It carries the name of the French royal family (no one is exactly sure why!), but it is a quintessential product of a Southern US state. It accounts for ⅔ of all US exported distilled spirits. But vodka is more popular in the US itself. By law it must be produced in the USA, have at least 51% corn mash, no additives, and be stored in new charred oak barrels for at least 2 years. Straight up. On the Rocks. In a cocktail. Bourbon, please.
Kentucky produces 95% of global bourbon. It was here in 1999 that 7 distillers formed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as a way to educate people about their product as well as attract business. Today, there are 46 distilleries on the official “Trail,” while the current number of licensed distilleries stand at 100.
Here we offer a curated list including some of the better known distilleries and some lesser known ones that should be better known! But we won’t try to judge the Liquid Gold itself. To each his own favorite. But all of these distilleries offer great tours, tasting, and other opportunities.
Jim Beam, Clermont, KY
The world knows him as Jim, but his home is the James B. Beam Distillery. It took Jacob Beam 3 years to move his family from the Colonies to Kentucky in the 1780s, carrying his wooden still on his back. He sold his first corn whiskey right out of the barrel in 1795. James B. (Jim) rebuilt the company after Prohibition when he was 70 years old! The current head distiller is a third generation Beam nephew.
This distillery distinguishes itself by offering a family dining experience at the Kitchen Table Restaurant. The menu is brimming with locally sourced Southern yummies from spiced pork rinds, catfish, ribs and chicken to pepper jellied brussle sprouts. Of course, one of the world’s leading bourbons is featured in the lengthy list of cocktails available.
At James B., you can wander around, chat with the workers, or book a tour. It prides itself on being a place of, by, and for the family.
Bard Distillery, Graham, KY
Having begun operations just in late 2019, Bard Distillery is one of the youngest, but it has a deep history. And despite its youth, it has already garnered an impressive array of awards, so the tasting part of a Bard tour is a true treat.
The space itself deserves attention. It is housed in a gorgeous art-deco style former school building that reflects the wealth of the city when it was a bustling coal town but was abandoned in 2004. It was a magical destiny that brought a fourth-generation Bard back to his family legacy.
The “Bourbon Capital of the World”, Bardstown, was named for the great grandfather of the founder of the distillery.
At the Bard: Award-winning products. A noteworthy facility. FUN! The owners’ personalities imbue the distillery with youthfulness, a joie de vivre that enhances the experience of their stellar spirits. Both were in motorsports: she was a racer in the Nascar Busch series and now drives monster trucks in Australia!
Maker’s Mark, Loretto, KY
Still run by the family that founded it in 1953, Maker’s Mark offers 7 distinctive bourbons, all hand finished in bottling with the iconic red wax seal. MM gets its special flavor from red winter wheat used with its corn mash and barley.
The managing director is an 8th generation distiller whose goal is to make the MM production sustainable. Their Star Hill Farm is the first distillery to achieve level 3 Regenified certification for practices that support biodiversity, soil health, and clean water.
MM offers tours of various levels, depending on how much you’d like to know about bourbon making.The tours culminate with their The Remarkable Experience. This 2.5 hour tour covers the National Historic Landmark Registered distillery, the lake from which the bourbon water comes, and their farms. It includes ALL aspects of production. The “progressive” tasting along the way features a taste of cask strength MM direct from the barrel!
For die hard aficionados, there is this wonderful possibility at MM: You can wax dip your own bottle. AND have personalized labels printed!
Castle and Key Distillery, Millville, KY (Frankfort)
In 1887, Colonel E.H. Taylor decided that a perfect bourbon deserved a perfect setting. With his love of European architecture guiding him, he built a castle with a springhouse, a sunken garden, and an enviable aging warehouse for his spirits. He gave parties and hosted recitals, allowing Southern hospitality to embrace his European haven. He even arranged for the railroad from Franklin to extend to the distillery!
Prohibition began the downfall of the Castle, which stopped operating in the mid 1970s. In 2012, a new owner stepped in to restore the luster and reputation of this showplace. Headed by the first female Master Distiller, Marianne Eaves, C&K held their grand opening in 2018 and released their first aged spirit in 2020. In 2022, they released the first bourbon to be distilled in the Old Taylor Distillery in over 50 years!
C&K is once again a place of graceful activity. The restored grounds are available for tours, wandering, and special events. And there are AirBnBs onsite!! Oh, the name: Castle is the castle. The Key is the key-hole shaped limestone springhouse, the water source that makes C&K spirits memorable.
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
With a history dating back to 1775, Buffalo Trace is recognized as the most awarded bourbon distillery in the world. The distillery’s name and flagship brand – Buffalo Trace – appeared in 1999. Just one year later, the distillery became the US’s first to win the prestigious international “Distillery of the Year” award from Whisky Advocate, the first of seven!
Interestingly, Old Taylor bourbon, of Castle fame, is actually a Buffalo Trace product. Since 2009, BT has been part of the Sazerac family.
All BT tours are free, but you’d better make a reservation. The Hard Hat Tour gives an extensive behind-the-scenes look at every aspect of bourbon making, including their “microstill” where their experimental collection whiskies are made. Guests under 12 are not allowed on this tour. And, of course, tasting some of the award-winning products is part of the experience.
Five out of 100? These 5 distilleries are just a drop in the hat. But they each offer comprehensive tours, unique experiences, and tasting opportunities to help you pick a favorite bourbon…until you get to the next distillery!
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are several companies in Louisville and Frankfort that offer transportation on the Trail. The distilleries are as concerned about your safely as about your business.