There’s something about Kentucky that feels like home, even if you’re visiting for the first time. Maybe it’s the rolling bluegrass hills, the echo of live music drifting from a small-town street, or the smooth, amber pour that has become the state’s signature.
If you’re a traveler who loves discovering great food, history, and craft spirits, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail isn’t just a stop, it’s the destination. This guide will help you plan the perfect bourbon-fueled adventure across the Bluegrass, from the best distilleries to where to stay, where to eat, and how to do it all in Kentucky style.
Why the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Is a Must for Every Traveler
Kentucky produces more than 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is the ultimate way to experience it. Launched by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the trail connects legendary distilleries and emerging craft operations across the state.
Each stop offers a glimpse into the heart of Kentucky’s culture where craftsmanship, tradition, and storytelling flow as freely as the bourbon itself. From urban tasting rooms in Louisville to rolling-ridge distilleries in Bardstown and Frankfort, the trail brings together history, hospitality, and a little bit of magic.
But this isn’t just for bourbon experts. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong enthusiast, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail welcomes everyone. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of what makes this spirit and the state so unforgettable.
The Best Distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
There are dozens of stops on the official trail, but a few stand head and shoulders above the rest. If you’re planning your route, start with these highly rated, can’t-miss distilleries that each offer something unique, from architectural beauty to world-class tastings.
1. Maker’s Mark Distillery
Location: Loretto, KY
Google Rating: 4.8 star rating (7,600+ reviews)
Website: makersmark.com/distillery
Set in the peaceful hills of Loretto, Maker’s Mark Distillery is one of the most iconic and visually stunning stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Known for its signature red wax–dipped bottles and commitment to craftsmanship, every inch of the property reflects the artistry that defines this legendary brand.
Visitors can explore the picturesque grounds, from the creekside walkways and black-rick warehouses to the hand-dipping line where each bottle gets its famous wax seal. The guided tours are immersive, hands-on & you’ll learn about the grain-to-glass process, see the copper stills up close, and even dip your own bottle as a keepsake.
Tastings include their smooth, wheated bourbon and limited-edition releases like Maker’s 46 and Private Select. Reviewers love the charm, scenic setting, and the way each tour blends Kentucky hospitality with true bourbon craftsmanship.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, Maker’s Mark delivers the kind of warmth and tradition that make Kentucky bourbon world-renowned.
2. Woodford Reserve Distillery
Location: Versailles, KY
Google Rating: 4.8 star rating (5,525+ reviews)
Website: woodfordreserve.com
Nestled amid the rolling hills of Versailles, Woodford Reserve Distillery is one of the most picturesque and prestigious stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. As one of the oldest working distilleries in the country, it perfectly blends history, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Visitors can tour the stunning limestone buildings, copper pot stills, and century-old warehouses where every drop of Woodford Reserve matures to perfection. The air is rich with the scent of oak and caramel, offering a sensory preview of what’s to come in the tasting room.
Known for its signature Double Oaked Bourbon, Woodford Reserve delivers a smooth, full-bodied flavor with layers of vanilla, spice, and toasted oak. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, scenic setting, and relaxed, premium tasting experience that make it a must-visit destination for any bourbon enthusiast.
It’s more than a distillery, it’s a hallmark of Kentucky tradition and a testament to the state’s enduring bourbon legacy
3. Buffalo Trace Distillery
Location: Frankfort, KY
Google Rating: 4.8 star rating (4,038+ reviews)
Website: buffalotracedistillery.com
Steeped in more than 200 years of bourbon-making tradition, Buffalo Trace Distillery stands as one of Kentucky’s most historic and beloved distilleries. As the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, it has survived Prohibition, fires, and floods all while perfecting the art of bourbon.
The grounds are beautiful, blending classic brick warehouses with views of the Kentucky River. Free guided tours take visitors through the full production process, from fermentation to aging, and end with a complimentary tasting of signature pours like Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and, if you’re lucky, Blanton’s.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable staff, rich history, and exceptional hospitality that make every visit unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned bourbon fan, this Frankfort icon delivers the perfect balance of heritage and flavor that defines Kentucky bourbon.
4. Castle & Key Distillery
Location: Frankfort, KY
Google Rating: 4.9 star rating (1,198+ reviews)
Website: castleandkey.com
Once a forgotten relic known as the Old Taylor Distillery, Castle & Key has been reborn into one of the most breathtaking stops on the Bourbon Trail. With its castle-style limestone buildings, reflecting pools, and lush gardens, it’s more than a distillery, it’s a destination.
Visitors rave about the immersive tours, elevated cocktails, and friendly guides who make bourbon history come alive. Don’t miss their Restoration Release or the seasonal gin for something different. This is the kind of stop you plan your trip around.
5. Lux Row Distillers
Location: Bardstown, KY
Google Rating: 4.9 star rating (973+ reviews)
Website: luxrowdistillers.com
Located in the bourbon capital of the world, Lux Row Distillers perfectly blends Kentucky tradition with modern craftsmanship. Home to brands like Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Daviess County, it’s known for a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere that keeps travelers coming back.
Their tour offers a deep dive into barrel aging, bottling, and tasting, all led by some of the most passionate guides in the industry. Reviewers love the knowledgeable staff, beautiful property, and the chance to taste rare single barrels not found anywhere else.
6. Augusta Distillery
Location: Augusta, KY
Google Rating: 5.0 star rating (650+ reviews)
Website: augustakydistillery.com
Tucked along the Ohio River, Augusta Distillery is small but mighty, and with a perfect five-star rating, it’s one of the most beloved stops in the state. It offers a more intimate experience than larger operations, where you can chat directly with distillers and enjoy exclusive tastings in a restored 19th-century factory.
Augusta may be newer to the trail, but it’s already setting the bar high for authenticity and hospitality.
Where to Stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
After a day of tastings and tours, you’ll need a place to relax, recharge, and maybe sip one more bourbon by the fire. Here are three standout stays that capture the spirit of Kentucky and each one highly rated and uniquely local.
1. Chateau Bourbon Bed & Breakfast
Location: Prospect, KY (Louisville area)
Google Rating: 4.9 star rating (146+ reviews)
Website: chateaubourbon.com
Bourbon meets Southern hospitality at Chateau Bourbon, where every detail is designed with bourbon lovers in mind. From the bourbon-themed décor to nightly “Sip & Social” happy hours, this bed and breakfast feels like home with a Kentucky twist.
Guests rave about the homemade breakfasts infused with local bourbon and the hosts’ personal touch. It’s romantic, cozy, and ideally located near the Louisville leg of the trail.
2. Hotel Covington
Location: Covington, KY
Google Rating: 4.6 star rating (1,575+ reviews)
Website: hotelcovington.com
Stylish yet comfortable, Hotel Covington sits at the northern gateway of the Bourbon Trail. It’s a perfect mix of modern design and Bluegrass charm, with large rooms, an inviting lobby bar, and an on-site restaurant serving local favorites and (you guessed it) expertly crafted bourbon cocktails.
The vibe here is energetic but laid-back, making it a great fit for travelers who want luxury without pretension.
3. 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Location: Louisville, KY
Google Rating: 4.6 star rating (2,541+ reviews)
Website: 21cmuseumhotels.com
When art and bourbon meet, you get 21c Museum Hotel. This one-of-a-kind boutique stay doubles as a contemporary art gallery and sits right in the heart of downtown Louisville.
Its restaurant, Proof on Main, is one of the city’s best bourbon bars, serving creative Southern cuisine alongside award-winning cocktails. Whether you’re starting or ending your Bourbon Trail adventure here, it’s a must for anyone who loves a little luxury with their whiskey.
Where to Eat & Drink Along the Trail
You can’t bourbon on an empty stomach. Luckily, the Bourbon Trail is packed with incredible restaurants and bars that celebrate Kentucky’s flavors as much as its spirits.
1. Limestone Branch Distillery — Tasting Room & Patio
Location: Lebanon, KY
Google Rating: 4.9 star rating (799+ reviews)
Website: limestonebranch.com
For a more personal experience, Limestone Branch Distillery delivers. Founded by seventh-generation distillers, it offers a warm, family atmosphere and fantastic bourbon like Yellowstone Select. The patio is perfect for sipping a pour as the sun sets over the hills.
2. Bourbon’s Bistro
Location: Louisville, KY
Google Rating: 4.7 star rating (1,000+ reviews)
Website: bourbonsbistro.com
A Louisville staple since 2005, Bourbon’s Bistro is an award-winning restaurant built for bourbon lovers. Its menu rotates seasonally to highlight local ingredients, and its bourbon list is legendary with over 100 options curated to perfection.
This is where the locals go when they want to pair Kentucky’s finest flavors with a world-class pour.
3. Bottle & Bond Kitchen and Bar — Bardstown Bourbon Company
Location: Bardstown, KY
Google Rating: 4.6 star rating (725+ reviews)
Website: bardstownbourbon.com
Inside Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bottle & Bond redefines distillery dining. Expect chef-driven southern cuisine with a bourbon twist and think bourbon-glazed salmon, smoked short ribs, and signature cocktails crafted to pair perfectly with each dish.
This is upscale dining done right, surrounded by the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country.
Bourbon Tasting Tips for First-Timers
- Pace yourself: Two or three distilleries a day is plenty. The focus is quality, not quantity.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle for bourbon tasting is best enjoyed responsibly.
- Book ahead: Tours and tastings at popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Ask questions: Every distiller loves to share their story and process — that’s half the fun.
- Designate a driver: Consider a Bourbon Trail shuttle or guided tour service for stress-free travel.
- Get the Passport App: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport app lets you collect digital stamps and earn rewards as you go.
Must-Try Kentucky Dishes Along the Way
Kentucky’s culinary scene deserves its own spotlight. When you need a break between tastings, these classic dishes (where to find them) should be at the top of your list:
Hot Brown – Louisville, KY
A Kentucky original, an open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce and topped with crispy bacon. Rich, comforting, and famously indulgent, it’s the kind of iconic Kentucky dish that every Bourbon Trail traveler needs to experience at least once.
Where to Try It:
- The Brown Hotel (Louisville): The birthplace of the Hot Brown and still the gold standard.
- Bourbon’s Bistro (Louisville): A refined, bourbon-infused twist on the classic, paired perfectly with a local pour.
Bourbon Balls – Frankfort & Lexington, KY
Sweet, boozy, and bite-sized perfection. These rich little treats blend smooth Kentucky bourbon with creamy chocolate for a melt-in-your-mouth experience every bourbon lover should try at least once.
Where to Try It:
- Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory (Frankfort): The original creator of the bourbon ball, established in 1938.
- Bottle & Bond Kitchen and Bar (Bardstown): Known for bourbon-themed desserts and indulgent Southern classics.
Derby Pie – Louisville, KY
Chocolate, walnut, and bourbon in perfect harmony. Decadent, gooey, and unmistakably Kentucky, it’s the kind of dessert that turns any stop on the Bourbon Trail into a celebration.
Where to Try It:
- Kern’s Kitchen (Louisville): Home of the official Derby-Pie® recipe.
- Proof on Main (inside 21c Museum Hotel Louisville): A modern take on the Southern dessert tradition, paired with craft bourbon cocktails.
Burgoo – Bardstown, KY
A slow-simmered stew that’s pure comfort in a bowl. Hearty, smoky, and rich with Kentucky flavor, it’s the kind of dish that fuels you up for another full day on the Bourbon Trail.
Where to Try It:
- Old Talbott Tavern (Bardstown): Serving hearty, traditional Burgoo for more than a century in one of Kentucky’s oldest inns.
- Bottle & Bond Kitchen and Bar (Bardstown): Offers elevated versions of regional classics like Burgoo and bourbon-glazed dishes.
Rolled Oysters – Lexington & Bardstown, KY
Crispy, golden, and packed with Kentucky flavor, this Louisville original is a must-try for any foodie on the Bourbon Trail. These deep-fried oysters are crunchy on the outside and tender inside, making them the perfect bar snack or appetizer after a day of tastings.
Where to Try It:
- Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse (Louisville): An upscale bourbon-themed restaurant serving Southern classics with refined flair, including crispy fried oysters that pay homage to the city’s original recipe.
- Brendon’s Catch 23 (Louisville): A modern seafood and steakhouse just off Whiskey Row, known for elegant oyster dishes and one of the best bourbon lists in town.
The Best Bourbon in Kentucky
You’ll taste dozens of bourbons on the trail, but a few stand out as true Kentucky classics. Each of these bottles captures a piece of the Bluegrass spirit and you can sample them right where they’re made.
Buffalo Trace Distillery - Frankfort, KY
Bold, smooth, and full of character with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. A true Kentucky classic that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.
Where to Try It: Visit Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort for a free guided tour and tasting at America’s oldest continually operating distillery is a must-stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked – Versailles, KY
Deep, rich, and smooth with layers of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
Where to Try It: Visit the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles for a guided tasting and a look at one of Kentucky’s most iconic barrel-aging processes.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength – Loretto, KY
A bolder take on a timeless favorite, it’s sweet, smooth, and unmistakably Kentucky.
Where to Try It: Available exclusively at the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, where you can dip your own bottle in red wax and explore the historic grounds.
Limestone Branch Yellowstone Select – Lebanon, KY
Complex and perfectly balanced with notes of caramel, oak, and spice.
Where to Try It: Stop by the Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, it's featured above, for a relaxed tasting and a glimpse of seventh-generation bourbon heritage.
Castle & Key Restoration Release – Frankfort, KY
Modern Kentucky craftsmanship at its best, it’s also elegant, bright, and beautifully bottled.
Where to Try It: Sample this standout bourbon at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, surrounded by stunning architecture and gardens that bring history to life.
Lux Row Rebel 100 – Bardstown, KY
A full-bodied, high-proof gem for serious bourbon fans.
Where to Try It: Head to Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown for a deep dive into the aging process and a tasting of this robust Rebel favorite.
Dress the Part: Bourbon Trail Style
Exploring the Bourbon Trail isn’t just about what’s in your glass, it’s also about how you feel doing it. Whether you’re snapping photos at Castle & Key or relaxing at a Louisville bar, comfort and style go hand in hand.
Shop Kentucky Branded for the perfect mix of bourbon-inspired clothing, accessories, and home décor. From cozy crewnecks to unique wall art, every piece captures the spirit of the Bluegrass.
Trail-Ready Favorites:
Show your love for Kentucky and the Bourbon Trail in this soft, trail-inspired tee. Featuring a vintage Kentucky map and “Hit The Trail” slogan on the front, plus all 41 distilleries listed on the back. Lightweight, durable, and perfect for any bourbon adventure. 
Details:
- Unisex fit
- Lightweight cotton-blend fabric
- Vintage-style “Hit The Trail” front print
- Distillery list printed on back
- Colors: Natural, Grey
-
Sizes: S–XXL
Bourbon State Outline Crewneck
Rep your Kentucky pride in this soft, bourbon-inspired crewneck. Featuring a bold state outline design, it’s the perfect layer for cool days on or off the Bourbon Trail. Comfortable, durable, and built for everyday wear.
Details:
- Unisex fit
- Soft, midweight cotton-blend fabric
- Kentucky state outline bourbon design
- Relaxed fit for all-day comfort
- Colors: Military Green, Sand, Sport Grey
- Sizes: S–5XL
Show your Kentucky pride in the We Grow Bourbon Hoodie. Soft, durable, and built for comfort, it celebrates the Bluegrass as the true home of bourbon. Perfect for cool nights, distillery tours, or everyday wear.
Details:
- Unisex fit
- Soft cotton/poly blend
- “We Grow Bourbon” front design
- Color: Brown
- Sizes: S–5XL
Home Ready Favorites:
Celebrate Kentucky as the true birthplace of bourbon with this classic shot glass. Perfect for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts alike, it’s a simple yet timeless way to raise a toast to the Bluegrass State’s proud distilling heritage. Ideal for home bars, gifts, or your next bourbon tasting.
Details:
- Durable glass construction
- “Birthplace of Bourbon” design
- Great for tastings, collections, or displays
- Hand wash recommended
- Capacity: 1.5 oz
Start your day with Kentucky pride. The Bluegrass State Pottery Mug features a rustic state emblem and rich, hand-glazed finish that makes every sip feel special. Each mug is handcrafted in the USA, giving it a one-of-a-kind charm that celebrates the spirit of the Bluegrass. 
Details:
- Handcrafted pottery with Kentucky state emblem
- Each piece is uniquely artisan-fired
- Comfortable curved handle for easy grip
- Made in the USA
- Colors: Green, Red, Blue
KY A Slice Of Life Cutting Board
Serve up Kentucky pride with the A Slice of Life Cutting Board. Made from eco-friendly Moso bamboo, it’s durable, easy to clean, and gentle on your knives. Perfect for prepping, serving, or displaying your love for the Bluegrass State.
Details:
- Made from organically grown Moso bamboo
- Gentle on knives and easy to care for
- Great for serving or kitchen display
- Size: 11" x 8.75" x 0.5"
Celebrate Kentucky’s bourbon heritage with this colorful Kentucky Bourbon Trail Poster. Featuring iconic distilleries like Jim Beam, Four Roses, and Bulleit, this detailed illustrated map captures the beauty and tradition of the Bluegrass. Perfect for home bars, offices, or bourbon enthusiasts everywhere.
Details:
- Full-color illustrated map of the Bourbon Trail
- Features major Kentucky distilleries
- Printed on premium-quality paper
- Great for framing or display
- Size: 18" x 24"
From bourbon-themed apparel to bourbon glasses Kentucky travelers love, Kentucky Branded is your go-to for authentic Bourbon Apparel & Accessories, it's made for those who live and breathe the spirit of the Bluegrass.
Are You Ready for the Ultimate Kentucky Experience?
From historic distilleries and boutique inns to farm-to-table restaurants and scenic backroads, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail captures everything that makes the Bluegrass State unforgettable.
This isn’t just a road trip, it’s a rite of passage for travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, flavor, and a good story shared over a great pour.
So pack your bags, grab your bourbon passport, and make your way through Kentucky one glass at a time.
Are you ready for the ultimate Kentucky experience? Plan the top distilleries to visit, where to stay, and where to eat and drink today and travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in style with Kentucky Branded.