The Oldest Bourbon Bar In America Is Right Here In Kentucky And It's Amazing
By Rachel Shulhafer|Published January 11, 2017
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Rachel Shulhafer
Author
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
Actually, it’s the oldest bourbon bar in the world. It seems like bourbon bars have popped up all over the place, but the Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown has been serving America’s native spirit since 1779. Along with serving Southern food classics, the Old Talbott Tavern is also a bed and breakfast, so it’s a great option of a place to stay if you’re visiting Bardstown.
The Old Talbott Tavern has been at 107 W. Stephen Foster Avenue for 237 years. It is located in Bardstown's historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There's nothing better than touring one of the nearby bourbon distilleries, and then heading to this historic bar to sample some. The tavern also regularly has live entertainment.
The six guest rooms are all named for historical figures that once stayed at the Tavern, including Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Boone, Jesse James, General George Rogers Clark, and Anton Heinrich.
The rooms have all the modern conveniences like cable, a telephone, refrigerator, and private bathrooms, but they are also furnished and decorated with antiques, so you still feel like you're someplace historic.
The Old Talbott Tavern is also rumored to be haunted. People have reported seeing apparitions, and one of the most regularly-seen ghosts is believed to be the infamous Jesse James.
Speaking of Jesse James, this notorious outlaw was a guest in the Old Talbott Tavern, and the evidence of his stay supposedly still exists today. Legend says you can still see bullet holes in the wall in one of the bedrooms from when James was trying to sleep off all the bourbon he drank downstairs. He thought he saw birds moving around in the murals on the wall, and shot at them.
If you’re planning to visit Bardstown soon, or just want an idea for a unique weekend getaway, consider staying in America’s oldest bourbon bar. For more information, visit their website.
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