus the information on Bourbon making. Took side trips to Shaker Village, Getsemanee Trappist Monastery and ate at the Talbott Tavern (been in business non stop since 1779) in Bardstown.
I would highly recommend any one to do the same.
One sidelight, We are not bourbon drinkers, and the trip didn't change my mind. It sure LOOKS like good stuff!!

It has been some years since our great Ky. tour but in addition to Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, we LOVED Shakertown, Berea (town and college) and the Horse Park around Louisville.


In Louisville, the Speed Museum is lovely. Speed is the surname of the benfactors, it is not a car place!

ps, Forgot to mention downtown Louisville with the Brown and Seelback (sp?) Hotels. They used to have decent Sunday brunches.

HOme of the "Hot Brown"...

Where's kybourbon?