The Kentucky Bourbon Trail road trip
The tradition of brewing bourbon runs deep throughout the Bluegrass State. Bourbon became one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the United States soon after its invention — it was even traded in place of money during the Civil War! The Kentucky Bourbon Trail was established in 1999 in order to celebrate bourbon culture and history and to encourage tourists to enjoy “America’s Official Native Spirit” at its source. The route’s popularity has exploded recently, with more than 2.5 million people having visited in the last five years.
The trail is best experienced as a multi-day road trip throughout the state, with plenty of stops. Some distilleries are up to 70 miles apart, so consider taking a long weekend or up to a week to enjoy yourself fully. Along the way, you’ll pass through exciting cities like Lexington and Louisville, quaint small towns, and picturesque rural scenery.
You can purchase an official Bourbon Trail Passport and Field Guide book online or in person at many distilleries. It offers excellent information about each stop along the route and has places where you can receive stamps at each distillery, so you’ll be left with a unique souvenir to remember your trip.
Planning your itinerary
Whether you plan to visit all 46 stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or visit a few distilleries as you pass through the Bluegrass State, you’ll want to make sure to do a little planning ahead of time. The official Bourbon Trail Website offers some excellent sample itineraries and tips for making the most of your time.
The stops along the route are mostly consolidated around four main areas — Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky — just across the river from Ohio’s increasingly popular city of Cincinnati. For small-town Southern charm and history, Bardstown is the spot. Otherwise, base yourself in one of the larger cities and enjoy day trips to distilleries in the region.
If you plan on visiting multiple distilleries in a day with your own transportation, it’s essential that you start early and have a designated driver throughout your trip. For a more stress-free experience, consider booking transportation with a tour company for safety and convenience. Private and group tours are available, with plenty of options for every type of traveler. You can experience bourbon country from a comfortable van, a boat, and even a helicopter. Ambitious bourbon lovers looking to offset the indulgence with some exercise can opt to bike between distilleries through Kentucky’s rolling hills.
