Top Bourbon Distilleries to Visit: A Guide for Fans

1. Buffalo Trace Distillery

Welcome to the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery, where history and bourbon blend seamlessly. This distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. It's been making bourbon for over 200 years!

Visitors can enjoy a variety of tours, each offering a unique glimpse into the bourbon-making process. From the standard tour to the more in-depth hard hat tour, there's something for everyone.

Highlights

  • Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
  • Established: 1775
  • Famous Brands: Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Pappy Van Winkle

Tours and Experiences

  1. Standard Tour: A great introduction to the distillery, covering the basics of bourbon production.
  2. Hard Hat Tour: For those who want a deeper dive into the distillery's operations.
  3. Ghost Tour: Explore the spooky side of Buffalo Trace with this unique experience.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a must-visit for any bourbon fan. The rich history and variety of tours make it a standout destination.

2. Maker's Mark Distillery

Nestled in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Maker's Mark Distillery offers a delightful mix of tradition and innovation. Visitors can choose from a wide offering of experiences ranging from traditional tours and cocktail classes to unique seasonal workshops. Learn how Maker's Mark bourbon is crafted and even dip your own bottle in their signature red wax.

Highlights

  • Traditional tours
  • Cocktail classes
  • Seasonal workshops
The distillery's picturesque setting and hands-on activities make it a must-visit for bourbon enthusiasts.

3. Woodford Reserve Distillery

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Distillery offers a unique experience for bourbon lovers. The distillery is known for its great tour guide and informative tours. Visitors often leave with a deeper understanding of the bourbon-making process.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Learn about the history of Woodford Reserve.
  • See the beautiful copper pot stills.
  • Discover the aging process in the historic warehouses.

Tasting Experience

After the tour, guests are treated to a tasting session. Here, you can savor the rich flavors of Woodford Reserve's finest bourbons. The tasting is a favorite part for many visitors, as it allows them to appreciate the complexity of the spirit.

The tour guide, Jamie, was attentive and made the experience memorable. We learned a bit more on this tour than others we've been on.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Versailles, Kentucky
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM; Sunday, 12 PM - 4 PM
  • Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
  • Cost: $20 per person

Whether you're a bourbon newbie or a seasoned aficionado, Woodford Reserve Distillery is a must-visit. The combination of history, craftsmanship, and tasting makes it an unforgettable stop on any bourbon trail.

4. Jim Beam American Stillhouse

If you're a bourbon fan, the Jim Beam American Stillhouse is a must-visit. Located in Clermont, Kentucky, this distillery offers a unique experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and, of course, tasting some of the finest bourbon.

The Tour

The James B. Beam Distilling Tour is a 1.25-hour adventure that costs $30 plus tax and fees. Active military visitors can enjoy the tour for free with their military ID. During the tour, you'll learn about the bourbon-making process, from mashing to distilling to aging.

Tasting Experience

After the tour, guests are treated to a tasting session where they can sample a variety of Jim Beam products. This is a great opportunity to try some exclusive and limited-edition bourbons that you won't find anywhere else.

Gift Shop

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out. Here, you can purchase bottles of your favorite Jim Beam bourbons, as well as branded merchandise like glasses, shirts, and more.

Visiting the Jim Beam American Stillhouse is not just a tour; it's an experience that every bourbon lover should have at least once in their lifetime.

5. Wild Turkey Distillery

Nestled in the rolling hills of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Wild Turkey Distillery offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. This distillery is a must-visit for bourbon enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours that showcase the entire bourbon-making process, from mashing to bottling. The tour guides are not only knowledgeable but also have a knack for storytelling, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Historic Rickhouses: See where the magic happens as you walk through the historic rickhouses where the bourbon ages to perfection.
  • Tasting Room: End your tour with a visit to the tasting room, where you can sample some of Wild Turkey's finest offerings.
  • Gift Shop: Don't forget to stop by the gift shop to pick up a bottle or two of your favorite Wild Turkey bourbon.

Fun Facts

  • Wild Turkey has been producing bourbon for over 75 years.
  • The distillery is known for its high-rye bourbon, which gives it a distinctive, spicy flavor.
Visiting Wild Turkey Distillery is like stepping back in time while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities. It's a perfect blend of old and new, making it a memorable experience for all who visit.

6. Four Roses Distillery

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Four Roses Distillery is a must-visit for any bourbon fan. This distillery is known for its unique bourbon-making process and beautiful Spanish Mission-style architecture.

What to Expect

  • Guided Tours: Explore the distillery with expert guides who will walk you through the bourbon-making process.
  • Tasting Sessions: Sample some of the finest bourbons that Four Roses has to offer.
  • Gift Shop: Don't forget to pick up a souvenir or two from their well-stocked shop.

Highlights

Visiting Four Roses Distillery is like stepping into a bourbon lover's paradise. The combination of history, craftsmanship, and flavor makes it an unforgettable experience.

Tips for Visitors

  1. Book your tour in advance to ensure availability.
  2. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking.
  3. Don't miss the chance to explore unique gift ideas for bourbon lovers in the gift shop.

Whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Four Roses Distillery offers something for everyone. Enjoy tastings, learn about the history, and deepen your appreciation for this beloved spirit.

7. Heaven Hill Distillery

Heaven Hill Distillery with barrels and rustic building

Heaven Hill Distillery is a must-visit for bourbon fans. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, this distillery offers a rich history and a variety of experiences for visitors.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience

The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience is a highlight of any visit. Our guide Rebecca was amazing and made the tour very enjoyable. After the tour, you can relax and unwind at the Five Brothers Bar upstairs.

Tasting Room

The tasting room at Heaven Hill is a great place to sample some of their finest bourbons. You'll get to try a range of their products, from the classic Elijah Craig to the unique Parker's Heritage Collection.

Gift Shop

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out. It's the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or a bottle of your favorite bourbon to take home.

8. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience

If you're a fan of bourbon with a bit of a wild side, the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience is a must-visit. Located in the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, this place is steeped in history and charm.

What to Expect

  • Guided Tours: Learn about the rich history of Bulleit and the distilling process.
  • Tasting Sessions: Sample some of Bulleit's finest offerings.
  • Gift Shop: Pick up some exclusive Bulleit merchandise and bottles.

Highlights

  • The distillery is set in a beautiful, historic building that dates back to 1935.
  • You can see the original stills and other equipment used in the distilling process.
Visiting the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience is like stepping back in time, but with a modern twist. It's a perfect blend of history and innovation.

Tips for Visitors

  1. Book your tour in advance to secure your spot.
  2. Wear comfortable shoes; there's a lot of walking involved.
  3. Don't forget to bring your ID if you want to participate in the tasting sessions.

Whether you're a bourbon newbie or a seasoned aficionado, the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience offers something for everyone. It's a fun, educational, and tasty adventure you won't want to miss.

9. Angel's Envy Distillery

Angel's Envy Distillery is a must-visit for bourbon fans. Located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, this distillery offers a unique experience that combines tradition with innovation.

The distillery tour is a highlight, where visitors can see the entire bourbon-making process, from mashing to bottling. The tour ends with a tasting session in their stylish tasting room, where you can sample their signature bourbon finished in port wine barrels.

Visitors can also enjoy:

  • A behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process
  • A chance to bottle your own bourbon
  • A gift shop with exclusive Angel's Envy merchandise
The Angel's Envy Distillery is not just about bourbon; it's about the experience. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making every visit memorable.

For those who want to dive deeper, there are special events and classes available throughout the year. Whether you're a bourbon newbie or a seasoned aficionado, Angel's Envy Distillery has something for everyone.

10. Michter's Distillery

Michter's Distillery, located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, is a must-visit for bourbon fans. Featuring tours, tastings, and the world-class bar at Fort Nelson, this distillery offers a deep dive into the making of their highly acclaimed bourbon.

Highlights of Michter's Distillery

  • Tours: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process.
  • Tastings: Sample some of the finest bourbons Michter's has to offer.
  • Fort Nelson Bar: Enjoy a drink at their renowned bar, which boasts a wide selection of Michter's products.
Michter's Distillery provides a unique experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and a bit of fun. Don't miss out on this gem in Louisville!

Whether you're a bourbon newbie or a seasoned aficionado, Michter's Distillery has something for everyone. From the informative tours to the delightful tastings, it's a place where you can truly appreciate the art of bourbon making.

Michter's Distillery is a must-visit for any whiskey lover. Known for its rich history and exceptional spirits, this distillery offers a unique experience. Want to explore more about Michter's and other top distilleries? Check out our website for exclusive insights and offers.