Kentucky's Newest Bourbon Experiences
Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region Bourbon, Horses & History Northern Kentucky River Region
As the birthplace of bourbon, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s supply. With more than 11.4 million aging barrels, there are now two barrels for every Kentucky resident. Bourbon truly is more than a drink in Kentucky, it’s a way of life. Bourbon is booming, with distilleries and businesses expanding and enhancing visitors’ experiences to offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or new to the spirit, there’s a bourbon experience for you here in the Bluegrass State. Check out six new bourbon attractions below!
The Last Refuge – Louisville
Bob Dylan’s whiskey brand Heaven’s Door located in Pleasureville opened a new experience in the NuLu district of downtown Louisville named “The Last Refuge.” The space is within a historic church originally built in 1880 that has turned into a music venue and tasting room. The Last Refuge, located on East Market Street features a whiskey bar, restaurant and live event space. It is open at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
The Trail Hotel - Bardstown
“The Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown just got a luxury bourbon-infused hotel — The Trail Hotel. Located on a historic property, it offers around 100 rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant, multiple bars, a pool and even a bourbon butler. With the direct access to the Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, you are mere minutes away from some of the best distilleries.
Augusta Distillery – Augusta
Augusta Distillery located, in Bracken County, just opened up after finishing the renovation of a 45,000-square-foot-building. The company spent more than $45 million to create a cutting-edge distillery with a focus on guest experience and event center, located in beautiful downtown Augusta.
Kentucky Artisan Distillery - Oldham County
Kentucky Artisan Distillery has debuted its new tour. Dubbed the Clubhouse Barrel Tasting Experience, this experience gives bourbon fans an opportunity to taste five different mash bills with a hands on, direct from the barrel tasting experience.
Heaven Hill unveiled a new fast and casual dining experience at its Bardstown location. Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is named after the five Shapira brothers who founded the company in 1935. The new restaurant is located on the second floor of the distillery and it offers lunch and dinner. The menu focuses on Southern cuisine with a modern twist and is a must visit for both tourists and locals.
Pursuit Spirits - Louisville
Pursuit Spirits started two new experiences at its distillery on Mellwood Road in Louisville. The “Whole Shebang!” offers bourbon lovers an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience that goes in-depth into the wide world of distilling over the course of 90 minutes. Along with the tour, visitors get to taste different expressions as well as the opportunity fill your own bottle from a barrel they liked the most. On the "Discover the Pursuit" tasting, guests will be guided through a curated selection of six different bourbon and rye whiskeys with some special surprises that are available only at the distillery.