Kentucky Bourbon Trail

There can’t be many better scenic drives in the world, ambling through the winding country lanes of Kentucky, around lush rolling grass fields, dotted with historic towns such as Bardstown or Elizabethtown, with wooden churches, horse ranches and farms perched atop hills, all surrounded and criss-crossed with white horse fences. Welcome to Bluegrass County, perhaps Kentucky’s most historic region, and home of the fabled bourbon distilleries.
In fact there’s no better way to see the countryside than making for the distilleries, which holds a part of Kentucky history like no other industry. So popular are the drives that Kentucky has dreamt up the bourbon Trail, a handy network of routes linking six of the best distilleries – Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses – and some of the most historic and picturesque countryside.

Woodford Reserve Distillery rack house

Finding out firsthand the art and science of crafting Bourbon, America’s native spirit, is fascinating – did you know, bourbon got its name from Bourbon county, named in recognition of the military help the Bourbon King Louis of France gave in the war of independence. The drink got it’s distinctive taste from the unique limestone water and ripe corn, and from the oak barrels it was shipped in on the long trip down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans; the oak giving it the distinct mellow flavour and amber colour.
Punters pick up a passport and have it stamped at the six distilleries – do all six and you get the T-shirt; more than 10,000 people sampled all six last year, so you won’t be alone. Just make sure you have a designated driver (not too much of a problem to share days, as it will take two days to tour all six, as although some are just eight miles apart, some are 70 miles away).
Most tours are free, but you have to be 21 under Kentucky law to enjoy the free tastings at the end of each tour. Just go to http://www.kybourbontrail.com/ for more details