There’s no wrong way to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but the best way might just be one distillery at a time. From hands-on tastings to behind-the-scenes experiences, these tours bring you closer to the craft, the people, and the stories that make Kentucky bourbon legendary.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned sipper, these are some of the most unforgettable tours and events you’ll find along the trail.
Maker’s Mark Distillery – Loretto, KY
Tucked in the quiet hills of Loretto, Maker’s Mark feels like a step back in time, peaceful, picturesque, and brimming with Kentucky charm. Every tour here tells part of the Maker’s story, from its handcrafted bourbon process to its iconic red wax seal.
Top Experiences:
1. The Classic Maker’s Mark® Tour
Go behind the scenes of bourbon-making from grain to glass. Explore fermenters, see the copper stills in action, and step inside the aging warehouses before dipping your own bottle in the signature red wax, a true Kentucky keepsake. Every step feels like a living piece of bourbon history, making this a must for first-time visitors. Let your Maker’s Mark experience begin with The Classic Maker’s Mark® Tour
Details: From $36 | 1.5 hrs | 20 guest max
2. Star Hill Farm to Glass & Table Experience
An elevated, behind-the-scenes tour that connects bourbon, food, and Kentucky’s natural beauty. Enjoy a guided walk through Star Hill Farm, then sit down to a farm-to-table meal paired with exclusive Maker’s Mark pours. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that blends local flavor, craftsmanship, and genuine Southern hospitality. Jump into the Maker’s Mark experience with Star Hill Farm to Glass & Table Experience
Details: From $150 | 22.5 hrs | 9 guest max
3. The 2025 Cellar Aged Experience
A rare tasting inside Maker’s temperature-controlled limestone cellar. Learn how extended aging deepens flavor and sample the new Cellar Aged Bourbon, known for its rich oak, caramel, and dark fruit notes. The intimate setting and limited group size make it feel like a private invitation into the Maker’s legacy. Make your Maker’s Mark memories begin with The 2025 Celar Aged Experience
Details: From $120 | 1 hrs | 9 guest max
Woodford Reserve Distillery – Versailles, KY
Rolling hills, limestone buildings, and the scent of charred oak, Woodford Reserve is elegance distilled. Each experience here offers something for every palate and personality, whether you’re after a deep dive into bourbon flavor or a luxury tasting affair.
Top Experiences:
1. Woodford Reserve’s Path to Flavor Tour
Step into the heart of the distillery and discover how Woodford’s five sources of flavor (grain, fermentation, distillation, maturation, and water) combine to create one of Kentucky’s most refined bourbons. You’ll walk through working copper pot stills, visit aging warehouses, and end with a guided tasting that engages all your senses. Begin your Woodford Reserve experience with the Path to Flavor Tour.
Details: $35 per person | 70 min | small groups
2. Spectacle for the Senses Tasting
This experience turns bourbon tasting into art. Your guide walks you through flavor pairings that highlight Woodford’s notes of chocolate, spice, and citrus. Between pours, you’ll learn how aroma, glass shape, and even temperature influence taste, showing this to be a perfect experience for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Explore Woodford Reserve in style with the Spectacle for the Senses Tasting.
Details: $25 per person | 45 min | small groups
3. VIP Master Distiller Tour Experience
A once-in-a-lifetime bourbon experience. You’ll go behind the curtain for a private tour led by one of Woodford’s experts, with access to the still house, rickhouses, and rare selections usually reserved for insiders. The guided tasting includes limited-release and archival bourbons paired with rich stories from the distillery’s long history. Discover Woodford Reserve craftsmanship with the VIP Master Distiller Tour Experience.
Details: $500 per person | 2 hrs | limited 8 guests
4. Holiday Brunch at the Distillery
There’s no place like Woodford during the holidays. Enjoy a chef-prepared brunch featuring Kentucky favorites and bourbon-infused dishes, paired with Woodford Reserve cocktails. The décor sparkles, the music warms the air, and every bite feels like a celebration of the season. Let your Woodford Reserve adventure begin with the Holiday Brunch at the Distillery.
Details: $275 per person | 2 hrs & 15 min | small groups
Buffalo Trace Distillery – Frankfort, KY
A cornerstone of Kentucky bourbon history, Buffalo Trace is where heritage meets hospitality. Every tour feels like a step through time starting with the aroma of aging whiskey and the hum of craftsmanship all around.
Top Experiences:
1. Trace Tour
This signature experience walks guests through the distillery’s rich history, from its founding in the 1700s to its survival through Prohibition. Watch the bourbon-making process up close and enjoy a complimentary tasting of signature labels like Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare. Begin your Buffalo Trace journey with the Trace Tour.
Details: Free | 75 mins. | small groups
2. Hard Hat Tour
Get up close to the action in this immersive, behind-the-scenes look at production. You’ll explore fermenters, stills, and bottling lines in motion while learning the technical side of bourbon making. Helmets required, but so is curiosity. Kick off your Buffalo Trace visit with the Hard Hat Tour
Details: Free | 90 mins + tasting | small groups
3. Old Taylor Tour
Step into a preserved section of the historic distillery named after Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. This architectural gem showcases the craftsmanship and innovation that helped define Kentucky bourbon as we know it today. Let your Buffalo Trace experience begin with the Old Taylor Tour.
Details: Free | 75 mins | small groups
4. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour
A peaceful change of pace and stroll through the distillery’s scenic grounds and arboretum, home to heritage trees, seasonal blooms, and views of the Kentucky River. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike. Start exploring Buffalo Trace with the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour.
Details: Free | 75 mins | small groups
Castle & Key Distillery – Frankfort, KY
With its castle-style buildings, reflecting pools, and lush gardens, Castle & Key is a destination as much as a distillery. These tours offer the perfect blend of Kentucky history, natural beauty, and refined bourbon flav
Top Experiences:
1. The Distillery Experience
Your guide takes you through the full production process inside this restored 19th-century castle, from grain selection to the tasting room. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of the distillery’s rebirth and sample bourbon and gin that showcase Castle & Key’s commitment to balance and beauty. Begin your Castle & Key experience with The Distillery Experience Tour.
Details: From $35 | 60 mins | 16 guest max
2. The Winter Distillery Experience
A seasonal version of their signature tour featuring cozy tastings, festive cocktails, and a peek at wintertime operations. With twinkling lights and crackling fire pits, it’s an unforgettable way to experience bourbon country in the colder months. Discover Castle & Key’s charm with The Winter Distillery Experience.
Details: From $35 | 60 mins | 16 guest max
3. The Tasting Lab
A must for those who love to learn by tasting. You’ll sample curated selections while exploring how ingredients, aging, and barrel char affect the flavor. It’s part workshop, part sensory adventure. Start exploring Castle & Key with The Tasting Lab.
Details: From $30 | 30 mins | 15 guest max
Lux Row Distillers – Bardstown, KY
In Bardstown (the bourbon capital of the world) Lux Row blends modern innovation with down-home hospitality. These tours are personal, approachable, and always full of flavor.
Top Experiences:
1. Distiller’s Collection Select
Discover the craftsmanship behind Lux Row’s beloved brands like Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Daviess County, as you walk through the production floor and barrel house. You’ll taste exclusive single-barrel picks and learn how the blend-to-bottle process comes together. Start your Lux Row adventure with the Distiller’s Collection Select Tour.
Details: $45 | 1.5 hrs | 16 guest max
2. Private Cocktail Class
Shake, stir, and sip your way through this interactive bourbon cocktail class. Led by expert mixologists, guests will learn the art of balance, flavor pairing, presentation, and enjoy their own creations, of course. Let your Lux Row journey begin with a Private Cocktail Class.
Details: $50 | 1.25 hrs | 4 -16 guests max
3. Deck The Row at Lux Row Distillers
Every December, the distillery transforms into a winter wonderland with bourbon tastings, live music, and local food trucks. It’s the perfect mix of Kentucky tradition and festive fun. Explore Bourbon Capital hospitality with the Deck The Row at Lux Row Distillers.
Details: Free | 4 hrs | 300 guest max
Augusta Distillery – Augusta, KY
Tucked along the Ohio River, Augusta Distillery may be small, but its hospitality and craftsmanship are larger than life. With intimate, interactive experiences, this stop is a must for anyone looking for authentic Kentucky bourbon culture.
Top Experiences:
1. River Proof Barrel Experience
For those who love bourbon straight from the source, this hands-on tasting lets you compare barrels, understand blending decisions, and explore the role of aging in flavor. It’s interactive, educational, and ideal for collectors. Start exploring Augusta Distillery with the River Proof Barrel Experience.
Details: $29 | 1 hr | 14 guests max
2. Private Barrel Selections
This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience. Work alongside Augusta’s distillers to select a barrel, sample from the cask, and bottle your own custom bourbon. Perfect for corporate groups or serious enthusiasts. Discover small-batch Kentucky craftsmanship with the Private Barrel Selections.
Details: contact for pricing | 2 hrs | 9 guests max
3. Ultimate Bourbon Bucket List
For the true connoisseur. Over four days, this one-of-a-kind luxury experience combines exclusive tastings, private dinners, distillery access, and curated Kentucky adventures. Work alongside our skilled production team and participate in every stage of crafting your very own Augusta Distillery’s premium bourbon. It’s an all-access pass to bourbon heaven. Step into Augusta’s handcrafted world with the Ultimate Bourbon Bucket List.
Details: $35,000 | 4 days | 6 guest max
Bourbon Events to Experience This Season
You’ve explored Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries, now it’s time to celebrate like a local. From ghost-lit tastings to winter festivals filled with food, music, and good company, the Bluegrass State keeps the bourbon spirit alive long after the tour ends.
Here are five of the best bourbon-themed events happening this fall and into the new year.
1. Southern Kentucky Distillers Craft Festival - Bowling Green, KY
Head to Bowling Green for an afternoon of bourbon, craft spirits, and Kentucky pride at the Southern Kentucky Distillers Craft Festival. This one-day celebration showcases the state’s best small-batch distillers alongside live music, local food trucks, and artisan vendors. VIP guests enjoy early entry at 2 PM for first pours and exclusive tastings, while general admission opens at 3 PM and runs through 7 PM.
Every sip supports a great cause because proceeds benefit local veterans through the Semper Grati Project. With friendly faces, good food, and even better bourbon, it’s the perfect fall event to toast the season in true Bluegrass style.
Details: Tickets $58.51 | November 15th 2025 | Bowling Green, KY
2. Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival - Louisville, KY
Indulgence takes centre stage at this elegant mash-up of bourbon, chocolate, and fine wine. Held in the heart of downtown Louisville, the event invites you to sip and savor in a stylish setting: imagine tasting barrel-aged bourbon while pairing it with rich artisanal chocolate and a crisp glass of wine. Live music, boutique vendors, and a festive crowd wrap the experience in warmth and flavour.
Details: Tickets $66.97 | January 31st, 2026 | Downtown Louisville
3. Artisan Holiday Market – Hotel Covington - Covington, KY
Just across the river from Cincinnati, Hotel Covington transforms into a festive, boutique-style winter market that feels straight out of a holiday movie. For one cozy afternoon on December 14 from 11 AM to 3 PM, the hotel fills with local makers, artists, and culinary creators showcasing handcrafted home décor, jewelry, gourmet treats, and unique holiday gifts. It’s the perfect place to check off your shopping list with something meaningful, and made right here in Kentucky.
With twinkling lights, seasonal cocktails, and the inviting scent of brunch drifting from Coppin’s, the atmosphere makes it easy to linger, sip, and explore. Whether you're hunting for the perfect present or simply soaking up the holiday spirit, this charming market captures the warmth and creativity of the season.
Details: Free to Attend | December 14, 2025 | Covington, KY
4. Noe The Craft: 230 Years of The Beam Family Legacy – James B. Beam Distilling Co. - Clermont, KY
Step into bourbon history with Noe The Craft: 230 Years of The Beam Family Legacy, an exclusive after-hours experience held on November 18, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. This intimate evening invites guests behind the scenes of one of Kentucky’s most legendary bourbon families, offering rare access to the Fred B. Noe Distillery for a guided production tour led by none other than Fred and Freddie Noe themselves. From fermentation and distillation to blending and maturation, you’ll see firsthand how generations of tradition shape Beam’s most celebrated bourbons.
The night continues with a seated guided tasting featuring new and limited expressions, including curated pours from the Booker’s, Little Book, and Knob Creek lines. Each bourbon is paired with personal stories and insights from the Noe family that bring 230 years of craftsmanship to life. Guests will also enjoy a four-course Kentucky-inspired dinner at The Kitchen Table, where each dish is thoughtfully paired with Beam bourbons to elevate the flavors.
Before the evening ends, attendees have the opportunity to shop exclusive bottles at the American Outpost, with rare releases available only on-site — the perfect way to take home a piece of Beam heritage.
Details: $350 per person | November 18, 2025 | Clermont, KY | Must be 21+
5. David Nail at The Legacy at Log Still – New Haven, KY
Kick off the new year with an intimate night of live music as David Nail takes the stage at The Legacy at Log Still on January 17, 2026 at 7 PM. Set among the scenic grounds of Dant Crossing, this winter concert offers the perfect blend of Kentucky charm and soulful country music. Guests can choose general admission or elevate the evening with a pre-show dinner, featuring a hearty, Southern-inspired menu crafted just for the event.
Dinner guests will enjoy smoked brisket with Monk’s Road BBQ sauce, smokehouse chicken, baked mac and cheese, Southern-style green beans, BBQ baked beans, garden salad, cornbread with honey butter, and a spread of assorted desserts — the perfect warmup before settling in for a night of unforgettable music.
Details: GA $51 | GA + Dinner $87 | January 17, 2026 | New Haven, KY | All Ages
More Ways to Explore Kentucky: Outdoors, Adventures & Shopping Local
Once you’ve made your way through Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries and seasonal events, there’s still so much more to experience across the Bluegrass. Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature, dive deeper into Kentucky history, or end your journey with a few local treasures, these destinations pair perfectly with any Bourbon Trail itinerary.
Parks & Natural Wonders: Explore the Bluegrass Beyond the Barrel
Between tastings and tours, step into Kentucky’s natural beauty. These parks and outdoor destinations offer stunning scenery, easy detours, and a refreshing break from the trail.
Mammoth Cave National Park - Cave City, KY
Just a short drive from several southern Kentucky distilleries, Mammoth Cave is one of the state’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. As the world’s longest known cave system, it invites visitors into a cool, otherworldly landscape of towering chambers and twisting underground passages. Above ground, quiet forest trails and river overlooks offer a beautiful contrast to the dark, dramatic cave routes below.
Tours & Pricing:
Guided cave tours typically range from $6–$25 per person, depending on the length and style from short family-friendly walks to lantern-lit adventures deep into the historic caverns. Park entry is free if you prefer to explore the trails instead.
Lost River Cave - Bowling Green, KY
If you’re heading toward the southern Bourbon Trail stops, make time for one of Kentucky’s most unique outdoor experiences: an underground boat tour at Lost River Cave. The journey begins with a wooded boardwalk before guests slip underground into the quiet, water-carved chambers beneath Bowling Green.
Tours & Pricing:
Boat tours generally cost around $16–$18 per adult, with discounted rates for kids. The nature trails, butterfly habitat, and outdoor spaces are free to explore.
Louisville Waterfront Park - Louisville,KY
Right in the heart of Louisville’s urban Bourbon Trail stops, Waterfront Park offers a beautiful place to pause between tastings. Spread along the Ohio River, the park features wide lawns, scenic walking paths, shaded overlooks, playgrounds, and plenty of spots to watch the sunset that paints the water.
Pricing:
The park is free to visit, making it one of the easiest and most relaxing add-ons to your Louisville itinerary.
More Must-Do Experiences Along the Bourbon Trail
Once you’ve explored Kentucky’s distilleries and soaked in the natural beauty of the Bluegrass, there are still a few experiences that every traveler should add to their list. These cultural and historical stops offer a deeper look at what makes Kentucky, Kentucky. From horse racing traditions to hands-on adventures, you won’t find these experiences anywhere else.
Kentucky Derby Museum & Churchill Downs – Louisville
No trip to Kentucky is complete without stepping onto the grounds of Churchill Downs, home of the most famous two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby Museum brings the excitement and heritage of Derby Day to life with interactive exhibits, vintage artifacts, and a powerful 360° immersive film that puts you right on the track. It’s one of the most authentic ways to experience Kentucky pride with history, culture, and a touch of glamour all rolled into one unforgettable stop. After the museum, take a walking tour of the legendary racetrack and hear the stories behind the horses, jockeys, and traditions that shaped this iconic event.
Pricing:
General admission is around $20 per adult, making it one of the most affordable and iconic cultural stops on the trail.
Frazier History Museum – Louisville, KY
Just steps from Louisville’s downtown distilleries, the Frazier History Museum is the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the deeper story behind the spirit. The museum is known for its beautifully curated exhibits on Prohibition, frontier history, legendary Kentuckians, and the evolution of bourbon. Even better? The Frazier constantly updates and rotates exhibits, so every visit feels a little different. Seasonal installations, new artifact displays, and special bourbon-focused features keep the experience fresh year after year.
Pricing:
General Admission begins at $16 per adult. Additional rates (children, seniors, military, and members) are available by checking the museum’s website for the full pricing list.
Kentucky River Rambler – Rail Explorers
For a relaxing break between distilleries, hop aboard a pedal-powered rail cart and glide along the scenic Kentucky River. The Rail Explorers route takes you through rolling hills, woodlands, and stretches of untouched countryside all while following historic rail lines once used to move goods across the region. The ride is smooth, peaceful, and surprisingly fun, whether you’re pedaling solo or with a group. It’s a refreshing, slow-paced experience that lets you soak in Kentucky’s natural beauty from a brand-new perspective, the perfect reset before your next tasting.
Finish Your Journey with a Piece of Kentucky: Shop Kentucky Branded
Before you wrap up your Bourbon Trail adventure, don’t forget to take home something that captures the spirit of the Bluegrass. As a Kentucky-owned brand, we’re proud to outfit travelers, fans, and bourbon lovers with apparel and gifts that celebrate everything we love about this state.
Kentucky Branded – Our Stores Across Kentucky & Online
Exploring the Bourbon Trail isn’t just about the distilleries, it’s about the feeling of being fully immersed in Kentucky culture. And the right gear makes the experience even better. Whether you’re posing by a rickhouse, sipping flights in Bardstown, or relaxing riverside in Louisville, Kentucky Branded has everything you need to look (and feel) like a true bourbon traveler.
From soft graphic tees to barware, mixers, and curated gift baskets, these picks bring the Bluegrass spirit with you wherever you go.
With locations in Lexington (Fayette Plaza & Hamburg) and Louisville, plus our full online store, we offer everything you need to show off your love for the Bluegrass.
Trail-Ready Favorites from Kentucky Branded
1. Bourbons of KY T-Shirt – $36
If it ain’t from Kentucky, it ain’t bourbon and this tee makes that point loud and clear. Made from soft fabric, this pocket tee celebrates the heritage of Kentucky’s finest distilleries in a relaxed, everyday style.
Details:
- Comfort Colors fabric
- Unisex fit
- Pocket tee design
- Color: Ice Blue
- Sizes S–3XL
Perfect For: Distillery hopping, photo ops, or gifting to your favorite bourbon fan.
2. KY “We Grow Bourbon” Tee – $24
Show off Kentucky pride with this clean, bold design celebrating the birthplace of bourbon. Lightweight, breathable, and easy to style t-shirt, it’s a go-to for Bourbon Trail days.
Details:
- Unisex fit
- Cotton/poly blend
- Sizes S–5XL
Perfect For: Warm-weather tours or layering under flannels on fall bourbon trips.
3. Bourbons of the South Long Sleeve Tee – $42
Cooler weather on the trail? This long sleeve tee is your new best friend. Featuring vintage bourbon label artwork, it blends comfort, style, and Kentucky heritage in one easy piece.
Details:
- Super-soft, breathable fabric
- Vintage bourbon label design
- Color: Light Green
- Sizes S–XXL
Perfect For: Crisp mornings, rickhouse tours, and cozy evenings back home.
4. KY Bourbon Labels Long Sleeve Tee – $42
Bold graphics, soft fabric, and a celebration of Kentucky’s most iconic labels this long sleeve tee is a must for true collectors.
Details:
- Soft, breathable cotton blend
- Vintage label artwork
- Color: Grey
- Sizes S–3XL
Perfect For: Layering under jackets, fall road trips, or gifting
5. Classic Kentucky Bourbon Hoodie – $58
When the weather cools, this hoodie warms things up. Featuring a bold design highlighting Kentucky’s 1792 heritage, it’s stylish, comfortable, and ready for any bourbon adventure.
Details:
- Soft fleece interior
- Kangaroo pocket
- Color: Heritage Khaki
- Sizes S–XXL
Perfect For: Chilly barrel-house tours and cozy evenings around a fire.
Barware & Bourbon Essentials
6. Maker’s Mark Distillery Highball Shot Glass – $18
Sip in style with this illustrated highball shot glass that's perfect for tasting flights, cocktails, or displaying on your home bar.
Perfect For: Cocktail lovers, Maker’s fans, and souvenir collectors.
7. Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Syrup – $22.99
The easiest way to bring Bourbon Trail mixology home. Made with raw Demerara sugar and natural mint, this syrup recreates the classic julep with zero fuss.
Perfect For: Derby parties, gifting, or elevating your home bar.
8. Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt – $12.99
Add rich, smoky Kentucky salt flavor to everything from steaks to veggies. Smoked by hand using reclaimed bourbon barrel staves.
Perfect For: Home cooks, grill masters, and anyone who loves Kentucky’s smoky flavor.
9. Bourbon Bloody Mary Mix – $16.99
Crafted with Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire, cold-pressed citrus, and smoked spices this mix delivers a bold, Bluegrass twist on the classic.
Perfect For: Brunch before the trail or recovering after the trail.
Giftable Favorites
10. Bourbon Word Socks – $14.99
Comfortable, moisture-wicking, and decorated with bourbon barrels. A fun (and functional) nod to Kentucky style socks you can wear.
Perfect For: Daily wear, stocking stuffers, or adding personality to your look.
11. Bourbon Lover Gift Basket – $100 (Value $125+)
The ultimate Kentucky care package. Packed with Woodford Reserve bourbon balls, UK rocks glasses, bourbon barrel socks, and a Bourbon & Bacon cookbook. It’s a taste of the Bluegrass in one beautifully packaged set.
Perfect For: Holiday gifting, birthdays, or impressing the bourbon enthusiast in your life.
Take the Spirit of Kentucky Home With You
From soft tees and hoodies to barware, mixers, and curated bourbon gifts, Kentucky Branded brings the heart of the Bluegrass to your closet, your kitchen, and your home bar.
Whether you’re dressing for the trail or looking for the perfect Kentucky souvenir, our collections are designed to celebrate everything you love about this state bourbon, heritage, and unmistakable Kentucky pride.
Before you head out, grab your Bourbon Passport, zip up your weekender bag, and get ready to savor Kentucky one glass at a time.
Whether you’re planning your must-see distilleries, choosing where to stay, or filling your itinerary with local eats, do it all with a little extra Kentucky pride. Explore the Bourbon Trail in comfort and style with gear and apparel from Kentucky Branded.