Kentucky distilleries offer unique ways to learn about the commonwealth’s famous libation
By Corinne Minard
Kentucky is known for many things, but one of its most popular products may be bourbon. The state is home to 100 licensed distilleries (operated by 84 companies in 42 Kentucky counties) and, in 2023, they received more than 2.5 million visitors. But with so many bourbon experiences available, how do you pick which one to try? If you’re looking to go a step beyond tasting bourbon, try one of these unique experiences that are offered in the Bluegrass State.
Bardstown Bourbon Company
The Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown aims to show how good bourbon can be when served with food during its Bourbon and Bites experience. Guests will enjoy a bourbon flight alongside creative pairings made by Executive Chef Stu Plush. Diners will be guided through the experience so they can make the most of these unique tastings.
Castle & Key Distillery
Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort is located on the grounds of what was the historic Old Taylor Distillery. The site has been used as a distillery since 1819, and the “castle” has been there since 1887. Other historic buildings include the Springhouse, which was constructed in 1887; the Old Administrative Building, built between 1905-1910; and the Octagonal Tower, utilized as a yeast laboratory in 1909. Guests who sign up for the Walk the Ruins tour will get to explore the site’s history, including Warehouse B, which was constructed around 1907. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a tasting and charcuterie board by the Botanical Trail.
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
In Louisville, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience offers several tours and experiences, but true bourbon lovers should sign up for the Bourbon Bootcamp Distillery Experience. This four-hour experience has participants work side-by-side with the distillery team to create artisanal whiskey. Guests will help every step of the way, from working with the grain to filling the barrel. After, guests can sign the barrel and then try a tasting of the three Square 6 by Evan Williams products: a High-Rye Bourbon, a High-Rye Rye Whiskey and a Wheated Bourbon.
Maker’s Mark Distillery
Maker’s Mark hosts several unique tours and experiences at its Star Hill Farm in Loretto. The Wax Drips & Honey Dips Experience, for example, invites guests to learn about the role of pollinators on the farm and try local honey and a honey cocktail. During the Star Hill Farm Tour, guests will explore the farm’s innovation garden, apiaries, mushroom quarry, wheat field and livestock pastures as well as samples of Maker’s Mark Private Select. The Whisky Creek Walking Tour takes visitors past the iconic Still House, Tollgate and Quart House to learn about the farm’s history while enjoying a cocktail. And the Oak Experience has visitors planting their own American White Oak tree on the property while learning about oak trees, wood finishing and whiskey maturation. After, you’ll enjoy a sampling of wood-finished bourbons.
