Kentucky is one of the most well-known states in the United States for its alcohol distilling history. The place has been distilling various brands of alcohol for many years, such that it is known across the world as the home of a variety of drinks. It is a culture and a business that has been passed from one generation to the next.
As a result, many travelers would love to explore Kentucky and find out more about this interesting business and how it is all done. These are the best bourbon distilleries to visit.
10 Old Forester Distillery
Old Forester Distillery is one of the best currently in downtown Louisville worth visiting. Although the distillery is not as old as its counterparts, it is fully functioning and producing one of the best products Kentucky is proud of. One unique feature about Old Forester Distillery is that it is the only one that has on-site cooperage. That means, when visiting at the right time, a visitor will get a chance to see barrels being fired. It is an activity loved by many people. The process of bourbon making is the main deal.
9 Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is found in Louisville and along the “Whiskey Row” which is popular for distilleries. The location of this distillery is perfect for visitors and those staying around Louisville. Here, a tour will cost $18, and it is a chance to see advanced technical processes used in making the liquor. It also involves moments of time travel back to 1783, up to the present day, and how things are done now. An opportunity to taste three bourbon whiskeys makes a great ending.
8 Angel’s Envy
For Angel’s Envy, the thing to note is that it has rye whiskey, which is finished in rum barrels, and then bourbon that ends up in port wine barrels. For this distillery, there are two types of tours a visitor can take. One of them simply takes one around the distillery. There is not much to explore on the finer details for this type of tour. The Inside the Barrel tour, on the other hand, emphasizes how the bourbon is finished and things around the whiskey. It is the tour where one gets to taste Rye whiskey directly from the barrel. The tour price is $25.
7 Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey is one of the best distilleries in the whole of Kentucky. Is found just along the Kentucky River and visiting it gives great views of the river, a chance to visit souvenir shops, and many other activities. Wild Turkey has even won an award as the best visitor center. A tour of this distillery is a chance to celebrate the culture, history, and lifestyle that comes with whiskey and other drinks. It is also a chance to see the work of the best distillers in history such as Jimmy and Eddie Russell.
Spend The Night At The Jim Beam Distillery For Just $23
6 Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the most popular ones in Kentucky currently. The company has been producing some of the best brands in the market currently such as Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Elmer T. The good thing about visiting Buffalo Trace is that they offer different types of tours to make sure that their customers get as much experience as they wish. However, the most interesting and sought-after tour is the complimentary tour where guests have a chance to taste the drinks. For this kind of tour, visitors are also allowed into the bourbon area and bottling hall — this means seeing the process.
5 Jim Beam
Jim Beam distillery is owned by the Beam Family and it is the largest bourbon producer in the whole of Kentucky. A visitor to this place gets a chance to witness how the best players and largest producers in the region operate. The most sought-after tour takes 90 minutes. Tours at Jim Beam cost between $10 and $14. For a 90-minute tour, it is all rounded including seeing the making of the bourbon and at the end, the guest gets a chance to taste the content. Early booking is crucial.
4 Barton 1792
Barton 1792 is yet another interesting distillery worth visiting in Kentucky. This is a distillery with a long history in the region and is found in Bardstown. The distillery is one of the few where one will get a free tour, which is quite interesting. Although it is not as large as the rest of the list, it is worth stopping by and experiencing their tour. The good part about this kind of tour is that one gets to see the difference between the large and small distilleries and how their craft differs.
3 Heaven Hill
The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience is one of the best distilleries one will come across. A lot has been done to make sure visitors are getting the most interesting experience possible. The company has now introduced a few museums adding up to the whole experience. Another interesting feature is their Five Brother’s Bar. For just $18, one gets a tour that includes tasting the product. For $40, there is a tour that includes choosing a bourbon and creating a customized bottle, and taking it home.
2 Maker's Mark Distillery
A tour of the Maker's Mark Distillery is full of events. For some with a lot of time, this could be a great place to visit. One will get a chance to get bourbon-infused coffee, then spend some time at the country campus listening to the history of makers and how their brand has evolved. Then visitors can visit their beautiful artwork, and get a chance to even taste their different whiskies. Then a visitor gets to witness the making of double-oaked bourbon.
1 Willett Distillery
Willett Distillery is yet another interesting distillery in Kentucky worth visiting. It is a family-owned company that prides itself in a good variety of whiskies. Their products are very much spread throughout the whole of Louisville. On taking a tour of this distillery, one gets even a chance to select what they would like to sample. The company even has plans to offer lodges and food for the ultimate experience for their visitors. This is because of the number of visitors they receive.