Bourbon Experiences

A year on from the launch of Brand USA and the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s Bourbon Tourism campaign, Charlotte Flach samples the best tours and tastings

Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum is inviting visitors to celebrate its centennial in 2024. The story behind the annual event, dating back to the first Derby in 1875, will be told through exhibits ranging from iconic fashion pieces to learning what it takes to be a jockey.

Take a guided tour of Churchill Downs Racetrack then head to the Derby Cafe and Bourbon Bar to try the Derby-Pie and bourbon bread pudding. derbymuseum.org

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Located in Bardstown, the bourbon Capital of the World, the Bardstown Bourbon Company is famed for bringing a modern twist while “respecting the traditional art of making whisky.” A guided tour explores how to thieve bourbon straight from the barrel, guests can also create their own blend. The library has over 400 bourbons and ryes dating back to 1892. Bardstownbourbon.com

Heaven Hill

Visitors Centre

Established in 1935 by the Shapira family, Heaven Hill Distillery has been crafting bourbon ever since. Visitors can step back in time at The 1935 Distillery Theatre to learn about ‘the largest independent family-owned bourbon distillery in the world’ before unwinding with a handcrafted cocktail at the Five Brothers Bar. The You Do Bourbon experience offers a guided tasting of exclusive bourbons. heavenhilldistillery.com

Revival

Revival in downtown Covington is a charming vintage shop which stocks a curated collection of rare and vintage bottles. Visitors are in good hands with co-founder Brad Bonds, who is a vintage bourbon curator, and his colleague Shannon Smith, a member of the Distillate Committee for the Cincinnati/NKY Chapter of Bourbon Women. Bourbon enthusiasts can taste vintage samples dating back as far as the 19th century. revivalky.com

Fresh Bourbon

Owned by Tia and Sean Edwards, Fresh Bourbon is recognised as the first African American-owned distillery since slavery to make Kentucky Bourbon. The distillery’s ethos is that bourbon is for everyone, whether you are a first-time drinker or a connoisseur. A tasting room offers visitors the chance to try a sensory activity, aroma pairings, mixology class and a sipping experience. freshbourbon.com

Wallace Station

Located on the national scenic byway Old Frankfort Pike, Wallace Station serves Southern classics from the Kentucky Hot Brown to Catfish sandwiches and fried pickles. Expect a warm southern welcome from owner and celebrated chef Ouita Michel, who serves up her menu staple, Bourbon Trail Triple Crown – a three-layer sandwich filled with roast turkey, bacon, cheese and bourbon barbecue sauce. wallacestation.com