How to Tackle the Kentucky Bourbon Trail From Lexington to Louisville

The reports of bourbon’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Recently it’s been reported that agave spirits sales are outpacing American whiskey, likely due in part to the glut of celebrity-backed brands like 818 and Teremana. But make no mistake, America’s native spirit (or “distinctive product of the U.S.” as Congress much more blandly labeled it in 1964) is still incredibly popular. Unicorn bottles from brands like Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, and Michter’s continue to command exorbitant prices on the secondary market, and overall the category remains a fan favorite.

Judging by legacy brands’ recent expansions and the ever-growing number of craft distilleries, the people still want their bourbon. Kentucky is, of course, the boozy beating heart of the industry. Although bourbon can be produced anywhere in America, about 95% is made in the Bluegrass State. So it makes sense that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail would be an excellent place to start for curious tourists and whiskey aficionados looking to expand their knowledge, explore a few centuries of liquid history, and drink a whole lot of bourbon.

According to Mandy Ryan, director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences, when the Bourbon Trail was founded in 1999 there were just seven inaugural members: Four Roses, Heaven Hill, James B. Beam Distilling Co. (aka Jim Beam), Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace (this last distillery is no longer a member). There are now 46 distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, including 28 that are part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour representing smaller operations like Willett, Kentucky Peerless, and Copper & Kings. Last year, four new members were added to the Craft Tour — Augusta Distillery, Pensive Distilling Co., Fresh Bourbon, and RD1 Spirits — and Ryan says that even more are set to join this year.

A lot has changed over the 25 years since the Bourbon Trail’s creation, according to Ryan. “In 2016, we got a monumental piece of legislation passed that allowed for distilleries to have cocktail bars and restaurants on site,” she says. “Now…visitors can enjoy cocktail classes, barrel thieving experiences, world class dining, vintage spirits, and more.” All this has helped the bourbon industry to become a key component of Kentucky's economy. According to recent data, it contributes $9 billion to the state annually, employs more than 23,000 people, and is a vital source of income for local farmers with 21 million bushels of corn and grain purchased by distillers in 2023. There are now nearly three barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky per resident (the equivalent of 12.6 million casks), so clearly the industry is feeling bullish about the future.

The Bourbon Trail has become more popular as a travel destination every year, with 2.5 million people visiting in 2023 to tour distilleries and sip whiskey. Lexington is the “official gateway” to the Bourbon Trail due to its close proximity to many distilleries, but Louisville works as a good home base as well. Wherever you choose to embark from, there are some highlights that should not be missed.

Can't-miss Kentucky bourbon distilleries

Maker’s Mark stands out as one of the trail’s most beautiful distilleries, with a fantastic restaurant onsite called Star Hill Provisions and a tour that culminates with the option to hand dip your own bottle. Wild Turkey is another legacy distillery worth visiting, and you might just run into legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell at the gift shop signing bottles.

In Louisville, Angel’s Envy is a thoroughly modern operation that is walking distance from many hotels and has a beautiful bar that offers cocktail classes. Other Whiskey Row distilleries include Old Forester and the Evan Williams Experience, which features a working microdistillery. The Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery offers a comprehensive tasting of the entire lineup as well as one "mystery bottle." And if you're staying in Lexington, it's just a short drive to Castle & Key and Four Roses, which has a new visitor center and an in-depth tour of the distillery from fermentation to distillation.

There are many other distilleries to visit on the Bourbon Trail, each offering its own take on this distinctly American whiskey category. Whether you want to take a deep dive into production, from milling to maturation, or just tuck into a bourbon tasting flight, there’s a distillery experience perfect for you. Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail however you like and in whatever order you choose, but consider coming back for a repeat visit because this icon of whiskey tourism is growing every year.