Most of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky, home to renowned brands like Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey. The state’s natural environment and climate are ideal for growing corn, a crucial ingredient in bourbon. When European immigrants settled in Kentucky in the 1700s, they found a perfect partnership in the art of distillation.

Visitors can explore Kentucky’s many distilleries, with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail featuring 42 distilleries offering tastings and tours. Kentucky distillery experiences help visitors understand the bourbon-making process, refine their tasting palates, and often acquire treasured bottles to take home. Starting the journey at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center in Louisville can help familiarize visitors with bourbon history and plan their distillery stops.

Make Louisville your base for multiple days of exploring the Bourbon Trail, enjoying the city’s own Urban Bourbon Trail, where bars serve over 60 types of bourbon and have knowledgeable staff to enhance your drinking experience.

Wild Turkey, Lawrenceburg

At Wild Turkey, discover their award-winning visitor center, designed to resemble a classic Kentucky tobacco barn. The site features a tasting room overlooking the Kentucky River and a gift shop for souvenirs and Wild Turkey bourbon. Visitors might even encounter Hall of Fame distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell at work.

Bulleit Distilling Co., Shelbyville

Bulleit Distilling Co. is a newer entrant to Kentucky’s distilling scene, opening to visitors in 2017. The bourbon crafted here follows a high-rye recipe that distinguishes it from others. Experience a taste and the brand’s rich history through a multisensory tour.

James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont

As a staple in Kentucky bourbon, James B. Beam Distilling Co. is a must-visit. Located in Clermont, where Jim Beam was first distilled, guests can tour the facility, enjoy Kentucky cuisine at The Kitchen Table Restaurant, and try featured cocktails at the bar.

Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto

A landmark thanks to its red wax-dipped bottles, the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto offers tours that provide insight into the history and craftsmanship that began in the 1950s. Guests can even hand-dip a bottle in red wax at the DIY station.

Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles

Visit the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery located in a serene setting, complete with pre-Prohibition warehouses and scenic Glenn’s Creek. Experience the birthplace of fine bourbon, where it claims the art of bourbon-making originated in 1812.

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort

This family-owned distillery is a National Historic Landmark with roots dating back to the 1700s. Buffalo Trace Distillery offers guests an opportunity to learn about bourbon production and explore its vodka and soda offerings through informative tours.

Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg

Explore the Spanish mission-style Four Roses Distillery, established in 1910 and a recognized historic place. Enjoy a guided tasting and learn about Four Roses’ unique recipes, plus relax with a seasonal cocktail at Bar 1888 post-tour.

Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville

Located on Whiskey Row, Angel’s Envy provides memorable tours, including a “Bottle Your Own Single Barrel” option. Participate in cocktail-making courses, adding to your whiskey knowledge while enjoying interactive experiences.

Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort

Recognized as one of the best in the country, Castle & Key offers visitors opportunities to taste bourbon at the Old Taylor Distillery, which is amidst beautiful grounds featuring a sunken garden and springhouse.

Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bardstown

This innovative distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, located on 100 acres, features experiences from blind tastings to food pairings. An on-site restaurant serves delicious dishes, enhancing the bourbon experience.

Green River Distilling Co., Owensboro

At Green River Distilling Co., enjoy insights about how whiskey transitions from grain to barrel, participate in barrel “thieving,” or unwind with a flight at their cocktail lounge.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown

Established in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery boasts over a million barrels aging across Kentucky. Attend the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience for tours, an on-site museum, and tastings at the Five Brothers Bar.

James E. Pepper Distillery, Lexington

A historic gem, the James E. Pepper Distillery reopened in 2018, welcomes guests to learn about its storied past tied to horse racing and the American Revolution, while enjoying bourbon tastings.

Limestone Branch Distillery, Lebanon

Home to a lineage of distillers preserving recipes for over 200 years, Limestone Branch offers peaceful tours and high-quality cocktails at their Minor’s Lounge, along with gin production for spirits enthusiasts.

Old Forester Distilling Co., Louisville

Discover the history and crafting of bourbon at Old Forester’s Whiskey Row facility. Tours culminate in a tasting, and even those unable to tour can enhance their whiskey knowledge at George’s Bar.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company, Louisville

Located in a former tobacco warehouse, Kentucky Peerless specializes in rye whiskey alongside bourbon, offering guided tastings and unique experiences, including meeting the distillery’s resident cat, Rye.