A Guide to the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky:

A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a spirited collection of Bourbon Country's best distilleries. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers visitors an immersive experience in the history, craftsmanship, and tasting of America’s native spirit—bourbon. 


Established in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), the trail includes some of the most famous bourbon producers in the world.

Visitors can explore the rich tradition of bourbon-making, enjoy guided tours, sample premium whiskeys, and even collect stamps in an official Bourbon Trail Passport for a special souvenir upon completion.

Which Distilleries are Included on the KY Bourbon Trail?

The nice thing about the trial is that it is completely customizable for you and your group. Have a go-to bourbon you want to sip? You can pick and choose which distilleries you’d like to visit. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail features 56 distilleries and has been merged with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. 


Some of the most well-known distilleries include:

  • Castle & Key Distillery (Frankfort)
  • J. Mattingly (Frankfort)
  • Limestone Branch (Lebanon)
  • Bardstown Bourbon Company (Bardstown)
  • Maker’s Mark (Loretto)
  • Whiskey Thief Distillery (Frankfort)
  • Woodford Reserve (Versailles)
  • Buffalo Trace (Frankfort) (Not officially on the trail but a must-visit)
  • Angel’s Envy (Louisville)
  • Wild Turkey (Lawrenceburg)
  • Four Roses (Lawrenceburg)
  • Heaven Hill (Bardstown)
  • Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience (Shelbyville)


Each distillery offers a unique experience, from historical sites to innovative craft bourbon operations.


What is the Cost of The KY Bourbon Trail?

While there is no general admission fee for the trail itself, each distillery charges separately for tours and tastings. Prices typically range from $10 to $35 per tour, depending on the experience.


Some premium tours, including private tastings or behind-the-scenes access, can cost $50+ per person

Kentucky Bourbon Trail 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Settling in & Relaxing


Depending on where you’re coming from, you might be jet-lagged or need to recharge your battery. If you’re staying with us at Bourbon Barrel Cottages-we’ve got you covered. We have relaxing private hot tubs, covered porches, propane grill, fast Wi-fi, and more. So, if you arrive later in the day, don’t sweat it and take it easy. 


Morning

If you arrive in the morning on day 1, consider recharging with a hot shower, morning massage, or a soak in the hot tub. Yes, you heard that right! We have a private massage therapist who can treat you to a rejuvenating massage.


The mornings are beautiful in Bourbon country and we love starting our days marveling at the beautiful environment surrounding our property.


Afternoon

It’s about mid-day when you get done with your massage and lunch, but what now? If you’re up for it, we can start with a nice distillery tour today. 


We recommend touring the Wild Turkey Distillery or the Four Roses Distillery as they are located nearby and some of the best stops on the trail. You’ll be able to get a first-hand look at their unique history, iconic distilling process, and taste some of the best bourbon-straight from the source.


Depending on which ticket you purchase, they have tours ranging from 30 minutes to an hour and a half.


Most of the distilleries close around 4-6 p.m., so if you’re itching for a nice late afternoon lunch or dinner, we recommend our Bourbon Country Welcome Center! Our menu features a range of delicious options with each dish crafted to pair beautifully with our selection of local bourbons and craft spirits, enhancing your dining experience. Or, stop by our bar and gift shop to discover our extensive collection of more than 150 bourbons and ryes, including hard to find and vintage bottles. We also offer tastings and a wealth of bourbon knowledge for those looking for a bit more!


There are also other local options like Ricardo’s Pub & Grill or Bluegrass Sabor.


Evening

When you’re finished eating, enjoy a walk around our beautiful grounds, spend time chatting on your covered porch, or head to bed early to get some extra sleep.


Or, jump in your private hot tub again- why not!?

Day 2: Tour the Distilleries

Today is the day to really dive into the local distilleries and see why we’re known as Bourbon Country. Bourbon Barrel Tours offers private transportation and knowledgeable guides to make this the best day ever. 


Morning/Afternoon

You can start your morning on day two with a quick stop at some local Lawrenceburg coffeehouses like Big Jack’s Coffeehouse or The Hype, offering skinny teas, protein shakes and protein donuts. This will give you the energy and fuel you need to make today great. 


Ready to go? Pile in our luxurious Mercedes limo van, accommodating up to 8 passengers, or our 10-passenger Sprinter Van. For even bigger groups, we can accommodate up to 20 comfortably! Either way-you’re riding in style.


Today is really up to you and we love to
 customize our tours to your group’s preference. One option is to head to some of Kentucky's major cities and spend the day there.


If you want to visit Lexington, KY-we’ve got the scoop! 

Here are some of the best Lexington Distilleries:

  • Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
  • Barrel House Distilling Co.
  • Bespoken Spirits
  • Fresh Bourbon Distillery


If you’re not heading to Lexington and want to check out some of the most popular distilleries on The Kentucky Bourbon Trail that can be easily arranged! Popular distilleries include
Maker’s Mark, and Buffalo Trace, although they are not located near one another.


However, they’re popular for a reason and are some of the most-raved about distilleries in Kentucky for true, authentic bourbon.


If you want to visit any of these, we suggest finding some nearby distilleries you can see before/after to make the most of your time. 


Here are our suggestions:


Maker’s Mark Distillery


Nearby
:

  • Limestone Branch Distillery
  • Log Still Distillery
  • Bardstown distilleries: Heaven Hill Distillery, Preservation Distillery, or the Bardstown Bourbon Co.


Buffalo Trace 


Nearby:

  • Glenn’s Creek Distilling 
  • J. Mattingly
  • Wild Turkey Distillery
  • Whiskey Thief Distillery
  • Bardstown distilleries: Heaven Hill Distillery, Preservation Distillery, or the Bardstown Bourbon Co.


While not technically part of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visitors can’t help but rave about this distillery. If you’re a fan or even if you’re not, we recommend stopping by and tasting some of their bourbon.


Complement your morning/afternoon tour with a visit to the Bourbon Country Welcome Center in Lawrenceburg, KY for lunch or a little pick-me-up! Or, stop by our bar and gift shop to discover our extensive collection of more than 150 bourbons and ryes, including hard to find and vintage bottles. We also offer tastings and a wealth of bourbon knowledge for those looking for a bit more!


Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, we're here to serve up a taste of local tradition with a side of Southern hospitality. You can even pair your meal with our wide variety of bourbons and craft spirits. You can also check out our
 Bourbon Country Welcomer Center menu here.


Address: 1288 Bypass N Lawrenceburg, KY

Nearby: 

  • Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
  • Wild Turkey Distillery


Evening

What a day! You’ve successfully toured a whole host of distilleries today and made it through your busiest day. We invite you to unwind with a movie, bonfire, card games, or just relax and enjoy the warm Kentucky air on your covered porch.

Day 3: Wrapping Things Up

While we can't tell you how to enjoy your last day here as schedules may vary, we know that by this time you might want to do something else—unless you’re a die-hard bourbon fan. If that’s true, we do have some other options to diversify your last day here.


Morning/Afternoon

If your group enjoys more than just bourbon, we offer tours beyond the Bourbon Trail like our tour of local breweries and vineyards. Lover’s Leap Winery and Rising Sons Winery are both down the road from us!


Spending an afternoon touring other artisans makes for a perfect cap to an unforgettable trip.
You can also check out other popular attractions like the Louisville Slugger Museum, Mammoth Cave, or the Ark Encounter.


Evening

If you’re still here in the evening and don't need to drive home or catch a flight, we invite you to enjoy a nice dinner, grab a drink at a local bar, or have a night in with your group! Our cottages are pet-friendly so you can also enjoy a walk with your pup around the area.

 Tips for Visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

  • Plan Ahead Some distilleries require reservations, especially for specialty tours.
  • Drink Responsibly Designate a driver or book a tour service if you plan to taste at multiple locations.
  • Dress Comfortably Tours often include walking and warehouse visits, so wear comfortable shoes.
  • Try Local Cuisine Pair your bourbon experience with Kentucky favorites like hot browns, burgoo, or country ham.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Transportation

While our unique offering of luxury cottages and bourbon trail tours is the perfect combination, we know not every group needs this and ride share options don’t actually come out to our cottages.


But, here are some other options for transportation around the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.


Ride-Share

For those who don’t want to book a tour group or private driver for the entire day, you can opt for a ride-share situation and book an Uber/Lyft. Keep in mind, this option is probably the most expensive and there’s also no guarantee you’ll find an available driver when you need one.


Also, some ride-share drivers might be hesitant to give you and your group a ride if you smell of alcohol or are intoxicated.


DIY Driver

If you have your own car, that’s great! However, you’ll need to know the parking situation ahead of time. Most distilleries provide free parking, though availability can vary by location.

 

Like most cities, parking in areas like downtown Louisville and Lexington can be limited and come with a fee. Plus, someone in your party will have to be the DD (designated driver), and some might feel that takes away from enjoying the full experience.


Private Tour

With all of that being said, touring with a reputable company is usually the best option as you get a private driver for the entire experience and won’t have to worry about parking or finding a ride. Also, you won’t be required to drive when you’ve had just a bit too much bourbon.


Take a look at our customized Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours!


Popular FAQs

  • Which state is known for bourbon?

Kentucky is the king of Bourbon! In fact, Kentucky is considered the top whiskey-distilling region in the United States. We’re pretty proud of our history and pioneering of distilling practices. We have a nice selection of distilleries and it's evident by the popularity of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.


  • Where to stay on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Come stay at our pet-friendly cottages in Lawrenceburg, KY. We have five luxurious cottages to choose from and one spacious main house that can accommodate up to 20. With our private hot tubs, full kitchens, fire pits, grills, and spacious front porch, we think our cottages are the perfect home base for a Kentucky Bourbon Trail weekend.


  • How many distilleries are in Kentucky?

We’ve got a lot, but we welcome you to come see for yourself! Kentucky has around 100 licensed distilleries and these are spread across 42 counties. 


  • Does bourbon have to be made in Kentucky​?

Yes and no. Bourbon in general does not have to be made in Kentucky but must follow specific processes and meet all federal standards of identity to be considered bourbon. Examples of this include being made from a fermented mash of at least 51% corn, aged in charred new oak barrels, and bottled at no more than 80% alcohol by volume. 


Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. Kentucky bourbon is only produced in the state of Kentucky. To be designated a "Kentucky bourbon", the spirit has to be both distilled and aged in Kentucky, while also matching the specific requirements for bourbon. So while you can find bourbon in any state, 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky.

Stay with Bourbon Barrel Cottages in Lawrenceburg, KY

Our luxury cottages in Lawrenceburg, KY come with a variety of amenities and are the perfect spot to unwind or recharge after a thrilling day touring the distilleries. For large parties, we also offer our spacious main house rental that accommodates up to 20 guests. Your home away from home awaits at Bourbon Barrel Cottages.

Why You’ll Love Us:

  • Private Hot Tubs
  • Modern Amenities
  • Full-stocked Kitchens
  • Covered Patios
  • Pet-Friendly


Visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket-list experience for whiskey lovers, history buffs, and travelers looking for a unique Kentucky adventure. Whether you're a casual drinker or a bourbon aficionado, there's something for everyone on this iconic trail. 


Book your stay and tour with Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours. We’ll meet you in Bourbon Country!