The Scenic Bourbon Country Route That Leads To 5 Old-Fashioned Distilleries
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 03, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Kentucky is Bourbon Country, producing some 95% of the world’s supply of this spicy, sultry spirit. There are nearly 100 distilleries in the Bluegrass, in fact, each bringing something unique to the table (or bar, if you will). Central Kentucky is the heart of Bourbon Country, and this also happens to be one of the most beautiful regions of the state, too. We put together a scenic route that leads to five old-fashioned distilleries, and we hope you enjoy this road trip in Kentucky Bourbon Country!
Our scenic drive visits five historic distilleries in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country. View the Google Map to customize your trip!
Our scenic road trip through Kentucky Bourbon Kentucky begins in Louisville at Old Forester Distilling, where George Garvin Brown made the first bourbon sold in a sealed glass bottle in 1870. Come and learn about the entire distilling process, including a glimpse at barrel making, on one of the distillery's guided tours.
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Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience
Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, 1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Heaven Hill’s Berneheim Distillery is located in Louisville and is one of the largest single-site bourbon distilleries in the world. We're not visiting the distillery, however; instead, we're heading to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, a visitor center in Bardstown that's pure fun for bourbon lovers. In addition to tastings and a massive gift shop, the "You Do Bourbon" experience is a *must* for all self-proclaimed bourbon enthusiasts. In this interactive experience, guests are invited to taste, bottle, and personalize their very own bottle to take home.
A place that needs no introduction, Maker's Mark is easily the most iconic bourbon brand in Kentucky. Not only is its bourbon -- and red wax-dipped bottles -- a symbol of the Bluegrass, but its distillery captures the spirit of the state. The beautiful grounds, the reverence for history, the celebration of bourbon -- these are all quintessential Kentucky things. In addition to tours, guests are invited to dine at Star Hill Provisions, Maker's Mark's very own on-site restaurant that serves up delicious Southern classics.
James E. Pepper Distillery
James E. Pepper Distillery, 1228 Manchester St #100, Lexington, KY 40504, USA
Located in Lexington's Distillery District, the James E. Pepper Distillery operated from 1879 to 1958 and today is celebrated as one of the premier bourbon destinations in the Bluegrass. Today, visitors can tour the the restored James E. Pepper Distillery and learn all about this legendary place.
Castle & Key Distillery
Castle & Key Distillery, 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Our scenic road trip ends at Castle & Key, one of the most beautiful bourbon distilleries in the Bluegrass State. With more than a century of distilling history, Castle & Key is a grand and stately place sure to capture your heart. Its grounds have been professionally planted and designed to evoke feelings of walking through a castle landscape -- and that's exactly what this place is: Kentucky's very own, modern-day bourbon castle!
Bourbon is life here in the Bluegrass State, and we hope you enjoyed this scenic route through the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country.
Of course, if you choose to imbibe, please bring along a designated driver or even opt for a Bourbon Trail Tour from Thoroughbred Limousine.
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