First Timer's Bourbon Trail Guide
State Wide
You’re finally heading to Kentucky’s bourbon country? Here's how to plan a first trip to the legendary bluegrass that you'll remember — where to base yourself, how to pace it, and where to start.
Planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and beyond: your questions answered
Are all Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®?
You may know all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. And while folks often use the Trail interchangeably when they’re talking about bourbon country, there’s a distinction: the Trail is a Kentucky Distillers' Association program that includes dozens — though not all — of the state's distilleries. So all distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail make bourbon, but not all bourbon makers are on the Trail.
What’s the best time of year to visit bourbon distilleries in Kentucky?
Kentuckians like to tell you that if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes, but the Bluegrass State gets all four seasons (and they mean it!), so the real question is: which do you enjoy most? Summer’s long, sunny days can also bring crowds. Spring and fall may be milder, while winter can offer a little more breathing room at your favorite destinations.
Where should I stay for access to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and more bourbon experiences: Louisville, Bardstown, or Lexington?
Pro tip: unpack one time and settle into a place. Louisville makes sense as the largest city, spiked with a slew of independent bars, restaurants, and such a thriving urban bourbon scene you honestly wouldn’t even have to leave. Check into boutique Hotel Genevieve or the classic Seelbach. To be more central, consider Lexington, a smaller city tucked into countryside dotted with thoroughbred farms, where artful stays await at The Manchester and 21c. And if you prefer planting yourself out in the bluegrass, Bardstown — Bourbon Capital of the World and host of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival — may be more your speed with the posh The Trail Hotel and retro Bardstown Motor Lodge.
How far in advance should I book Kentucky bourbon distillery tours?
The most popular destinations book well in advance and can sell out quickly, so … soon. If you’re not an advance planner, try checking same-day for last-minute openings, or walk-in tastings.
How many distillery tours can you do a day in Kentucky’s bourbon country?
Short answer: Two or three.
I promise. You wouldn’t throw back five different shots in a hurry — consider distilleries the same way. Like sipping your favorite bourbon, exploring bourbon country needs time to savor. You’ll not only enjoy them more in the moment, you’ll remember more later. And if you love bourbon, you know that the finish can be the best part.
No one has ever said, “I’m so glad my bourbon country trip was a blur. I should have gone to even more distilleries.” The more common refrain is, “I wish I’d taken my time.” Distilleries can be far apart, their connections often winding country roads where you may end up behind a tractor. You’ll be glad you paced yourself when you find yourself with time to settle into a rocking chair at Woodford Reserve, say, and take in the postcard perfection.
Do I need a designated driver for Kentucky bourbon distillery tours or can I rideshare?
Mixing high-proof spirits and driving is a terrible idea that can ruin more than your vacation. Outside of urban areas, Uber and Lyft are unreliable, so use a designated driver, or choose from one of the many fine bourbon tour outfitters so you can all (responsibly!) enjoy our native spirit.
What should I wear to tour bourbon distilleries in Kentucky?
Distilleries are working production facilities, so wear closed-toed, comfortable walking shoes. You’ll often be in and out of rickhouses with no climate control (those extreme swings are how the bourbon draws in every last drop of flavor and color from the barrel!), so layers are wise.
Can kids come on Kentucky bourbon distillery tours?
Science and history come alive on distillery tours, and the under-21 set is welcome at many distilleries; check beforehand.
The Best Kentucky Distilleries for First-Time Visitors
You'll find most of these stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, though the best first trip also makes room for distilleries that aren’t members of the program. Choose your own adventure from the abundance of options, or start with some of these visitor favorites.
Buffalo Trace (Frankfort)
You may wonder if Buffalo Trace is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It is not. The iconic distillery is a fan favorite for any first (or repeat!) visit to bourbon country. Also, tours are free!
Don't miss: The Hard Hat Tour offers a glimpse behind the curtain at real production.
Claim to fame: The world's most-awarded distillery, and the source of some of the most sought-after labels. Think Pappy, Weller, and Blanton's.
Insider tip: If your heart is set on buying a particular favorite, check their website for that day’s product availability.
Perfect for: Visitors who want pedigree and history, with the distillery a National Historic Landmark and among the oldest continuously operating in the country.
Heads-up: Snagging tour tickets means being on your toes. You’ll want to set a reminder to be online when tickets release, and use the waitlist option if you miss your date.
Accessibility: The visitor center and gift shop are ADA accessible, as is the Trace Tour; the other tours are not.
Reserve Buffalo Trace tours: The tour calendar opens Wednesdays at 10 a.m. EST, releasing dates up to eight weeks out.
Castle & Key (Frankfort)
Don't miss: The sunken garden, the Springhouse, and 534-foot-long Warehouse B.
Claim to fame: The fairytale restoration of the 1887 Old Taylor distillery complete with limestone castle.
Insider tip: You don't need a tour to enjoy much of the grounds, the shop, and the bar.
Perfect for: Visitors who want to wander and soak up the architecture and gardens.
Heads-up: You may be here for bourbon, but their gin — made from the same distillate — may sway you.
Accessibility: The grounds can be challenging to traverse with limited mobility; call the Hospitality Team at to plan ahead.
Reserve Castle & Key tours: as of June, bookings are available through October of 2026
Maker’s Mark (Loretto)
Don't miss: Hand-dipping your own bottle in the signature red wax.
Claim to fame: The wheated recipe that gives Maker's its softer, sweeter profile.
Insider tip: Plan your day around lunch at Star Hill Provisions for soul-satisfying (and bourbon-soaking-up) farm-to-table fare.
Perfect for: Fans who appreciate the lore of the long family history.
Heads-up: It's a long (albeit scenic) haul from any interstate.
Accessibility: The campus is accessible, with a shuttle, ASL tours, and experiences for blind guests; email tours@makersmark.com. Also ask about the Sunflower Program for invisible disabilities.
Reserve Maker’s Mark tours: six weeks out.
Old Forester (Downtown Louisville)
Don't miss: The fiery barrel at the on-site cooperage where you can see how bourbon barrels are raised — and blazed.
Claim to fame: America's first bottled bourbon (1870), and the only one sold continuously before, during, and after Prohibition by the same company.
Insider tip: George's Bar pours cocktails whether or not you're touring.
Perfect for: A walkable downtown day. Anchoring Whiskey Row, “Old Fo” is in striking distance of several urban distillers.
Heads-up: The shop is strong on merch but light on rarities, so don't count on snagging Birthday Bourbon unless you’re there on a “surprise drop” day.
Accessibility: An ADA tour experience is available, with wheelchairs on request.
Reserve Old Forester tours: Open three months ahead.
Willett Distillery (Bardstown)
Don't miss: The Bar at Willett offers some seriously good small plates and bourbon cocktails (plus an Instagram-famous egg salad sandwich).
Claim to fame: That unmistakable pot-still-shaped bottle, and a family-run distillery with a cult following for its small-batch whiskeys.
Insider tip: No saving the best for last here; the tastings are progressive as you walk.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants a more intimate experience.
Heads-up: If you hope to score a Family Estate single-barrel pick at the gift shop, call ahead first for the recording that tells you if any are in stock.
Accessibility: The main tour is accessible apart from the fermentation room, which requires stairs; the gift shop is accessible and the restaurant has an elevator.
Reserve Willett tours: up to 90 days in advance.
Woodford Reserve (Versailles)
Don't miss: The setting itself — the dreamy drive in through horse country and the limestone warehouses. Oh, and the bourbon balls served with the tasting.
Claim to fame: One of few American distilleries using copper pot stills and triple distillation, on a National Historic Landmark site where bourbon was first made in 1812.
Insider tip: The gift shop will engrave a bottle for you.
Perfect for: First-timers who want the postcard-Kentucky experience.
Heads-up: This is one of the busiest stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, so book well ahead and expect company.
Accessibility: The main tour path is wheelchair accessible and an elevator is available to bypass the steps to the fermentation floor. Some premium experiences require stairs.
Reserve Woodford Reserve tours: Rolling 90 days, booked by the hour.