Bourbon Lifestyle
Distilleries
Country Fare: food and drink recipes 24 Bourbon from famous Kentuckians Roses’ Brent Elliot: the new Master Distiller 32 Four replacing the retired Jim Rutledge
80 80 81 81 82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 86 86 87 87 88 88 89 89 89 89 90 90 90 90 91 91
The people, places, and lifestyle of Bourbon Country
the Masters: the men who make the magic 42 Meet from Bourbon distilleries
Bourbon Shots
Snippets about what’s going on in Bourbon Country Bourbons: new releases from distilleries 18 New around Bourbon Country Guides: Mint Julep Tours makes the best 40 Spirited of your Bourbon Country Experience Distilery Happenings: the latest additions 54 New to Kentucky’s premier distilleries
Bourbon Country
Explore the various stops around Bourbon Country 60 Louisville 67 Shepherdsville 68 Lexington 73 Bardstown 76 Lebanon 77 Bowling Green
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Where Bourbon lovers mean (and do) business Alltech Brewing & Distillery Co. Barton’s 1792 Distillery Bourbon Heritage Center: Heaven Hill Distillery Buffalo Trace Distillery Bulleit Bourbon Experience at Stitzel-Weller Corsair Distillery Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Four Roses Distillery Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling Facility Jim Beam American Stillhouse Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Maker’s Mark Distillery Michter’s Micro Distillery Old Forester Distillery Peerless Distilling Company Wild Turkey Distillery Willett Distillery Woodford Reserve Distillery Angel’s Envy Barrel House Distillery Copper and Kings Kentucky Artisan Distillery Limestone Branch Distillery MB Roland Distillery New Riff Distillery Old Pogue Distillery Old Taylor Distillery Wilderness Trail Distillery
Plan a Stay at these 2 Historic Bed & Breakfasts on the Bourbon Trail
Kentucky’s Most Award-Winning B&B 2941 Perryville Road, Springfield, KY 40069 (859) 336-3075 www.maplehillmanor.com
B&B, Bourbon Bar & Lounge, and Day Spa 714 N 3rd St., Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) BOURBON www.bourbonmanor.com
Gift Certificates Available
Editor-in-Chief Justin Thompson
West Region Sales Joanie Allgeier
Associate Editor Seth Thompson Creative Director Josh Rubin
Contributing Authors Robbie Clark Elizabeth Adams Megan Smith Justin Thompson
Sales Manager Seth Thompson
Contributing Photographers Victor Sizemore, Fred Minnick, Justin Thompson
East Region Sales Eric Lukehart
Published by Bourbon Country Guide LLC Advertising inquiries can be made at: info@bourboncountryguide.com or 502-333-0086
ADVERTISERS Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. pg 57 Art Eatables pg 21 Bardstown Toursim pg 19 Barton’s 1792 Distillery pg 9 Bourbon Barrel Foods pg 41 Bourbon Heritage Center: Heaven Hill Bourbon Distillery pg 56 Bourbon Classic pg 7 Bourbon On Main pg 91 Bourbon, Horses & History Inside Front Cover Bourbon Manor pg 7 The Brown Hotel pg 19 Buffalo Trace Tourism pg 49 Bulleit Bourbon Experience at Stitzel-Weller pg 5 Calumet Bourbon pg 92 Coles 735 Main pg 39 Culinary Louisville pg 78 Down One Bourbon Bar pg 35 Evan Williams Bourbon Experience pg 3 Four Roses Bourbon pg 11 Frazier History Museum pg 45 Galt House Hotel pg 35 Gratz Park Inn pg 39 Harrodsburg/Mercer Co. Tourism pg 15 Haymarket Whiskey Bar pg 21 Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza - Louisville Airport pg 35 Hyatt Regency Louisville pg 51
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Jaco Limousine pg 55 Jim Beam American Stillhouse pg 4 Kentucky Bourbon Marketplace pg 51 Kentucky Derby Museum pg 17 Kentucky Horse Park pg 7 Kentucky Peerless Distillery pg 33 Lexington Bourbon Inside Back Cover Louisville Bed & Breakfast Association pg 51 Louisville Marriott Downtown pg 2 Louisville Marriott East pg 13 Louisville Mega Cavern pg 37 Maker’s Mark Distillery pg 1 Michter’s American Whiskey pg 8 Mint Julep Tours pg 47 Old Forestor pg 40 Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass pg 43 Old Limestone Mixing Water pg 47 Proof On Main - 21C Louisville pg 34 R&R Limo pg 23 Shelbyville Commission and Visitors Bureau pg 43 Shepherdsville/Bullitt Co. Tourism Back Cover Sky Bar pg 49 Wild Turkey pg 55 Woodford County Tourism pg 55 Woodford Reserve pg 16
Welcome to Bourbon Country! You’re currently enjoying an area considered to be one of the premier culinary destinations in America due to its rich tradition in distilling, reputation for distinguished hospitality and inheritance of natural beauty. Kentucky is the birthplace of Bourbon, a spirit that has two centuries of history in this commonwealth, and thanks to an act of Congress, is a unique product that can only be made in the United States. The founding pioneers of Bourbon Country came from a long lineage of families who had been making whiskey for generations. These early distillers changed whiskey forever after their product was shipped down the Mississippi River to the Port of New Orleans. They noticed their whiskey took on a darker color and more desirable flavor while aging in charred oak barrels, a groundbreaking discovery that resulted in the birth of Bourbon. Interest in Bourbon is booming all over the world, and the distillers in Kentucky are up for the challenge. Bourbon sales have increased more than 40% over the last five years domestically, with the industry responding by investing more than $300 million in operations just over the last two years. Today, there are more than 5 million barrels of Bourbon resting in Bourbon Country. Though the size of Bourbon distilling operations may have changed from a small still located in a shack on the family farm, to multi-million dollar state of the art equipment sprawling several acres, the art-form and patience required to produce quality Bourbon still exists. That attention to craftsmanship, and resistance to adopting time and moneysaving measures at the cost of quality, has given Bourbon a distinct advantage in the world of spirits, one in which consumers are experiencing themselves in record numbers. Bourbon Country is not only a haven for those who enjoy fine whiskey, it also provides an array of memory-making activities that the entire family can enjoy. From dawn until after dusk, Bourbon Country will keep you entertained with countless nationally-recognized restaurants and bars along with its natural rural beauty. Enjoy learning more about Bourbon Country. We hope it inspires you to explore more of the birthplace of America’s only native spirit.
Justin Thompson Editor In Chief
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A Year of
Bourbon Events
These are just a sampling of some of the annual events in and around Bourbon Country. There is always a Bourbon dinner, class or festival offered nearly every month. Be sure to check the Bourbon calendar at www.bourboncountry.com when planning your visit.
Bourbon Classic
February 23-27, 2016 - Louisville, KY Louisville’s premier Bourbon and culinary event that celebrates the Bourbon arts via chef dinners, cocktail competitions, master distiller talks and Bourbon tastings.
Old-Fashioned Fortnight
June 1 – 14, 2016 – Louisville, KY Two weeks of celebrating Louisville’s Official Cocktail
Kentucky Bourbon Affair
June 2016 – Louisville, KY Kentucky Distillers’ Association celebrates the rich history of Bourbon. www.KyBourbonAffair.com
Bourbon Chase
October 16-17, 2015 – Lexington, KY A 200 mile relay race through the distilleries and horse country of Kentucky
Bourbon Social
October 10, 2015 – Lexington, KY Sample Bourbon from large and small distilleries at this event.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival
September 15-20, 2015 – Bardstown, KY September 13-17, 2016 – Bardstown, KY One of Bourbon Country’s longest running and most heralded Bourbon events.
Urban Bourbon Half Marathon
October 24, 2015 – Louisville, KY Over 21 race down Whiskey Row and more. www.urbanbourbonhalf.com
Repeal Day
December, 5 2015 A fine reason to toast is always the anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition
Bourbon Review Shindig
Early Fall 2016 – Lexington, KY Kick back and enjoy over 50 Bourbons in the middle of the Horse Capital of the World. The 6th annual Shindig will include the best of Bourbon Country: Bourbon, Southern food and Bluegrass music. Mingle with Master Distillers along with the publishers of The Bourbon Review Magazine in the fall while you feast on fare prepared by award-winning chefs and imbibe on the World’s best Bourbon.
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New Bourbons:
Blade & Bow You could easily say that Bulleit Bourbon is the brand that made Diageo a believer in Bourbon, with Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey serving as an example of Diageo’s new found love and dedication to Bourbon. There is some of the actual distilling history of Stitzel-Weller in each bottle of Blade and Bow. Diageo still has some of the last Bourbon distilled at Stitzel-Weller in their possession, but not enough to bottle in a wide release. So, they have implemented a five barrel solera style aging system. Also called fractional blending, solera aging involves a pyramid or tier system of barrels that always feed to the “bottom” barrel in hopes of ensuring consistent quality or taste. In the system, the bottom (or #5 barrel) contains some of the original Bourbon that was distilled in the early 90’s. The trick is to never dump more than half of the barrel. When barrel #5 is dumped for bottling, barrel #4 is used to refill barrel #5. Then barrel #3 fills up #4 and so on, until barrel #1 is used to fill barrel #2. That’s when a new whiskey is intruded to fill barrel #1. The company is very confident that those who taste each level will be able to notice a difference in how each one contributes. To complement this new flagship for the StitzelWeller Distillery, Diageo is also releasing Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release. Diageo says it’s around 15% rye, 7-10% malted barley, and the rest corn. Both of these Bourbons will be released in select markets starting in late April and early May. The suggested retail price of Blade and Bow is $50 and comes in at 91 proof (45.5% ABV). The 22-Year-Old Limited Release has a suggested retail of $150 and checks in at 92 proof (46% ABV).
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New Bourbons:
Old Forester 1897
The company that lays claim to being the first bottled-Bourbon in America, has announced a new whiskey to honor the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond is the second extension of the Whiskey Row Series it launched last fall. The Whiskey Row series is Old Forester’s attempt to provide consumers with Bourbons that taste very similar to the ones it brought to market from the late 1800’s all the way to just after Prohibition was lifted. Old Forester 1897 is also riding the wave of the recent popularity of Bottled in Bond Bourbons that have been released. Several Bourbon companies, such as Beam and Heaven Hill have either re-released, developed or created new marketing campaigns to push Bourbons that fall within the Bottled in Bond parameters. The Bottled-in-Bond Act was passed in order to give consumers assurance from the Federal Government, that the spirit they were drinking had been distilled by one distiller from one distillery, in one distillation season. It also has to have aged in a federal bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. The company says their Master Distiller Chris Morris incorporated, “mirroring production techniques of the 1897 time period” while also, “lightly filtering” in order to create the Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond as close to what it would have tasted like during that period. It will be released in 20 select markets this summer with a national released scheduled for September. The 750ml bottle comes with a suggested retail price of $49.99.
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New Bourbons:
New Turkeys Jimmy Russell, the major caretaker of Wild Turkey brands, is a man of tradition. One of the company’s few surprises came in 1998 when his son, Eddie, surprised his father back in 1998 with Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old for Jimmy’s 45th anniversary with the company. So fans of its whiskey should be very surprised to learn two new limited Bourbons and a new Rye will soon be available. Wild Turkey Master’s Keep will be a very limited 17-year-old Bourbon that is supposed to be released this August. Master’s Keep is bottled at barrel-proof and comes in at 86.8 proof (a little bit of proof is lost during regular filtration) and non-chill-filtered. It will have a suggested retail price of $150 and available in August. Russell’s Reserve 1998 is the another limited Bourbon Wild Turkey is releasing in October. This is stock that Eddie was holding onto for another milestone for Jimmy. Eddie believes that they were only able to bottle 400 cases total (6 bottles to a case), so only about 2,400 bottles will be available. It’s officially been aged for 15 years and checks in at 104 proof with a suggested retail of $250. Jimmy and Eddie have also been working on a new Rye whiskey. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye will be available to consumers in September of this year. It’s a six-year-old whiskey that is bottled at 104 proof. This won’t be as limited as the Bourbons, but Eddie reveals he hopes this is more of an onpremise whiskey, meaning that bar and restaurants would have greater access to this Rye. His plan is to host many private barrel selections of this product for those bars he has built relationships with so they can experience what it’s like to select their own whiskey from tasting it straight from the barrel. That program is slotted to start next January. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye will be a permanent line extension and will be priced around $50.
New Bourbons:
Two New Woodfords Woodford Reserve recently announced plans to release limited runs of experimental whiskies that will only be available at their distillery, located outside Versailles, KY. Starting June 30th, Double Double Oaked and Sweet Wheat will be the first Bourbons of the Distillery Series to be released. Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris announced, “We have decided to share the creativity of our new successful experiments by producing small batches of product that will be sold at the Distillery Visitor’s Center. So, if you want a Distillery Series product you have to come to Woodford Reserve.” Regular Double Oaked is created by taking a batch of fully matured Woodford Reserve and placing it into a second barrel that is toasted for a longer time, so sweeter characteristics are drawn closer to the inside of the barrel. Double Oaked is aged between 6 to 12 months in the second barrel. With Double Double Oaked, Morris keeps the Bourbon in the second barrel for two full years. The longer aging is done in hopes all the flavors the Double Oaked process creates are amplified, not only the sweet notes but the chocolate, wood and dried fruit flavors, as well, for this noticeably darker whiskey. The other Distillery Series being released is Sweet Mash Redux. Fans of Woodford’s Master Collection will probably remember the 2008 release 1838 Sweet Mash. This release will use the same concept by excluding the use of a sample of the previous batch, or sour mash. This change has a huge influence on the flavor. We found that the Sweet Mash Redux is much woodier in taste, but not in an Oaked way. More cedar and pine notes were present along with a drier finish. The Distillery Series whiskies will be available in a .375ml bottle and retail for $50. Woodford Reserve plans to release up to six Distillery Series whiskies a year and to even repeat some of the more popular ones. According to Morris, “If people like them, we’ll make them again. So there’s no prohibition of making these just once.”
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New Bourbons:
Four Roses Limited Four Roses will continue bottling its Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon this Fall and according to the company, they have mingled together a very special batch this year to say goodbye to their tenured Master Distiller Jim Rutledge. After 49 years with the company Rutledge recently announced he was retiring and August 28th will be the official end to his run as Master Distiller there. Brent Elliot will take over duties as Master Distiller of Four Roses. Four Roses is the only Bourbon company that currently has two separate mashbills and five proprietary yeast strains which allows them to produce ten different Bourbons recipes. This year’s Limited Edition Small Batch will feature an OBSK recipe that’s 16 years old, a OESK that is 15 years old, an OESK that is 14 years old and an OBSV that is 11 years old. Rutledge shared this about the 2015 release, “This combination of mature Bourbons is something truly special. It’s great when you can go out on a high note, and this Bourbon delivers that.” Like the previous releases, the 2015 Limited Edition Small Batch will be bottled at barrel strength at 108.5 proof (54.25 ABV). Approximately 12,600 hand-numbered bottles will be available to consumers around the middle of September.
ANGEL’S SHARE BISCUITS
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Bourbon Country’s most beloved export is not only in high demand behind the bar these days, but it’s making its way into kitchens across the country thanks to its popularity with chefs. Enjoy these Bourbon Country inspired recipes from some of the hottest chefauthors via these best-selling cookbooks: Morgan Murphy’s Bourbon and Bacon: The Ultimate Guide To The South’s Favorite Food Groups, Ed Lee’s Smoke And Pickles, John Currence’s Pickles Pigs and Whiskey, Lynn Hulsman’s Bourbon Desserts and Albert Schmid’s Kentucky Bourbon Cook Book.
When Bourbon (or any other distilled spirit) comes off the still, it is as clear as water. The color and flavor of Bourbon develop as it ages in a burned or toasted oak barrel. During the aging process, some of the Bourbon is lost to evaporation, and this evaporated alcohol is called the “Angel’s share” by the distilling and wine-making industry. As the biscuit bakes, the alcohol evaporates to the angels, but the Bourbon flavor stays behind in the biscuit. In the United States a biscuit is a roll made with chemical leavening such as baking soda or baking powder. An Angel Biscuit is a biscuit made with yeast and/or the chemical leavening. An Angel Biscuit is half biscuit–half roll. These Angel Biscuits made with Bourbon can be served with most meals. Yield: 2 dozen biscuits ½ cup warm water 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon yeast 5 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup butter ½ cup shortening 1½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup Kentucky Bourbon 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix the warm water and honey together and dissolve the yeast in the water-honey mixture. 2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and shortening and mix with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles fine cornmeal.
3. Mix the buttermilk and Bourbon with the yeast mixture; add these ingredients to the flour mixture. Combine lightly until the ingredients are just mixed together. 4. Grease a baking pan and drop mounds of dough onto it. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
The Kentucky Bourbon Apple Jelly After the harvest in the fall come canning and preserving. Follow the next two recipes, from the book Whiskey in the Kitchen, by Emanuel and Madeline Greenberg, to make jellies for the coming year. Yield: 4 (8- ounce) jars 1 cup Kentucky Bourbon 1 cup apple juice 3 cups sugar ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons liquid fruit pectin Combine the Bourbon, apple juice, and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pectin. Cool the mixture and pour it into sterilized jelly jars. Cover and seal the jars with sterilized jar lids.
BOURBON-AND-COKE MEATLOAF SANDWICH
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Feeds 8
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Meatloaf
2. To make the meatloaf: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, celery, and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes, until softened. Add the bacon and mushrooms and sauté for another 4 minutes, until soft. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Let cool to room temperature.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 cup finely chopped onions ¼ cup finely chopped celery 1 garlic clove, minced 3 ounces bacon, diced 1 cup chopped button mushrooms 1 pound ground beef chuck (80% lean) ½ cup fresh bread crumbs 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk ¼ cup ketchup 2 tablespoons Coca-Cola 1 tablespoon bourbon 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¾ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon pepper
Glaze ¼ cup ketchup ½ tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Black Pepper Gravy 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 cup reserved meatloaf drippings ½ cup chicken stock Kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper A few drops of fresh lemon juice
Sandwiches 8 slices Texas toast (see note) ½ cup mayonnaise, preferably Duke’s 8 thick slices tomato 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 8 large eggs, preferably organic Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley NOTE: Texas toast is double-thick white bread. You can use normal white bread if you can’t find Texas toast.
3. Add the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, yolk, ketchup, cola, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the bacon mixture. Mix with your hands until evenly blended. Form into a loaf and transfer to a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. 4. To prepare the glaze: Mix the ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar together. Brush it over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 145°F. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully pour the drippings into a small bowl by holding the meatloaf in the pan and tipping it slightly. You should get about a cup of drippings; save this for your gravy. Let the meatloaf cool for about 20 minutes. Leave the oven on. 5. While the meatloaf is cooling, make the gravy: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then whisk in the drippings and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, whisking, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add salt to taste, the black pepper, and a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the gravy. Turn off the heat and keep the gravy warm until ready to use. (The gravy keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to a day. Rewarm it in a small saucepan and add a few drops of water to help smooth it out.) 6. To make the sandwiches: Arrange the bread slices on a baking pan and toast in the oven until nicely browned, about 6 minutes. Let cool. 7. Unmold the meatloaf and cut eight ¾-inch-thick slices from it. 8. Smear a tablespoon of mayo on each toast, then top with a slice of meatloaf and a slice of tomato. 9. In a large skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Fry the eggs sunny-side up, 2 eggs at a time, about 3 minutes. Using a spatula, lay a fried egg over each slice of meatloaf. 10. Drizzle the gravy over the eggs and top with some chopped parsley. Eat right away.
BRAISED BRISKET WITH BOURBON-PEACH GLAZE
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Feeds 12 to 15
Rub 3 tablespoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Brisket 1 flat brisket (7 to 8 pounds; see note) 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 6 garlic cloves, smashed 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped 3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped 3 plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped Two 12-ounce bottles stout 1½ cups bourbon ½ cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ½ cup packed light brown sugar 8 cups beef stock A handful of fresh thyme leaves with small stems
Glaze One 10-ounce jar peach jam or preserves 1 tablespoon bourbon ½ cup reserved braising liquid Pinch each salt and freshly ground black pepper To make the rub: Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. 1. Cut the brisket in half, against the grain. Put it on a baking sheet and rub the brisket all over with the spice rub. Don’t be gentle with it—use all the rub in the bowl. Let stand in the refrigerator for 2 hours to give the brisket a quick cure. 2. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. 3. In a rondeau or a large shallow pot big enough to hold both brisket pieces in one layer, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over high heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onions pick up a little color. Transfer the onions and garlic to a plate.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot and heat until it’s nearly smoking. Add the brisket, fat side down, and allow it to brown, untouched, for 5 to 6 minutes. Lift one corner of the brisket and check it; it should be nicely browned. Using tongs, flip both brisket pieces. 5. Add the onions and garlic to the pot, along with the carrots, celery, tomatoes, stout, bourbon, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, beef stock, and thyme leaves and bring to a simmer over high heat. 6. Cover the rondeau with a double layer of aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Cook for 4½ hours. Resist the temptation to peek under the foil. Remove the pot from the oven and slowly pull back the foil. The brisket should be very tender to the touch but still hold its shape. Transfer the brisket to a platter and tent it with foil to keep it moist. 7. Strain the braising liquid. Reserve some of the cooked vegetables and ½ cup of the braising liquid for the glaze and return the rest to the rondeau. Turn the heat up to high and reduce the braising liquid for about 15 minutes. 8. Meanwhile, to make the glaze: Combine the peach jam, the bourbon, and the strained braising liquid in a blender and blend until a smooth puree forms. Season with the salt and pepper. 9. When the brisket has cooled a bit, using a sharp paring knife, score the fat side of the brisket by making slits about ¼ inch deep in a crosshatch pattern. 10. Preheat the broiler. When the braising liquid has reduced, return the brisket to the rondeau, fat side up. The liquid should only come about three-quarters of the way up the brisket, so that the meat is submerged but the fat is exposed; this is very important, so if it is not the case, take the brisket out and reduce the liquid as necessary. Glaze the top of the brisket with the peach glaze, using 3 to 4 tablespoons. Transfer the rondeau to the broiler and check frequently: You want to brown the glaze without burning it; it should take only about 4 to 5 minutes. 11. Transfer the brisket to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thick slices and place on a large platter. Ladle some of the braising liquid around the brisket. Drizzle a little bit more of the peach glaze over the brisket and serve with the reserved cooked vegetables.
Grandma Rose’s Big Race Pie
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A true Kentucky specialty, this dairy-rich pie is a typical and delicious example of the kind of custard pie we southerners love. In the family of the chess pie, it’s also a country cousin of the cottage cheese pie. The dough for this piecrust must be made a day in advance. I think this filling and piecrust combination taste special together, but if you use a regular store-bought piecrust in a pinch, you’ll still have a real rootsy, downhome pie that’ll conjure up happy childhood memories and satisfied sighs from the Kentucky-born elder statesmen at your table. Makes one 9-inch pie
FOR THE CRUST 1½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small pieces 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water
FOR THE FILLING ¼ cup (. stick) butter, softened 1 cup of sugar 3 large eggs ¾ cup white Karo syrup ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 tablespoons bourbon ½ cup chopped pecans 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
TO MAKE THE CRUST 1. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine and aerate. Using a pastry cutter or two butter knives, blend in the butter until the mixture resembles small, sandy marbles, about 4 to 5 minutes. 2. Add 4 tablespoons of ice water and mix with a fork, just until the dough comes together. (Add the last tablespoon of ice water if needed, but don’t overwork the dough or it’ll become tough.) 3. Shape the dough into a flat disk, cover it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for an hour (or for up to 2 days, if you’d like to make it in advance). 4. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, and roll it
out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick. As you roll, if the dough is sticking to the surface below, sprinkle a small amount of flour under the dough to keep the dough from sticking. 5. Line the dough circle up above a 9-inch pie plate, then gently press down so that it lines the bottom and sides of the plate. Use kitchen scissors to trim the dough to within ½ inch of the edge of the pie dish, then crimp it with your fingers.
TO MAKE THE FILLING 1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar together about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating to combine after each, about 30 to 45 seconds. 2. Add the syrup, salt, vanilla, and bourbon, and beat until just combined, about 2 minutes. Add the pecans and chocolate chips, and fold them in using a rubber spatula.
TO ASSEMBLE AND BAKE 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Place the unbaked crust onto a baking sheet. Pour in the filling. 3. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until the middle is set and the crust is golden brown. Remove the entire pan to a wire cooling rack and cool for at least an hour before serving, or it will be runny and won’t slice right. 4. Store in a cake safe or airtight tin for up to 1 week.
Brent Elliott Four Roses
I
Story Stephen Coomes Photos Victor Sizemore
n 2005, when Brent Elliott learned Four Roses was hiring an assistant manager of quality control, the Owensboro, Ky., native had never even heard of the brand, much less tasted its whiskey. Yet the chemist and sensory specialist applied anyway, just hoping he could land work in the bourbon industry and move back from Nashville to the Bluegrass.
“Bourbon was taking off and I really wanted to be part of that,” said Elliott. And just to make sure he knew something about his prospective employer, “I got a bottle of it on the way there. I knew right then that it was very high quality.” Ten years hence, Elliott’s now the man ensuring that bourbon’s excellence in his new role as master distiller. The position became his when Jim Rutledge retired on Sept. 1 of this year. Rutledge’s 20-year run saw him resurrect and elevate the Four Roses brand from bottom shelf obscurity to aficionado favorite. In taking on the new position, Elliott will retain his previous job duties as director of quality and become the public standard bearer for Four Roses. The trick to managing both will be parsing his time carefully between lab work on sensory panels and greeting and speaking to the brand’s rapidly expanding fan base.
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Calling Rutledge “a natural” in the role, he knows he’s got big shoes to fill. “When you see Jim in front of 300 people, he makes it look easy. But something tells me it’s not,” Elliott said. “What’s good is I know the material, and I get so excited about bourbon that I kind of forget my aversion to public speaking.” According to Elliott, his ascension to master distiller was not only a bit of a surprise, but a moment bereft of ceremony—even any chance to decline the promotion. It happened on an ordinary workday, when he was called to a meeting that included CEO Hideki Horiguchi. “They said it like it was a foregone conclusion, that Jim’s retiring and that, ‘you will be the master distiller,’” he recalled. “I was sort of shocked, but of course I was excited.” Rutledge wasn’t surprised the company chose Elliott to replace him. “It was their decision, but I thought he was the best choice that we had by far,” said Rutledge. “There’s not a bit of ego or arrogance in him at all, so he gets along well with people. … He’ll be an excellent master distiller.”
Elliott said his work with Rutledge never took on the feel of a formal mentorship, nor did their relationship imply he’d be the master’s handpicked successor. He said working with Rutledge was a study in learning by following the high standards he set for himself. Those passive lessons were easy to internalize, he added, because the results were so obvious and positive. “I’ve only watched him, really, seeing his passion for the product and his ability to build relationships with people,” Elliott said. “Another one of the most important things he taught me was to listen to the customer. I know I’ll get plenty of chances for that.” Interestingly, while Elliott doesn’t share Rutledge’s dislike of flavored whiskies (“I have no problem with them, but I’m also a purist who doesn’t drink them.”) he’s in lock step with Four Roses’ commitment to maintaining its current lineup of three standards and an annual limited edition bottling. Private barrel picks will continue, but on a select basis. “Once we’re satisfied with what we have to get done right now, maybe we’ll think about other ideas,” he said. “But like Jim has said so many times, keeping up with current demand is what we have to do first.” The company announced this year it will address its booming trade by spending $55 million to double its whiskey production in Lawrenceburg and add rickhouses and a new bottling line at its Cox Creek, Ky., facilities. Though he’ll not be involved in the construction of those facilities, Elliott will face growing his quality control team to manage the increased product volume. “We’re laying the groundwork to manage those increases,” he said. “But the expansion won’t affect me directly as master distiller for now.” For the short term, Elliott will continue adjusting to his new responsibilities, learning which he might delegate to trusted staffers, and which he must shoulder first in Rutledge’s absence. He admitted the notion of keeping so many balls in the air is a bit daunting, especially for a married father of children ages 5 and 7. “That my wife, Amy, is both super excited and super supportive of me taking this on, that removed 90 percent of my apprehension,” Elliott said. “So I guess you could say I’m both excited and a little scared. But it’s still a dream job.”
Bourbon Tours
T
Touring Bourbon Country is without question, one of the most exhilarating things a Bourbon adventurist can experience in their life. Nothing compares to learning in person about the 200 year-old trade of making Bourbon at the different distilleries, while taking in the rolling hills and farms that blanket the Bluegrass area. It’s no wonder that National Geographic named this region one of its “Drives of a Lifetime.” For some folks though, it’s a hassle to plan a route of which distilleries and destinations to visit, especially if you’re totally unfamiliar with the area. Fortunately for those visiting Bourbon Country, there are three companies that stand out from the rest when it comes to providing folks with the ultimate Bourbon excursion. 36 The Official Guide to Bourbon Country
R & R Limousine Some visitors to Bourbon Country have the notion that they will visit every distillery easily in a day or less. While this is possible, it’s not recommended because of the vastness in which some of the distilleries are located to each other and the duration of the actual tours. Most Bourbon adventurists find going to two, maybe three distilleries in one day is plenty of action. R & R Limousine is well equipped to provide guests with a customized tour that will include visiting the right number of distilleries for the time each person or group can spare. R & R Limousine offers packages
for 1 to 50 people, some who want to spend just a few hours touring or up to a group that may want to spend several days in Kentucky doing the entire trail at their own pace. R & R also recommends
and arranges breakfasts, lunches and/or dinners to go with the tours as well as additional activities. Vehicles range from luxury sedans, vans, SUVs, stretch limousines, limo buses and passenger buses. They can even go as far as chartering private jets for pickup if a client desires one. They are also an official tour company of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and have tours designed for Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail. Specializing in “Service to the extreme” has served R&R for the 15 years they’ve done business. They are open seven days a week, all day and night, to accommodate the schedules of all the visitors to Bourbon Country.
Mint Julep Tours Since 2007, Mint Julep Tours (lead by the husband and wife team of Sean and Lisa Higgins) has been offering visitors of Bourbon Country a variety of different Bourbon themed tours and excursions that complement the region. According to Sean, “We started this company to display our passion, which is to show folks what Kentucky is all about. We love sharing our knowledge with people about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the cities amongst the distilleries, horse farms and other uniquely Kentucky experiences”. What started out as a bus with room for 14 passengers has grown into a fleet of six vehicles. Mint Julep Tours is equipped to handle groups as small as just two people, all the way up to 400 guests. Their public tour pickup location is located
in Louisville at the Galt House Hotel, but Mint Julep Tours can also arrange pickup in almost any city in Kentucky. They also offer transportation to any of the distilleries located in Bourbon Country and are also an official tour company of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
While the standard tour usually includes stops at two Bourbon distilleries with lunch provided, Mint Julep Tours doesn’t stop there with the range of tours they can provide. They recently launched the “Zip, Sip and Dip” tour which starts out giving guests a fun day of zip lining in Louisville’s Mega Caverns and ends at Maker’s Mark Distillery where they are able to dip their own bottle of the famous whisky and try a sample as well. Because these zip lines are located in submerged caves, it is not weather permitting and offered year round. They also have a Best of Kentucky Tour, which gives their guests the opportunity to experience the other famous industry the state is known for; horses. Those who sign up for this tour will spend part of the day touring a private horse farm and have the chance to see former Kentucky Derby winning horses before heading to one of the award-winning Bourbon distilleries. Each tour includes a guide that is familiar with the different areas and has studied the history of Bourbon. Sean notes, “Our guides are very knowledgeable about the Bourbon industry. All of our guides go through extensive historical and cultural training to make sure they are an extension of who we are, and who the distilleries are.” Which guide or tour you choose with Mint Julep Tours they will always strive to follow their motto of, “The purpose of fun is to have some.” 38 The Official Guide to Bourbon Country
Kentucky Bourbon Tours Since 2007, Jaco Limousine has been providing guests in Southeast Ky., and Knoxville, Tn., with an exceptional level of service one expects when using a private car service. Now they have come to Louisville with one of the largest and most diverse fleet of cars to choose from, so their Kentucky Bourbon Tours won’t have any problem keeping up with the demands of their clients and those who want a tour company to provide them with great, customized service. Groups of three to six members might want to choose one of their Cadillac Escalades for a Bourbon Country experience. Larger groups might choose one of their luxury buses that can seat over 30 and are fitted up with luxurious leather seats and trimmed in wood. They even offer Mercedes Sprinter luxury vans that can comfortably transport a dozen folks to any distillery of their choosing. If you must have a more exotic vehicle for transportation, if the team at Kentucky Bourbon Tours can’t find it then no one can. Kentucky Bourbon Tours is also expecting to start doing public tours with a pick up location in London, Ky. for those who find that location more convenient to start their Bourbon Country experience.
Bourbon
arrel
Foods
The
W
ith the rise of Bourbon’s popularity reaching levels the spirit hasn’t seen in decades, it really makes sense that the true rock stars of the new “Bourbon Movement” are the folks whose job is to make sure that the Bourbon available to buy is nothing but the upmost quality. These people are known as Master Distillers, and it takes several years (sometimes decades) to truly master the art of making Bourbon. While some of these whiskey making maestros are known for perfecting age-old techniques, others are making a name for themselves by using innovated processes. Here are some of the legendary Master Distillers of Bourbon Country.
Marianne Barnes Barnes skipped an opportunity to be the Master Distiller in waiting at Woodford Reserve to go ahead and take that position at the Old Taylor Distillery which is undergoing a 6 million dollar renovation. Recently named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Wine Entusiast’s 40 Under 40 Taste Maker lists, Barns will become the first female Master Distiller in Bourbon Country. When asked about her new opportunity, Barnes excitedly admitted, “There’s something about the site—the history here. It kind of calls to you. I came and took a tour with one of my now partners and fell in love with it. Colonel Taylor was so influential and what this place stands for is really bringing sophistication, elegance and experience to Bourbon before Bourbon tourism was a thing. I wanted to be a part of this team that brings this distillery back to life and creates new products, and a new way to experience Bourbon.”
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Jim Rutledge
Four Roses (Master Distiller Emeritus) With one of the most impressive resumes in the Bourbon industry, Jim Rutledge has been building his reputation as one of the best Bourbon makers in the world for more than 40 years. He was part of the first class to be inducted into the “Bourbon Hall of Fame” in Bardstown, and accepted Malt Advocate’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2007. However, for American drinkers who favor the rye-heavy Four Roses taste, Rutledge’s biggest accomplishment occurred in 2002, when Four Roses Bourbon was brought back to the United States Rutledge was instrumental in convincing their new parent company, Kirin Brewery, to release it in the domestic market, which signaled the end of a more than 50-year absence from the U.S. consumer. Rutledge has continued to make sure the company gets its corn from the same grain source for the last 50 years, along with storing its barrels in one-story brick warehouses to achieve consistency along with its awardwinning flavor.
Harlen Wheatley
Buffalo Trace One of Kentucky’s oldest distilleries is operated by one of the youngest Master Distillers in the Bourbon industry. Harlen Wheatley joined Buffalo Trace in 1995, after attaining degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering. He has held the title of Master Distiller at the Frankfort, Ky based distillery since taking over for the legendary Gary Gayheart in 2005 and is only the 6th person since the Civil War to hold the title there. Wheatley is not only in control of the company’s flagship product, Buffalo Trace, but also oversees production of Blanton’s Bourbon and the Pappy Van Winkle line of Bourbons that will soon be bottled there as well. The Kentucky born distiller is also pleasing “Bourbon geeks” with his experimental whiskies that are released several times during the year.
Denny Potter
Heaven Hill Heaven Hill Distilleries announced the appointment of 17-year industry veteran Denny Potter as co-Master Distiller at the end of 2014. Potter currently serves as Distillery Plant Manager at Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim facility, overseeing production of the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon. He will continue to work with Master Distiller Craig Beam overseeing Heaven Hill’s worldrenowned portfolio of American Whiskeys, which includes Evan Williams, the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world. Potter has spent 13 years in distillery operations. Prior to that, Potter served as General Manager of Cruzan Rum’s distillery in St. Croix, USVI, and as Director of Distillery and Environmental Operations at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY. “We are very pleased to have Denny continue his growth with the company and within the industry,” Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira said. “His knowledge of Bourbon production and aging—and his ability to teach and relate these subjects to the trade and consumers—make him an ideal person to help carry forth Heaven Hill’s leadership position and reputation into the future. Denny is grounded in the traditions of our company and industry yet has a keen eye for innovation and emerging trends.”
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Ken Pierce
Barton 1792 Distillery Since he joined the Barton 1792 Distillery team in 1994, Ken Pierce hasn’t looked back. He officially became the Master Distiller of the oldest operating distillery in the “The Bourbon Capital of the World” in 2010. Pierce’s most important duty is the safeguarding of the distillery’s flagship brand, 1792, a project he’s worked on since he started at the distillery when he developed the brand’s taste profile before it was release to the public. Out of the 28 barrel aging warehouses on the 192-acre property he oversees, Pierce chooses only barrels from Warehouse Z for 1792, because of its optimal Bourbon aging location that allows it to receive what he believes is optimal air-circulation.
Fred Noe
Jim Beam No one can say “distilling is in my blood” quite like Fred Noe. The seventh generation Master Distiller is the greatgrandson of Jim Beam and the son of Bourbon baron Booker T. Noe. He’s been at Jim Beam for almost 30 years and was announced as the Master Distiller and face of the world’s largest Bourbon company in 2007. His on the job hats include distiller, educator, diplomat and international ambassador. When he’s not watching over the world’s most popular Bourbon, Jim Beam, he participates in hand-selecting barrels of Bourbon for the brand named after his dad, Booker’s, and also helps the brand stay innovative by developing new brands such as Devil’s Cut and Knob Creek Smoked Maple.
Craig Beam
Heaven Hill Craig Beam has been teaming up with his fabled father, Parker, since 1982 to produce some of the world’s best Bourbon. This partnership has garnered numerous awards and accolades for the storied Bourbons he’s in charge of including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna and Fighting Cock. With a
bloodline that is also connected to the famous James “Jim” Beam, the seventh generation Master Distiller should have this family owned and operated distillery, busy with plans to expand the trophy case for decades to come.
Parker Beam
Heaven Hill (Master Distiller Emeritus) Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller of Bourbon Whiskey, Parker Beam, has been involved in the business for over half a century. This sixth generation Master Distiller has Bourbon in his blood as he worked alongside his father, former Master Distiller Earl Beam, for nearly three decades before taking over his position in 1975. In September, 2007, Parker’s Heritage Collection was released, which has become an aficionado’s dream, as Parker was able to showcase some of the distillery’s finest barrels of Bourbon. Since 2014 the Parker’s Heritage collection, has raised money and awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) a cause the veteran distiller became involved with after being diagnosed with the disease during that year.
Eddie Russell
Wild Turkey Thankfully for Wild Turkey fans, birds of a feather not only flock together, they make wonderful whiskeys as well. In September 2005, Wild Turkey released Russell’s Reserve, a collaboration between Wild Turkey Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell, and his son, Eddie Russell. The fanfare that followed proved that many enthusiasts of the brand, believed this was a signal that another Russell had come of age. More recently, Eddie had his hand in releasing another small batch product called, Forgiven, which is a blend between 6-year-old Bourbon and 4-year-old rye whiskey. Under his father’s tutelage, Russell has learned every aspect of the whiskey-making process, from working on the bottling line and moving barrels in the storage houses, to partnering with his father and crafting small batch Bourbon, Eddie is sure to keep Wild Turkey flying high into the 21st century.
Jimmy Russell
Wild Turkey For more than 60 years, he put the sharpened claw on the “Kickin’ Chicken”. James “Jimmy” Russell grew up less than five miles from the Lawrenceburg, Ky distillery and began working there at age 19. During his tenure as Master Distiller, his chief aim has remained constant: to bottle a Bourbon as consistent in taste as it is strong. Lately, this third-generation distiller has been traveling the world promoting and educating others about Wild Turkey and Bourbon in general. “The thing that is most satisfying to me is when people come up to me and say, ‘We enjoy the flavor and the taste.’ That is the most important thing to me. I want Wild Turkey to be consistent in flavor and taste today and tomorrow, ten years from now and on and on.”
Brent Elliott
Four Roses Brent joined the Four Roses team in 2005 and the brand rewarded his current 10-year tenure by naming him their new full-time Master Distiller, replacing the legendary Jim Rutledge. Elliott has acknowledged that working alongside a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer, has enhanced his ability as a distiller and prepared him for the new challenges Four Roses has ahead for itself. Those challenges include a new distillery expansion that will double capacity, the addition of several new rickhouses and the installation of a new bottling line, all expected to be completed and in use within a few years.
Mark Coffman
Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company Mark Coffman could possibly be the busiest distiller in Kentucky these days and that’s saying a lot. The Master Distiller of the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company was not only the project manager for the company’s recent $6 million dollar boutique Bourbon distillery that opened in the city its named after, but also pulled double duty overlooking the ground breaking of a $20 million expansion for its brewery operations as well. Coffman also recently broke ground overseas, working on distilling projects in Carlow County, Ireland to make whiskey and also Haiti to start production of Haitian Rhum. He’s also leading the Alltech Academy of Craft Brewers and Distillers, a series of educational seminars designed for those interested in obtaining better knowledge about the alcohol business, with the first one being taught in Dublin, Ireland during the summer of 2013.
Willie Pratt
Michter’s Michter’s Master Distiller, Willie Pratt has over 40 years of experience in the whiskey industry with indepth knowledge ranging from selection of grain, to distillation, to barreling and maturation. Good naturedly referred to as “Dr. No” by Michter’s salespeople,
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Willie is known for refusing to release whiskey for bottling until he feels it is just right, even though the whiskey may already be significantly older than the age stated on the label. Pratt is a proud native of Louisville, Ky where he, his wife Patsy, his children, grandchildren, and his great grandchildren live. Among Willie’s outside interests and hobbies are fishing in Florida, riding Harley motorcycles, and until recently when his parked plane was totaled on a runway, flying his Cherokee four-seater.
Chris Morris
Woodford Reserve and Old Forester Chris Morris came into the Bourbon industry in 1976 when he joined the BrownForman team in Louisville, Ky. While he has held sales and marketing duties during his career, Morris is known for his brilliance in operations and was named Master Distiller of the award winning Bourbon brands of Brown-Forman in 2004. Morris enhanced his reputation as a gifted whiskey distiller in 2007, the first year of the now annual “Master Collection” release that allows Morris to show off his vision for innovative products, like aging Bourbon in former wine cask and using centuries-old methods such as the “Sweet Mash” process. Morris is also a world renowned spirits historian who travels the world as a brand ambassador for the Bourbon brands he’s ultimately responsible for.
Greg Davis
Maker’s Mark Greg Davis has been at Maker’s Mark since 2010, when he left the Master Distiller’s position at Barton’s 1792 Distillery to become the main Bourbon maker at one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Because of his age (just north of 40), Davis is known by some industry insiders as the “Baby Distiller”, even though his 6’4’’, 200 pound-plus frame would suggest otherwise. Davis stepped up as Maker’s Mark’s Master Distiller after Kevin Smith left the position to become Beam Global’s Head of Distilling Operations. Davis has a reputation of being extremely efficient, which is a skill almost all major Bourbon brands desire at their Master Distiller positions, as companies try to keep up with supplying the growing demands of consumers who want to buy more Bourbon.
What’s New in Bourbon Country:
Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse
After 200 years of making Bourbon in the backwoods of the Bluegrass, Jim Beam is going urban and expanding into the largest city in the Commonwealth. The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will be located in the heart of downtown Louisville at Fourth Street Live! It will give folks an understanding about the Bourbon without leaving the Louisville city limits. “It’s much smaller in scope compared to the American Stillhouse [located in Clermont, Ky.], but it’s not meant to compete. We’re considering it to be a stepping stone to the American Stillhouse,” said Kimberly Bennett, Senior Director of Kentucky Beam Bourbon Experiences. “It gives everyone a taste of Jim Beam and if they want to have a deeper dive into the history, heritage and art of Bourbon making then we would want them to come to the American Stillhouse.” The $5.2 million Urban Stillhouse is designed as a visitor center and tourist destination, equipped with a small working distillery, bottling line, and tasting experience along with merchandise for sale. Visitors will also have the option of filling their own special bottles of Bourbon Stillhouse Select, a distillery exclusive. “What we’ve found is distillery exclusives are something people look for when they’re [in Bourbon Country],”
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said Bennett. “One question we get at the American Stillhouse is, ‘What can I get here that I can’t get in the stores,’ so; we definitely put that into our new experience.” The Urban Stillhouse is also the only distillery in Kentucky that visitors can enjoy late night. It will be open until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. “In terms of the Bourbon attractions that are open right now we are going to be open the latest. So, I think that’s going to be a nice bonus for those staying in the hotels in downtown Louisville that are looking for something to do,” said Bennett. The Jim Bean Urban Stillhouse is joining several bourbon-related tourism attractions planned in downtown Louisville—they just say they’re happy to be a part of it. The grand opening will take place October 1st. The Urban Stillhouse will complement the American Stillhouse, in Cleremont, Ky., where fans of Jim Beam can experience a more thorough look at the world’s largest Bourbon brand.
What’s New in Bourbon Country:
Diageo’s New Distillery
The World’s largest liquor company, Diageo, broke ground in the rural countryside of Shelby County, Ky., in 2014 for its $115 million project to build a new state of the art distillery and warehouse operation that will be officially known as the Bulleit Distilling Company. This initial investment will include a 1.8 million proof gallon (750,000 9-liter cases a year capacity) still and six barrel storage warehouses while adding at least 30 full-time positions. Speakers from the local government (including Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear) and Diageo’s upper management both raved about Tom Bulleit’s commitment to his namesake brands (Bulleit Bourbon and Rye) and how his determination has turned them into some of the fastest growing and established Bourbon and Rye whiskey brands in the world. Diageo North American President Larry Schwartz even admitted that he didn’t want to launch Bulleit Rye, but was convinced to do so by Tom. Bulleit Rye is now considered the leader in Rye whiskey market share in the world. While finalization of these plans is still subject to approval by local government, the project will represent a significant investment in Kentucky’s growing Bourbon industry. As of now, there are over 5 million barrels of Bourbon aging in Kentucky. Diageo already holds the title of owning the largest Scotch (Johnnie Walker) and Canadian (Crown Royal) whiskey brands in the world,
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so their expansion into Bourbon operations has been suspected by analyst and industry experts for years. Over the last year, Diageo’s momentum in North American Whiskey has accelerated with both flagship and new-to-world brands. Fueled by flavor innovations and consumer demand for premium brands with authenticity, Bourbon is currently the fastest growing spirits category in the U.S., enjoying 14% value growth for the last 52 weeks. This popularity is mirrored globally, with the super-premium price segment growing 24% over the last three years. The 300 acres of property the Bulleit Distilling Company will one day operate on, will include plenty of space for expansion. Diageo’s North America Supply President Paul Gallagher shared, “One of things Tom (Bulleit) and I did when looking at this facility and its potential. We do have the capability at this facility to grow even bigger.” The proposed distillery will be designed to fit in with the surrounding countryside and during construction Diageo will take measures to conserve the natural landscape in the area. Approximately 100 acres of land around the property line will act as a natural barrier to site operations. Diageo North America has a strong record of achieving zero waste to landfill in its operations, and the company aims to achieve the same in Kentucky. Tom Bulleit pledged, “This will be the most environmentally friendly distillery and neighbor to Shelby County.”
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What’s New in Bourbon Country:
Wild Turkey’s New Nest
When executives at the Wild Turkey distillery were initially discussing their visions for a new, much-needed visitors center at their Lawrenceburg, Ky., campus, they weren’t sure what they wanted, aside from a worldclass facility that could accommodate the growing number of visitors, but they knew what they didn’t want. They didn’t want hokey attractions or overblown features. They didn’t want the experience to be in your face. They didn’t want, as master distiller Jimmy Russell eloquently put it, “Disney World.” “I remember the first day we sat down,” said Eddie Russell, Jimmy’s son and associate distiller at Wild Turkey, “Jimmy was really big on not wanting ‘Disney World,’ because he’s such a traditionalist.” Jimmy is celebrating 61 years at the distillery this year, so it is forgivable, and even understandable, if the seasoned veteran of the Bourbon industry didn’t want anything installed that could be considered as annoying as the Magic Kingdom’s It’s a Small World boat ride, since Jimmy has a reputation of dropping by the visitor center to greet guests before they begin a tour. Wild Turkey approached a handful of architects for potential designs and finally selected Louisville firm De Leon & Primmer’s plan - a tasteful and timeless 9,146-square-foot, two-tier center on a bluff overlooking Young’s High Bridge as it spans the Kentucky River 280 feet in the air. The building’s interior and exterior appearance, designed in a way to resemble a tobacco barn, fits seamlessly into its rustic setting … with just a few modern bells and whistles thrown in that Jimmy doesn’t seem to mind, like a pair of interactive iPad stations
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where visitors can take a virtual tour of the distillery - a nod to the younger generation of Bourbon fans. “For me, you’ve got to be a little modern to get the consumer that we have now. Our consumer has changed so much, it used to be people my age and older men. Now it’s 21- to 35-year-old male and females, so they’re coming in and they are used to iPads,” Eddie said. The iPad stations are in the first floor tasting area, adjacent to an outdoor patio area. A long corridor featuring a timeline history of Bourbon and Wild Turkey leads guests down to the area, which also boasts the distillery’s old Vendome still, which was replaced when considerable upgrades were made to the distillery’s production capabilities. The equipment change was so recent, all the varieties of Wild Turkey Bourbons on the shelves of the tasting room came from the still on display. “We’ve got the old still here, and you get to see what it looks like inside,” Jimmy said. “When you took the tours, you couldn’t see what it looked like inside because it was in operation. What you’re drinking now came out of there.” The still rises between the levels to the second floor, an area Eddie calls the “coup de force” for the visitors’ experience, offering sweeping vistas of the river. Perched at one of the tables looking out the windows, Jimmy gave a succinct assessment of his favorite amenity for the new visitors center. “Well, you can see,” he said.
What’s New in Bourbon Country:
Bourbon Briefs Maker’s Mark End the distillery tour at Maker’s Mark like you never have before. An art instillation, that opened in March of 2014 by the world famous Dale Chihuly, acts as an overhead canopy in the barrel room sending cascades of blue, green, amber and signature Maker’s Mark red hues of light down onto the barrels of aging sprits. The Spirit of the Maker is Chihuly’s first major installation
on public view in the Bluegrass. Maker’s Mark has also completed a new $4 million dollar visitor’s center that resembles an elaborate greenhouse and is decorated with a pot still and beautiful bourbon inspired mosaics.
Alltech Brewing and Distilling Alltech Brewing and Distilling is unique by being both a distillery and a brewery. It’s also the only location on the Kentucky Bourbon Trial where you can sample both Bourbon and beer. Located right in the heart of Lexing-
ton, with tours available daily, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to sample their Town Branch Bourbon and Rye and collection of craft beer, including their barrelaged ale and stout.
Peerless Distillery Louisville’s newest distillery is one that has resurrected an old family brand that is rich in history. That history
is on display at Peerless Distillery Company and is now open for tours, Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The name Peerless fell off the map until the current father-and-son team, of Corky and Carson Taylor, revived the brand. Their Rye and Bourbon aren’t for sale yet but will be available in 2017 and 2019 respectively, giving us something to look forward to. In the meantime, they’re selling seven different flavors of their Lucky brand moonshine.
Old Taylor What used to be an abandoned defunct distillery, just a few miles from Woodford Reserve Distillery, is undergoing a transformation to its former glory. When the 125-year-old Old Taylor Distillery was first constructed it featured castle-like architecture, sunken gardens and elaborate gazebos. Peristyle LLC invested over six million dollars in the distillery back in May 2014, and the restoration process has been taking place ever since. Well-known Kentucky gardener Jon Carloftis is using his green thumb to resurrect the historic landscape that will surround the distillery and new visitor’s center. The distillery will begin Bourbon production in January and will be open to the public on April 1st 2016. Distilling at Old Taylor will be run by the only female Master Distiller, Marianne Barnes. They won’t start selling their Bourbon until it has had the proper amount of time to mature, but Old Taylor will also produce a gin, made with a Bourbon recipe that uses botanicals grown on site.
Michter’s Downtown Distillery Michter’s is continuing to make progress on their new downtown distillery, to be located in the historic Fort Nelson Building, across the street from the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Renovations to the 1870s, four-story stone and brick building will transform it into Michter’s nearly $8 million trendy micro-distillery giving visitors the ability to become very familiar with their brand.
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Buffalo Trace Visitor Center & Old Taylor House
The upstairs of the new Buffalo Trace Visitor Center
Buffalo Trace recently expanded their visitor center— vertically; a new second floor features four additional tasting bar areas, Gift Shop merchandise and artifacts from the distillery archives. A large vault is currently in the works that will house rare, old bottles for display. Buffalo Trace also preserved history by restoring the oldest building on site, and in Frankfort, the Old Taylor House. The house has held many roles and was at one time a laboratory for the distillery. The house will be incorporated into some of its existing tours.
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Your guide to Louisville, Lexington, Bardstown, Lebanon, Shepherdsville & Bowling Green Plus: Distillery profiles & tour hours 58 The Official Guide to Bourbon Country
Bourbon, Bed & Breakfast More information about the BB&B’s can be found at www.bourboncountry.com Bed and Breakfasts are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. In the heart of Bourbon Country, some of our B&Bs take that even further by adding another “B”. This list details those establishments that have embraced the state’s signature spirit and offer guests some additional interactions with Kentucky Bourbon.
Eagle Hill Manor Bed & Breakfast
Bardstown Enjoy selected Bourbon breakfast specialties, and (in season) Dan’s scrumptious homemade Bourbon chocolate fudge. 440 E. Stephen Foster Ave
Earlier owners of the Talbott Tavern include T.D. Beam (Jim’s brother) and Tom Moore who started his own distillery at the location where Barton distillery is now. Before turning in have a taste of some of the finest Bourbons made with our Bourbon sampler. www.talbotts.com
Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast
Bowling Green
Beautiful Dreamer B&B
Bourbon Lover’s Paradise...from its Bourbon-themed accommodations, Bourbon Café and Bourbon Bar (opening 2014), and its Bourbon Spa with its Bourbon-oriented treatments. www.bourbonmanor.com
Cabin in the Woods
You and your guests will receive a Bourbon Country Gift Basket, including Bourbon treats, upon arrival at this serene family getaway. You can swim, hike, fish, or just enjoy the countryside. 1365 Shady Lane, Boston, KY
Springhill Winery, Plantation and B&B
Start your Bourbon Country Experience with our homemade Apple Bourbon Jelly as part of our home cooked country breakfast. www.historiceaglehillmanorbb.com
Talbott Tavern
Spongie Acres Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy homemade Bourbon truffles upon check-in and Bourbon-inspired recipes. Gift shop includes Bourbon display. www.spongieacresbedandbreakfast.com
The Candle Loft
Nestled above Candle Makers on the Square, enjoy one of their Bourbon Candles as a gift and Bourbon truffles on arrival. www.thecandleloft.net
Louisville
Evening reception featuring Plantation Bourbon Tea or Bourbon Lemonade, fruit and cheeses. Highlights of the country breakfast include praline French toast and Springhill’s Bourbon syrup, Bourbon glazed ham, and even Bourbon grits. www.springhillwinery.com
Aleksander House
Red Rose Inn
Guests are offered after dinner liqueurs including Wild Turkey Honey Bourbon. Breakfast includes old fashioned French toast made with challah bread topped with a caramel Bourbon banana sauce and finished with a Bourbon chocolate sauce. www.innatwoodhaven.com
Begin your day with a delicious country gourmet breakfast with homemade goodies such as Chocolate Panna Cotta with chocolate Bourbon sauce, Peach Bourbon patchwork cobbler and other Bourbon treats. End you day with delicious Bourbon almond toffee. www.redroseinnbardstown.com
Cooking with Kentucky’s Own Bourbon expert, guests will enjoy recipes from “A Splash of Bourbon” by David Domine. www.aleksanderhouse.com
Inn at Woodhaven
1888 Rocking Horse Manor
Stay in a former Bourbon Baron’s home and enjoy the craftsmanship that went into the great homes of Old Louisville. Enjoy a glass of Bourbon in the parlor or library with wet-bar or outside in the courtyard in view of the original carriage house. www.rockinghorse-bb.com Central Park B&B Serving Bourbon baked apples, maple Bourbon French toast with Bourbon syrups. Enjoy Louisville’s famous Bourbon Happy Balls in every room. www.centralparkBandB.com
Dupont Mansion B&B
Enjoy Bourbon inspired breakfasts and evening desserts. Special packages include an Urban Bourbon Bus Tour, Bourbon Baron walking tour and premium Bourbon gifts. www.DuPontMansion.com
Inn at the Park
Enjoy Bourbon inspired breakfasts and evening desserts. Special packages include an Urban Bourbon Bus Tour, Bourbon Baron walking tour and premium Bourbon gifts. www.InnatPark.com
Samuel Culbertson Mansion
Breakfast includes a house made Bourbon sauce daily and many changing recipes laced with premium Bourbons. Over 20 different premium Bourbons in house in addition to a generous collection of vintage Bourbon decanters. www.culbertsonmansion.us
Bluegrass Country Estate Bed and Breakfast A unique Bed and Breakfast on a Horse Farm, combines Kentucky’s Best; Horses and Bourbon with evening samplings of Kentucky Bourbons and morning workouts of up and coming Thoroughbreds. www.bluegrasscountryestate.com
Louisville, Kentucky
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Home of the Kentucky Derby and the Urban Bourbon Trail
ouisville’s rich Bourbon heritage begins with its strategic location along the Ohio River in the late 18th century, when frontier farmers in Kentucky first started using the land’s distinctly limestone-filtered water to distill whiskey. As Louisville became a vital commercial hub in the second half of the 19th century, the city’s Main Street was dubbed “Whiskey Row” due to the large concentration of Bourbon-related offices and warehouses centered in the district.
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Prohibition, and other political and economic forces, took its toll on Louisville’s Bourbon industry through the 20th century, but a renaissance in “America’s NativeSpirit” in the 1990s spurred a renewed emphasis on Louisville’s Bourbon heritage, and as well as the city itself on the national stage. Visitors to Louisville have ample opportunities to explore many Bourbon-related attractions in town or use the city as a home base when exploring Bourbon Country.
Be sure to pick up a free “passport” to Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail while you’re in town in which dozens of bars and restaurants, all with more than 50 different varieties of Bourbon, are detailed and mapped – just don’t try to complete the trail in one day. Visit www.bourboncountry.com for information about where to get a passport or stop by the Louisville Visitor Center at 4th & Jefferson Streets next to the Hyatt Hotel.
Eat & Drink The Urban Bourbon Trail showcases Louisville’s best culinary talent and combines it with a culture of bourbonism that has made the city famous. Louisville is the Center of the Bourbon Universe, steeped in bourbon history and featuring such landmarks as Whiskey Row and Distillery Commons. We do it all, and we do it with bourbon. You can pick up an Urban Bourbon Trail Passport at any of the stops listed, each of which carries a minimum of 50 bourbons. When you collect 6 stamps, you will become an Urban Bourbon Trailblazer with a t-shirt and certificate to prove it!
Asiatique offers Pacific Rim fusion cuisine and features local produce when available. Happy hour options include many small plate offerings and house-specialty cocktails. There’s even a late night menu for those end-of-evening cravings. 1767 Bardstown Rd. (502) 451-2749 asiatiquerestaurant.com
Bistro 301 partners with many
local farmers to serve regional favorites with a farm-to-table twist. The cocktail menu includes a cheeky cocktail called the “Louisville Lip,” made of Old Forester, fresh squeezed orange, bitters, basil, and soda. 301 W Market St. (502) 584-8337 bistro301.com
Bourbon Raw is a brand-new
the Bourbon Chicken Saltimbocca showcase the versatility of Kentucky’s Native Spirit. House-made cocktails such as The Scarlett O’Hara Martini, made with Old Forester, compliment the vast bourbon menu. 425 W Ormsby Ave. (502) 637-5284 buckslou.com
Bourbons Bistro, established
Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen & Lounge boasts over 200 bourbons,
reboot of the former Maker’s Bourbon House & Lounge in the popular Fourth Street Live district. The menu features upscale Southern cuisine with bourbon influences and an extensive bourbon list. 446 S 4th St. (502) 568-9004 in 2005, is a bourbon and foodie paradise. Upscale Southern cuisine including Spicy Fried Oysters and Pork Belly Grilled Cheese rounds out the strong food menu, but the bourbon menu is stronger with over 100 bourbons offered. 2255 Frankfort Ave. (502) 894-8838 bourbonsbistro.com
Bristol Bar & Grille in
Downtown Louisville has an extensive whiskey list that includes 75 bourbons and a variety of Scotches. The menu features such local favorites as Hot Brown Mac and cheese and Kentucky Bourbon Shrimp. 614 W Main St. #1000 (502) 582-1995 bristolbarandgrille.com
Bristol Bar & Grille in the
Highlands has a bourbon menu that showcases not only Kentucky’s native spirit, but also award-winning bourbon cocktails. Start off with Bristol’s Truffle Fries and move on to Shrimp and Grits, or one of many other local favorites. 1321 Bardstown Rd. (502) 456-1702 bristolbarandgrille.com
Brown Hotel Lobby Bar is
located in the historic Brown Hotel, where the famous Hot Brown openfaced sandwich was invented in 1926. Pair your Hot Brown with anything from the thorough bourbon list, or try one of the bar’s excellent bourbon cocktails. 335 West Broadway (502) 583-1234 brownhotel.com
Buck’s Restaurant offers upscale dining complete with white linens and fresh flowers. Dishes such as
and that’s just the beginning. Included on the upscale casual menu is chilled bourbon chicken on the Eastern Salad, bourbon mayo on the Turkey Burger, and Maker’s Mark Bourbon Ribs. Located in the Louisville Marriott East. 1903 Embassy Square Blvd. (502) 491-1184
Derby Café at the Kentucky Derby
Museum features lunchtime standards such as soups and salads, but this menu also has a Derby City twist. There are Country Ham Wontons, Kentucky Burgoo, and a Triple Crown Sandwich. No visit to the home of the Kentucky Derby would be complete without a Mint Julep! 704 Central Ave. (502) 637-1111 derbymuseum.org
Dish on Market offers breakfast,
“Power Hour” lunches, and dinner, as well as house-made cocktails, bourbon, and other wine and spirits. Knob Creek Chili is a regular feature on the menu, as are bourbon glazed steaks and salmon. 434 W Market St. (502) 315-0669 dishonmarket.com
Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar is
located in the historic Whiskey Row section of Main Street. The menu boasts over 100 bourbons and 60 additional whiskeys as well as smokehouse fusion favorites such as Beef Brisket Tacos and Fried Green Tomatoes. 127 W Main St. (502) 587-1626 doccrows.com
Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant is located in the
Manny & Merle, located in the
Harvest is located in the ultra-hip
Marketplace Restaurant at Theater Square offers upscale
beautiful and historic Galt House Hotel, an iconic part of Louisville’s skyline. Try one of their 160 bourbons and take your picture in front of the #GetSplashed wall out front before trying the awardwinning Three Little Pigs sandwich. 321 W Main St. (502) 566-3259 downonebourbonbar.com NuLu neighborhood. The menu changes seasonally according to what is available from local farmers. The bourbon and cocktail menu features over 100 bourbons, nearly 50 other whiskeys, and handcrafted cocktails with a Harvest twist. 624 E Market St. (502) 384-9090 harvestlouisville.com
Haymarket Whiskey Bar has
the feel of a dive bar complete with Dr. Who Pinball, but there are also 150 bourbons, including many rare and dusty finds. While there’s no food to snack on here, there’s plenty of entertainment and special events. 331 E Market St. (502) 442-0523 haymarketwhiskeybar.com
Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar
in the historic Brown Hotel offers 150 bourbons, bourbon flights, and house-made bourbon cocktails as well as classic bar fare. Located in the Rivue Tower, second floor. 140 N 4th St. (502) 589-5200
Lilly’s Bistro, the 2015 Open Table Diner’s Choice winner, is tucked away in a sleepy corner of the Highlands. Southern-style farm-totable cuisine is complimented by an extensive bourbon list and handcrafted cocktail menu. 1147 Bardstown Rd. (502) 451-0447 lillysbistro.com
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Whiskey Row district of Main Street, features upscale Tex-Mex Southern fusion food such as Brisket Tacos and Bourbon Maple Chicken Wings. The cocktail menu includes an Old Grandad Root Beer Float in addition to an extensive bourbon and tequila list. 122 W Main St. (502) 290-8888 mannyandmerle.com
Ramsi’s Café on the World bills its menu as “Global Comfort Food,” including a multitude of vegetarian options and a “Wellness Menu.” Guests can also create their own bourbon flights from the impressive bourbon list. 1293 Bardstown Rd. (502) 451-0700 ramsiscafe.com
RYE on Market, located in the
fusion cuisine with multiple influences, from Southern to Eastern and everything in between. The house-made cocktails carry on this fusion influence, and the bourbon menu is solid. 651 S 4th St. (502) 625-3001 theatersquaremarketplace.com
hip NuLu district, features upscale farm-to-table cuisine and menus that change seasonally. Breads are baked in-house, butchering is done in-house, and juices are pressed in-house. At least as much care goes into the cocktails and the bourbon offerings. 900 E Market St. (502) 749-6200 ryeonmarket.com
North End Café has two locations
Sidebar at Whiskey Row, in
offering extensive menus from breakfast thru dinner, each featuring farm-to-table options. Breakfast is served all day, so you can have your House-Smoked Trout Hash with a bourbon any time you’d like. 2116 Bardstown Rd. (502) 690-4161 1722 Frankfort Ave. (502) 896-8770 northendcafe.com
Patrick O’Shea’s in Downtown
Louisville features Irish-inspired Southern cuisine including a Benedictine BLT, a local favorite, and Kern’s Original Derby Pie. Located in the Whiskey Row district. 123 W. Main St. (502)708-2488 osheaslouisville.net
Proof on Main is located inside
the posh 21C Museum Hotel. Named the Best American Hotel Bar at Tales of the Cocktail 2015 Spirit Awards, Proof’s menu offers award-winning Southern-inspired farm-to-table cuisine with an upscale dining experience. 702 W Main St. (502) 217-6360 proofonmain.com
an historic limestone building built by L&N Railroad in 1877, serves gourmet burgers and bourbon. The cocktail menu features multiple whiskey drinks as well as barrelaged cocktails. 129 S 2nd St. (502) 384-1600 sidebarwhiskeyrow.com
Sway, located in the Hyatt Regency
Louisville, features seasonal farm-tofork menus and family-style dining in a casual and inviting atmosphere. The cocktail menu includes multiple bourbon cocktails, including a Kentucky Sunday. 311 S 4th St. (502) 581-1234
The Bar at BLU Italian Grille
specializes in bourbon cocktails such as the Chocolate Julep Martini and a Marmelade Old Fashioned. They also notably offer a Bottled In Bond Bourbon collection in addition to an always changing bourbon list. Located in the Louisville Marriott. 280 W Jefferson St. (502) 671-4285 blugrille.com
The Old Seelbach Bar in the
historic Seelbach Hilton Hotel recently underwent a major renovation. Cocktails are made from scratch, and the menu features upscale bar fare. The hotel has been featured in several movies, including the most recent version of The Great Gatsby. 500 S 4th St. (502) 585-3200
The Silver Dollar, situated
in a renovated fire house, is where you’ll almost always find vintage country music records playing on the turntable. Upscale Southern Fare such as Fried Okra and Chicken and Waffles are complimented by handcrafted cocktails (syrups made in-house) and an extensive bourbon menu. 1761 Frankfort Ave. (502) 259-9540 whiskeybythedrink.com
a Pub Under the Bridge is
located in a building with a lot of history, including the Great Flood of 1937. The menu includes pubgrub favorites such as fried pickles, beer cheese, pizza, and burgers. The bourbon menu is divided into regions. 150 W Washington St. (502) 618-4829 trollpub.com
Varanese, in the Clifton
neighborhood, offers an upscale dining experience and a menu of upscale farm-to-table Southern fusion cuisine. The bourbon menu is solid, and the bar is well-stocked with wine and spirits. 2106 Frankfort Ave. (502) 899-9904 varanese.com
Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant has hosted many celebrities over the years and is a Best of Louisville winner. Both the service and the Italian fare are top notch, and the bourbon list is complimented by an expansive wine menu. 150 S 5th St. (502) 580-1350 vincenzositalianrestaurant.com
Volare Italian Ristorante
offers top notch Italian fare in an upscale setting served with Southern hospitality. Pair your dinner with a Mediterranean Mint Julep, a recipe unique to Volare, or order off the bourbon menu, categorized by distillery. 2300 Frankfort Ave. (502) 894-4446 volare-restaurant.com
Stay The Louisville area boasts over 17,000 hotel rooms ranging from basic to historic in every price range. When you combine this with the Urban Bourbon Trail, distillery tourism options, and proximity to The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Louisville is the perfect place to stay when you’re exploring Bourbon Country. A stay at one of these bourbon-loving hotels will be the bourbon glaze on your visit! Many on the list offer special bourbon tourism packages.
Louisville Marriott Downtown
Located in the heart of downtown within walking distance to most museums and attractions including popular tourist destination Fourth Street Live, this hotel is home to BLU Italian Grille on the Urban Bourbon Trail. This Four Diamond hotel includes a fitness center, pool, and beautiful views of Downtown Louisville. 280 West Jefferson St. marriottlouisville.com
64 The Official Guide to Bourbon Country
21c Museum Hotel
Situated on Museum Row, this 90 room boutique hotel features a contemporary art museum with quirky design elements such as eyes that stare back at you in the lobby restroom. It’s also home to Proof on Main and is walking distance to many other stops along the Urban Bourbon Trail. In addition to traditional rooms, the Cyclone Room features a sculptural installation and a vintage vinyl collection. Named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Best Hotels in the World. 700 West Main St. 21cmuseumhotels.com/Louisville
Brown Hotel
This historic Four Diamond hotel, opened in 1923, is the home of the often-emulated Hot Brown openfaced sandwich. The Brown Hotel Bar is a favorite stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail, and the hotel is within walking distance of the popular Fourth Street Live tourist destination as well as many other downtown attractions. Named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Best Hotels in the World. 335 West Broadway brownhotel.com
Seelbach Hotel
The Seelbach Hilton opened in 1905 and features grand turn-ofthe-century architecture. Parts of the most recent Great Gatsby were filmed here, and F. Scott Fitzgerald spent time at the hotel with such characters as the famous ProhibitionEra bootlegger George Remus. The Old Seelbach Bar is a Bourbon Country destination, and the location is right in the middle of the 4th Street business and tourism district. 500 South 4th St. seelbachhilton.com
Galt House Hotel
The Galt House’s two towers are an integral part of Louisville’s riverfront skyline, adding Southern charm to the urban landscape with lighthouses atop both structures. Both Jockey Silks and Down One Bourbon Bar call this massive hotel
complex home, and it’s within walking distance of many downtown attractions. Mint Julep Tours depart from the Galt House. 140 North 4th St. galthouse.com
Hyatt Regency Louisville
Located right in the middle of the popular 4th Street business and entertainment district, the Hyatt Regency Louisville features an indoor heated pool, an outdoor tennis court, and 24 hour fitness center to help you keep your strength up during your trek through Bourbon Country. Sway offers family-style Southern cuisine. 311 South 4th St. louisville.hyatt.com
Louisville Marriott East
Far away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, the Louisville Marriott East is home to Charr’d Bourbon Kitchen. Charr’d showcases the versatility of Kentucky’s Native Spirit, while the hotel offers a suburban base for your Bourbon Country getaway. 1903 Embassy Square Blvd. marriott.com/Louisville
Shop Of course you’ll want to stock up on unique souvenirs from your Bourbon Country adventure, and Louisville has no shortage of distinctive finds. Bottles of bourbon make excellent souvenirs when you’re participating in bourbon tourism, but there are plenty of other bourbon-inspired options.
A Taste of Kentucky offers
a wide variety of Louisville and Kentucky gifts and collectables, from bourbon barbecue sauce to Derby hats when they are in season. Three Louisville Locations atasteofkentucky.com
Art Eatables is the only Stave
and Thief Society Bourbon-certified chocolatier in the world. Cocoa varieties are paired with the right bourbon and topped with a “Bourbon Information Token” signifying what’s inside. 631 South 4th St. arteatables.com
Bourbon Barrel Foods is the
home of America’s first and only soy sauce microbrewery. Products include bourbon barrel aged soy sauce, bourbon barrel smoked salt, sugar, and spices, and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries among many others. 2710 Frankfort Ave. bourbonbarrelfoods.com
Cellar Door Chocolates
specializes in gourmet bourbon balls, offering classic bourbon balls, espresso bourbon balls, and many other flavors as well as bourbon butter creams and plenty of nonbourbon candies. 1201 Story Ave. #109 cellardoorchocolates.com
The Louisville Visitor Center
not only provides travel resources and redeems Urban Bourbon Trail Passports, you can also stock up on plenty of “Just Add Bourbon” and other Louisville related merchandise there. 301 South 4th St. gotolouisville.com
Muth’s Candy, located in the
hip NuLu neighborhood, has been open since 1921. Modjeskas are what people line up out the door for, but Muth’s also makes bourbon balls for some distilleries. 630 East Market St. muthscandy.com
(top L to R): Peerless Distilling Company, Haymarket Whiskey Bar, The Troll Pub Under the Bridge (bottom L to R): Proof on Main, Harvest
Louisville Stoneware, in
business since 1815, is the perfect place to pick up a handmade memento of your trip, including fleur de lis items and Mint Julep cups. 731 Brent St. louisvillestoneware.com
Why Louisville features an
eclectic mix of souvenirs, t-shirts, and locally made products. Two Louisville Locations whylouisville.com
Liquor Stores Haymarket Whiskey Bar is
more than just a top notch bourbon dive bar. Package liquor sales are also available. 331 East Market St. haymarketwhiskeybar.com
Liquor Barn not only offers an
impressive bourbon selection, but there are also plenty of bourbon related products such as Kentucky Knows Bourbon Barrel Cured Coffee, a Liquor Barn exclusive. Six Louisville Locations liquorbarn.com
Old Town Wine & Spirits has knowledgeable staff and is located in the Highlands near many Urban Bourbon Trail stops. 1529 Bardstown Rd. oldtownwine.com
Taste Fine Wines and Bourbon in the hip NuLu district offers $5 bourbon tastings of 20 Kentucky bourbons as well as package sales. 634 East Market St. tastefinewinesandbourbons.com
Westport Whiskey & Wine not only offers over a hundred bourbons for sale, they also host bourbon events in their well-stocked tasting room. Stave and Thief Certified. 1115 Herr Ln. # 140 westportwhiskeyandwine.com
66 The Official Guide to Bourbon Country
Louisville Distillery Experiences: • Angel’s Envy (opening 2016 on Whiskey Row) • The Bulleit Experience at Stitzel-Weller Distillery • Copper & Kings (Brandy aged in bourbon barrels) • Evan Williams Bourbon Experience • Jim Beam Urban Distillery (opening fall 2015 on 4th Street Live!) • Kentucky Artisan Distillery • Old Forester (opening fall 2016 on Whiskey Row) • Michter’s Micro-Distillery (opening 2016 on Whiskey Row) • Peerless Distillery
The Wine Rack on Frankfort
Avenue features a handpicked selection of bourbon and other spirits. 2632 Frankfort Ave. wineshoplouisville.com
Shepherdsville, Kentucky
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Where Old Traditions Thrive and Everyone’s Part of the Family
ocated only 20 minutes outside of metropolitan Louisville, scenic Shepherdsville warmly welcomes visitors to the “knobs,” a countryside of bumpy hills that’s become synonymous with this piece of Bourbon Country. Considering the variant elevation and the natural sources of water in the area, it’s no wonder one of the bourbon industry’s storied families decided to grow roots in Bullitt County. In addition to world-class bourbon, Bullitt County offers outdoor adventures, family fun and downhome hospitality. When you’re not sipping bourbon, pour a glass of the local wine, or plan a refreshing adventure into wondrous natural landscape.
Jim Beam American Stillhouse
Distillers revere them as legends and heroes, while the casual bourbon collector might identify their names with a favored label. But no matter how you refer to the Jim Beam dynasty, it’s hard to deny their imprint on the history and presentday quality of the Kentucky whisky hailed as bourbon. Master Distiller Fred Noe of Jim Beam American Stillhouse, the great-grandson of distillery namesake Jim Beam, Noe represents the seventh generation of a bourbon dynasty, which started with Jacob Beam about 200 years ago. Visitors can tour the new American Stillhouse and enjoy an AllAmerican barbecue lunch at Fred’s Smokehouse. Feel like part of the family as you take part in the Bourbon production process, which includes watching the grains mixed to bottling your own take-home Bourbon. 526 Happy Hollow Road (502) 543-9877 www.americanstillhouse.com
Four Roses Bottling
Known for its meticulously crafted Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbon, Four Roses Distillery sends
its Bourbon here for maturation and bottling. While distilling happens on the Salt River in Lawrenceburg, the barrels are stored in the single story warehouses to help increase consistency. This strategy is one of the reasons Four Roses was again named American Whisky Distiller of the Year in 2015 by Whiskey Magazine. 624 Lotus Road (502) 543-2264 Cox’s Creek, Ky. Fourrosesbourbon.com
Wineries While tasting world-class Bourbon on your Bourbon Country excursion, you can also experience the unexpected excellence of Kentuckycrafted wine. Bullitt County is home to four award-winning wineries, including Brooks Hill Winery, Forest Edge Winery, MillaNova Winery and Wight-Meyer Winery. With panoramic views and spots to throw down a picnic blanket, these wineries offer casual tastings and relaxing atmospheres for wine snobs and newbies alike. A trip to all four wineries, as well as the Jim Beam American Stillhouse and Four Roses’ Warehouse and Bottling, completes the official Wine and Bourbon Tour and earns visitors a commemorative glass from Bullitt County. Visit travelbullitt.org/wineries for more information.
Brooks Hill
2746 Brooks Hill Road Brooks Hill, KY (502) 957-7810 www.brookshillwinery.com
MillaNova
774 Gentry Lane Mt. Washington, KY 40047 (502) 664-8304 www.millanovawinery.com
Forest Edge
1910 Clermont Road (502) 531-9610 www.forestedgewine.com
Wight-Meyer
40 Meyer Drive (502) 921-0267 www.wight-meyervineyard.com
Cattleman’s restaurant
Opening its doors to road warriors hungry for a filling meal, this American Roadhouse was inspired by the distinctive black and red exterior of Jim Beam American Outpost. Especially bold eaters can order the house special, the 20-ounce sirloin known as the “Sheriff.” 139 Historical Trail (502) 543-3574
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Connect with nature while trekking through 14,000 acres of hiking paths, nurseries, gardens and preserved land part of the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. With 35 miles of hiking trails, the Bernheim Arboretum and Forest showcases the diverse terrain of Kentucky, from dipping knobs to creek beds to dense woodlands. Hours are seasonal. Clermont, KY (502) 955-8512 bernheim.org
Lodging Travelbullitt.org
Once you’re acquainted with the country serenity in Bullitt County, you’ll forget about traveling to the big city for overnight accommodations. Bullitt County provides a variety of hotel venues and chains for traveling bourbon tourists, including 13 hotels with all of the major franchises. Save money by using your Hilton Honors, Priority Club, Choice Privileges, Marriott Rewards or others. While in Bullitt County, embrace the outdoors by pitching a tent or parking your RV or camper at one of Bullitt County’s campgrounds. For a full list of accommodations, visit travelbullitt.org.
Lexington, Kentucky A Glorious Gateway to Bourbon Country
W
hen riding along the gently bending hills of the Bluegrass and admiring a patchwork scheme of horse farms surrounding the Lexington, you might begin to agree with American pioneer Daniel Boone’s famous words: “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place.” The secret to the region’s undeniable beauty lies underneath the blue-tinted grass. The limestone-rich source of water that nourishes world-class horses also supplies Bourbon makers with an ingredient for Bourbon making that only nature can perfect. Kentucky’s second largest city isn’t just pretty to look at — it’s a thriving, growing and welcoming southern community that shares every tourist’s enthusiasm for Bourbon. While staying at this gateway to Bourbon Country, a logical starting point for your westward tour, be sure to explore the equestrian legacy of Lexington: Keeneland, the city’s historic Thoroughbred racetrack, was selected as the host site for the running of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup, and the Kentucky Horse Park was the location of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010.
68 The Official Guide to Bourbon Country
Distilleries and Breweries In the mid-1800s, Lexington’s Manchester Street was the hub of Kentucky’s Bourbon distilling industry. For many decades during the 20th century, Bourbon making was absent in urban Lexington. But an influx of new distilleries have ended the Bourbon drought, revitalizing a Kentucky tradition and putting downtown Lexington back on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail map. Citizens of Lexington are also some of the most fanatical newcomers to the craft-brewing scene with five craft breweries in the heart of the city.
Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co
A leader in bringing back the tradition of Bourbon making in Lexington, Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. produces Town Branch Bourbon, Kentucky Ale beer and a variety of other spirits, including a Bourbon-infused coffee drink. Two copper pot stills made visible through glass walls are the centerpieces of the distillery, which was constructed in part from Kentucky limestone. The distillery is the only member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that packages a brewery tour with a distillery tour for a price of $7.
401 Cross St. (859) 887-3406 www.kentuckyale.com
Barrel House Distillery
After five years, Barrel House Distillery released their first batch of Bourbon - RockCastle Bourbon - in the summer of 2015 to much fanfare. The small-batch distillery also produces moonshine and vodka, and was one of the first attractions in the booming Pepper Campus of the Distillery District. The gift shop is open Wednesday through Sunday with tours starting 15 minutes past the hour. 1200 Manchester St. #9 (859) 259-0159 barrelhousedistilling.com
West Sixth Brewing Co.
With its jam-packed public beer garden inside a warehouse known as the Bread Box, West Sixth Brewing Co. is more than a craft brewery - it’s a community. In addition to producing its constantly growing family of canned beers, West Sixth serves its devoted fans with a cool place to hang out. Sample a few flights of beers, like the ever-popular West Sixth IPA or Lemongrass Wheat, or check out one of the experimental brews. 501 West Sixth St. (859) 705-0915 www.westsixth.com
Country Boy Brewing Co.
AZUR Restaurant and Patio
County Club
Blue Stallion Brewing Co.
Buddha Lounge
Distilled
Country Boy Brewing was founded in February 2012 by a group of brewing enthusiasts who are adamant about experimenting with ingredients and flavor. This sense of brewing adventure has earned beers like Cougar Bait Blonde and Jalapeño Smoked Porter popularity with customers - and awards at national brewing competitions. 436 Chair Ave. (859) 554-6200 www.countryboybrewing.com Blue Stallion Brewing specializes in German and British brewing styles of beer in a nod to the original master of beer making. A swanky upper level lounge and pool room keep customers active and guzzling brews like the Munich Dunkel and Scottish 70 Schilling from large steins. 610 West Third St. (877) 928-2337 www.bluestallionbrewing.com
Ethereal Brewing
The newest member of the Lexington craft beer family, Ethereal Brewing toasts Belgian and farmhouse and American-style ales amid its cohorts in the Pepper Campus of the Distillery District. Situated on the bank of Town Branch Creek, the patio is a comfy accompaniment to the tasty brews. Check their website for tour information. 1224 Manchester St. (859) 309-1254 www.etherealbrew.com
Eat Crispy skin on fried chicken, creamy cheese grits topped with succulent shrimp and a chunky savory stew with a funny name are all southern classics on menus in Lexington. But Lexington’s culinary scene isn’t isolated to Southern fare – ethnic restaurants, tapas bars and burger joints have sprung up in Lexington, making the area a foodie destination. It’s hard not to find a restaurant incorporating fresh, local ingredients grown in the agricultural communities near and within Lexington.
Located on the south side of Lexington, Azur Restaurant and Patio delivers brilliantly crafted dishes from the mind of Chef Jeremy Ashby. Opened since 2007, the restaurant’s indoor European-style ambiance and outdoor bar and patio provide the ideal setting to savor traditional dishes with unorthodox ingredients and pops of the chef’s originality. 3070 Lakecrest Cir. Suite 550 (859) 296-1007 www.azurrestaurant.com In an immaculately redone downtown space with exposed brick walls and cozy seating, Buddha Lounge quickly became a popular lunch destination when it opened in the spring of 2015. Now with evening and night hours, not to mention exquisite Japanese small plates, and an impressive Bourbon selection, Buddha Lounge is a comfortable downtown location no matter the occasion. 109 N. Mill St. (859) 523-4723
The Blue Heron
Now with a kitchen and small, but fetching, menu, The Blue Heron does steaks, and other dishes, right. The wrap-around patio facing busting Jefferson Street is enticing, but don’t miss the staggering woodwork on the inside as well as the large mahogany bar. Its sister restaurant, The Grey Goose, is just across the street. 185 Jefferson St. (859) 233-1500 www.greygooserestaurants.com
Coles 735 Main
For more than 75 years, the brick building on the corner of South Ashland and Main Street has housed several historic restaurants serving the Lexington community and Thoroughbred fans visiting for the races. Coles 735 Main continues that tradition with a diverse menu that features grilled steaks, braised ribs, shrimp and grits, savory stews and more. 735 E. Main St. (859) 266-9000 www.coles735main.com
One of the newer restaurants to open on popular Jefferson Street, County Club takes smoked meat to flavors and dishes one would never expect. A solid, but small menu - including poutine, smoked brisket, and chopped pork sandwich - is buttressed with homemade table sauces and innovative and enticing specials, which get gobbled up quickly. 555 Jefferson St. (859) 389-6555 www.countyclubrestaurant.com Nestled in the toney lobby of the Gratz Park Inn, Distilled is a newer Lexington fine-dining establishment offering modern twists on Southern staples - like fried bologna and American cheese quiche for brunch and local pork tenderloin with Pimento cheese grits. Round it off with a top-notch Bourbon and wine selection, and Distilled has the makings to become a Lexington institution. 120 W. Second St. (859) 255-0002 www.distilledgratzparkinn.com
Dudley’s on Short
A staple restaurant where extraordinary American cuisine is commonplace, Dudley’s on Short has served downtown Lexington for more than 30 years. With its glass paneled doors that open to the sidewalks along Cheapside Park, the relaxing restaurant invites passing visitors inside with its elegant décor and second-story patio with a magnificent view of downtown. The Kentucky Proud menu of salads, short plates and main dishes includes first-rate seafood, steaks, pork, steaks and pastas. 259 W. Short St. (859) 252-1010 www.dudleysrestaurant.com
Enoteca
Grape vines curl around the railing of a brick patio belonging to Enoteca on the corner of Jefferson and Second Street. Inside a pea-green brick building, you’ll find a full-service bar stocked with labels that will
make any Bourbon fan order neat from the top of the shelf. With a hip lounge, restaurant and private room, as well as a new sky deck, the tapas restaurant and wine bar offers tasty small plates to share, with items including stuffed mushrooms with manchego, beef empanadas and shrimp with garlic butter. 191 Jefferson Street (859) 687-0346 www.enotecalex.com
“JDI” was a welcome addition to downtown dining in early 2013. Now with its fresh interior and friendly stone fireplaces, the tavern pours a variety of Bourbon and serves a full spectrum of brunch, lunch, dinner and game-day appetizers that are always popular with University of Kentucky fans. 319 Cedar St. (859) 246-0202 www.jeffersondavisinn.com
Jean Farris Winery and Bistro
Malone’s
The back-story of Jean Farris Winery and Bistro is a love story. Owners Ben and Jeanie O’Daniel found each other in 1997 while touring the world of wine. Now the couple runs an award-winning winery and bistro on Old Richmond Road. Their Cabernet and Petite Sirah have won gold medals at international competitions. Founded on the idea that wine is best when shared with friends at a table, the Jean Farris Bistro specializes in fine farm-to-table foods, like charcuterie, tender halibut, scallops, vegetable pastas and a savory filet, in an elegant back-patio atmosphere. 6825 Old Richmond Rd. www.jeanfarris.com (859) 263-WINE
Jefferson Davis Inn
For locals who remember old Jefferson Davis Inn tavern that closed in 1996, the rebirth of the three-story tavern known as the new
Known for steak that can rival the filets served in famous Chicago joints, Malone’s is the granddaddy of the Bluegrass Hospitality Group’s continuously growing family of restaurants. Through more than two decades of steakhouse success in Lexington, owners Brian McCarty and Bruce Drake have added popular spinoff restaurants, including Harry’s All-American Bar and Grill, Sal’s Italian Chophouse, Drake’s and Aqua Sushi. 3347 Tates Creek Rd. (859) 335-6500 www.bluegrasshospitality.com
Merrick Inn
An intimate and tucked away mansion with consistently delicious southern fare, Merrick Inn is a family run restaurant that has served Lexington for more than 30 years. Locals flock to the patio for daily specials on warm summer evenings in Kentucky. 1074 Merrick Dr. (859) 269-5417 www.themerrickinn.com
National Provisions
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Concepts collide in a mesmerizing fashion at the multi-themed National Provisions, an anchor in the aspiring National Avenue corridor just outside of downtown. There’s the Boulangerie with numerous sugary treats, the fish-forward restaurant, the sleek Beer Hall, there’s even a specialty grocery store in the rejuvenated marble and tile company. This place is so hip, it doesn’t even have a website. 710 National Ave. (859) 303-4763
Nick Ryan’s Saloon
With a fenced patio overlooking Jefferson Street and saloon-style bench seating indoors, Nick Ryan’s Saloon has earned its status as a highly recommended location for fine Southern dining in a revitalized section of town. The restaurant’s creamy shrimp and grits, crispy fried chicken and delicate fish entrees are sure to please. Order a classic Bourbon cocktail from one of two bars located inside the restaurant. 157 Jefferson St. (859) 233-7900 www.nickryans.com
Portofino
With strings of hanging lights, flower boxes, a fence enclosure and a lemon tree at its center, Portofino’s patio stands as one of the most romantic outdoor dining locations in downtown Lexington. An always highly touted restaurant for special occasions and intimate dates, Portofino has continued to impress diners year after year with consistently delicious, made-fromscratch Italian cuisine. 249 E. Main St. (859) 253-9300 www.portofinolex.com
Shakespeare & Co.
After its poetic landing in Lexington, Shakespeare and Co. has received a standing ovation for its broad menu and its theatrical decor. The menu is a running soliloquy of food that includes pizzas, pastas, soups, teas, sandwiches, brunch and more. 367 W. Short St. (859) 367-0413 www.shakespeareandco.us
Smithtown Seafood
Part farm to table, part pond to plate, Smithtown Seafood brings unimagined quality and flavor to a counter-service restaurant. Hang out and learn about the ambitious FoodChain project while your meal is prepared, or head to adjoining West Sixth Street Brewing for a locally made beer while your meal is prepared. 501 W. Sixth St. (859) 303-4100 www.smithtownseafood.com
Table Three-Ten
Table Three-Ten has expanded Lexington’s dining repertoire with a revolving menu of stunning flavor combinations and adventurous, unexpected ingredients. Its high industrial ceilings, eclectic wall art, low light and long bar give the restaurant a big-city feel. Each day at the restaurant holds exciting surprises, with a seasonal menu that’s complemented by blackboard specials that could include oysters, wild boar or roasted rabbit. 310 W. Short St. (859) 309-3901 www.table-three-ten.com
Village Idiot
A fun and lively downtown joint, the first gastropub of Lexington offers an inventive menu and a long list of drinks contrived at its full-service downstairs bar. At Village Idiot, you can have it all – a bacon-topped burger with fries, a plate of crab mac and cheese or a southern-inspired entrée like duck and waffles. The drinks offer endless options as well, from a local craft beer on tap, to an on-the-money Old Fashioned to a fine imported wine. 307 W. Short St. (859) 252-0099 www.lexingtonvillageidiot.com
Winchell’s
It may feel like an ordinary neighborhood grill, but don’t write-off the food at Winchell’s on Southland Drive. From its crab salsa-topped blackened salmon to its oozing hot brown, expect forkfuls of Southern goodness when you enter this usually crowded sports bar and grill. It’s a favorite haunt for neighbors and anybody who likes good food. 384 Southland Dr. (859) 278-9424 www.winchellsrestaurant.com
Windy Corner Market
Wind along the hills of Horse Country to find this charming country diner that’s also one of Lexington’s best-kept secrets. Founded by James Beard Award semifinalist Ouita Michel, the
restaurant lures visitors about 10 miles away from downtown Lexington for a real-deal country style breakfast, crunchy fried oyster Po Boys and beer cheese-slathered burgers that are beyond belief. 4595 Bryan Station Rd. (859) 294-9338 www.windycornermarket.com
Drink On the rocks, shaken, stirred or from the tap, the bars in Lexington will pour to your pleasing.
Belle’s Cocktail House
One of Kentucky’s most charismatic figures of the early 20th century, Madam Belle Brezing was the wellknown socialite who ran the most “orderly of disorderly houses.” Recreating the iconic Belle’s house was the inspiration behind Belle’s Place, a stylish southern bar where visitors can order a stiff cocktail or one of more than 200 Bourbons. Highend cocktails crafted with local, fresh ingredients are named after famous Kentucky horses, places and events. 156 Market St.
Bluegrass Tavern
A bonafide, no-frills Bourbon bar in Cheapside Park, Bluegrass Tavern offers more than 200 different varieties of Bourbon. Enthusiastic bartenders will make one of the best versions of the old-fashion you’ve ever tried. 115 Cheapside St. (859) 389-6664
Beere Trappe
A craft beer mecca, The Beer Trappe boasts over 500 specialty beers from around the world and a well-curated list of rotating drafts on tap. Got a question, Kevin Patterson, the resident cicerone, can talk suds all evening with you. 811 Euclid Ave. (859) 309-0911 www.thebeertrappe.com
Chevy Chase Inn
Long before dive bars were de rigueur, the venerable Chevy Chase
Inn has been slinging cheap beer (now of a craft variety, how times have changed) and (simple) cocktails for over 80 years, making it the oldest watering hole in town. Any night that begins, or ends, at CCI is a triumphant night on the town. 833 Euclid Ave. (859) 266-9422
Henry Clay’s Public House
A bar that pays tribute to The Great Compromiser – the distinguished pre-Civil War politician from Lexington who introduced the Mint Julep to Washington’s high society. 112 N. Upper St. (859) 368-7754 www.henryclaypublichouse.com
Parlay Social
A throwback to the speakeasies of Bourbon Country’s past, Parlay Social is a theatrical lounge at the corner of Market and Short Streets. Cocktails like the Keeneland Breeze and My Old Kentucky Home salute symbols of the Bluegrass with a splash of Bourbon. The bar also attracts a line-up of local bands on the weekends. 149 W. Short St. (859) 244-1932 www.parlaysocial.com
Stay For a place to rest your head, Lexington hotels have the convenience, comfort and costefficiency to accommodate your Bourbon journey.
Eighth Pole Inn
If you’re coming to the Horse Capital of the World, why not stay in the heart of Thoroughbred country in this elegant bed and breakfast? Each room handsomely decorated and downtown attractions are minutes away. 3463 Rosalie Rd. (859) 226-0095 www.eighthpoleinn.com
Embassy Suites
Guaranteeing class and comfort, Embassy Suites is centrally located on Newtown Pike just a few miles to the Kentucky Horse Park and downtown Lexington. Bourbon Trail tourists will have immediate access to Interstate-75 and Interstate-64 as they continue their journey. 1801 Newtown Pike (859) 455-5000 www.embassysuites1.hilton.com
Gratz Park Inn
With its preserved Victorian interior, Gratz Park Inn is a firstclass boutique luxury hotel located in the heart of Lexington’s historic downtown district. 120 W. Second St. (859) 231-1777 www.gratzparkinn.com
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa
Positioned next to the interstate, the Marriott boasts amenities including a full-service spa, steakhouse, and a golf course which just underwent a $1 million bunker renovation. 1800 Newtown Pike (859) 231-5100 www.marriott.com
Hilton Lexington Suites at Lexington Green
Located a few miles away from downtown, the Hilton Suites at Lexington Green is adjacent to the restaurants and shops in Lexington Green and Fayette Mall. The hotel is also close to the Bluegrass Parkway, which leads to many other locations on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 245 Lexington Green Cir. (859) 271-4000 www3.hilton.com
Hilton Lexington Downtown
Central to Triangle Park and downtown restaurants, the Hilton Lexington Downtown is home to the popular Bigg Blue Martini lounge and Triangle Grille restaurant. 369 W. Vine St. (859) 231-9000 www3.hilton.com
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Hyatt Regency Lexington
Keeneland Gift Shop
Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast
Kentucky for Kentucky
Within walking distance of Rupp Arena, the Lexington Convention Center, Jefferson Street, Cheapside Park and many other downtown attractions, the Hyatt is a convenient downtown hotel. 401 W. High St. (859) 253-1234 www.lexington.hyatt.com
For a more intimate location to stay in downtown Lexington, rest your head at the Lyndon House Bed and Breakfast, a lovely Victorian home. 507 N. Broadway (859) 420-2683 www.lyndonhouse.com
Shop Leave room in your suitcase to shop a variety of boutiques and specialty stores in Lexington.
Bella Rose
For over three decades, Bella Rose has elegantly merged big-city fashion and small-town charm, and their windows displays at the corner of Upper and Maxwell streets never fail to turn heads. It’s a must-stop boutique for a new Keeneland outfit. 126 W. Maxwell St. (859) 255-2565 www.bellarosestyle.com
Country Club Prep
Ladies, gents, boys, girls, college coeds, everybody can dress like a dandy after a visit to Country Club Prep. Visit their website to check out the latest seasonal arrivals. 807 Euclid Ave. (859) 554-6971 www.countryclubprep.com
Howard & Miller
Howard & Miller can dress a gentleman for any occasion, from a business meeting to a casual cocktail party, in a number of respected and admired line of clothes. 400 Old Vine St. No. 102 (859) 259-3926 www.howardandmiller.com
From fashionable leather boots to fine equestrian glassware, the gift shop located at Keeneland Race Course has an inventory of artwork, home items, clothing and accessories, and Kentucky and equine books and memorabilia. 4201 Versailles Rd. (859) 254-3412 www.keeneland.com The folk that proudly brought us wildly popular the “Kentucky Kicks Ass” and “Y’All” t-shirts have expanded their Kentucky-centric merch and even opened a storefront to make it even easier to shop their Bluegrass state trinkets. 720 Bryan Ave. www.kentuckyforkentucky.com
Get Around on the COLT Trolley
Traveling by foot is a great way to experience Lexington. The city’s free COLT Trolley service provides a ride to almost anywhere in town, with routes that operate until 3 a.m. on the weekends during the warm seasons. So keep the car in park and find a pleasant green trolley to take you to a dinner, distillery or other attraction in downtown Lexington. www.lextran.com/route-maps/trolley
Bardstown, Kentucky
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Adoration Abounds for Bourbon’s Quaint Capital
rom the Town Square of Bardstown, where the main road circles the old Nelson County courthouse, an occasional rumbling of train tracks down the road is the only interruption of small-town serenity. From the town’s center, visitors can meander down blocks of historic homes with wrap-around porches, order from an old-fashioned soda fountain, ghost hunt at a rustic inn or lounge with a bourbon cocktail in-hand —made, of course, with the local spirits. Six world-famous distillery locations, with a seventh addition scheduled to open its doors in 2016, call Bardstown home, which is why the quaint town is credited with making bourbon more than a spirit, but a destination on Kentucky’s map. Time after time, the Bourbon Capital of the World has endeared visitors checking off distilleries on their bourbon tour itineraries. The town’s ability to guard an image of the past, while still progressing with bourboninspired festivities, new dining experiences and many other familyfriendly entertainment options, impresses guests from around the world. Travel and Leisure magazine honored Bardstown as “America’s Favorite Town” and “America’s Most Beautiful Town Square” in 2013. USA Today called Bardstown one of America’s Most Beautiful Small Towns in 2012. More recently, it was listed in the No. 3 spot in the 10 Best Southern Small Towns chosen by readers of USA Today and 10Best.
Heaven Hill Distillery and the Bourbon Heritage Center
Like a prized family heirloom, the craft of distilling bourbon has passed through many generations of Kentuckians during the past two centuries. At Heaven Hill Distillery, the earliest pioneers of bourbon distilling are immortalized on the
labels of top-quality bourbon. When you sip a cocktail mixed with Evan Williams, consider raising your glass to jack-of-all-trades who established the first commercial distillery on the Ohio River. When savoring an Elijah Craig small batch bourbon sourced from 100 barrels or fewer, pause to thank the spiritual man credited with introducing the method of charring the barrel.
Heaven Hill is the nation’s
largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s secondlargest holder of Kentucky bourbon. In step with its philosophy for naming bourbon, Heaven Hill also celebrates the heritage and history of bourbon through the Bourbon Heritage Center, which rests at the top of a steep Bardstown hill among rickhouses. Visitors can choose from a number of tour options, which include a viewing of Rickhouse Y, as well as educational tastings of multiple acclaimed American whiskeys, each of which are concocted from different mashbills. 1311 Gilkey Run Road Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 337-1000 www.heavenhill.com www.bourbonheritagecenter.com
Barton 1792 Distillery
Home to 28 high-rise aging warehouses, Barton 1792 was founded in 1879 with the name of its originator, Thomas Moore. The Tom Moore Spring, a natural source of water on the 196-acre estate, continues to supply iron-free water for bourbon production today. The quality of the bourbon earned the distillery’s 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Barrel Select the status of the toasting bourbon of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and international accolades. Barton offers three distinctive tours that vary in length of time and level of exposure to the bourbon
making process. A one-hour Tradition Tour gives visitors a look inside Warehouse H, a traditional rickhouse built in the 1930s. The hour-and-half Bushel to Bottle tour tracks the process of bourbon from fermentation to bottling. Finally, the in-depth, two-hour Estate Tour takes visitors behind the scenes and across the grounds of the property, with highlights that include a stop at the world’s largest bourbon barrel and a viewing of the barrel filling process. As an added bonus for your visit, all bourbon tours are free. 501 Cathedral Manor Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 331-4879 or (866) 729-3722 www.1792bourbon.com
Willett Distillery
The Willett family of Bardstown can trace their family’s lineage back to the year their forefathers settled in Kentucky, which was the same year Kentucky became a state in 1792. The Willett Distilling Co. was formed in 1936, and the warehouses were built on a hill. The natural breeze that grazed the hill provided conditions ideal for the maturation process of bourbon whiskey. Today, members of the Willett family rely on the same hill in Bourbon Country to carry on the business of bourbon making Thompson Willett started decades ago. After renovations to the business in the past few years, Willett Distillery follows a few of the very same mash bills written by their forefathers to produce boutique small batch and single barrel bourbon and rye whiskeys from their coveted copper pot still. Tours of the family-run distillery are now available seven days a week (closed on Sunday in January and February), and reservations are recommended. 1869 Loretto Road Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-0081 www.willettdistillery.com
Bardstown Bourbon Company One of bourbon’s main ingredients is time – the natural process of developing depth of flavor and character. So, opening a brand new distillery in the land of bourbon giants is no small feat. The addition of Bardstown Bourbon Company, the seventh distillery to open in the Bardstown area, will be an exciting milestone for Bourbon Country in the summer of 2016.
Inspired by winery estates in Napa Valley, the 100-acre craft distillery boasts the comprehensive bourbon experience with a full-service visitor’s center, a restaurant and boutique hotel, a industrial kitchen merging bourbon and the culinary arts, and large tasting bar featuring new bourbons as well as other labels from neighboring distilleries. Veteran Master Distiller Steve Nally will return to Bourbon Country to lead the making of Bardstown Bourbon Company’s inaugural bourbons. Look for more information at the website in 2016. www.bardstownbourbon.com
The Kentucky Bourbon House The consummate Kentucky host and hostess, Kentucky Col. Michael Masters and Margaret Sue Masters want to impart their passion for extraordinary Southern food and the proper enjoyment of fine bourbon to the many guests who visit them at their Kentucky Bourbon House. A well-known public figure and cookbook author, Micheal Masters has gotten behind the bar for appearances on the Travel Channel and the Food Network. No stay in Bardstown is complete without tasting the Colonel’s exemplary Mint Julep – not too stiff and not too sweet, with a dusting of powdered sugar and garnish of mint plucked from their garden.
For those guests serious about bourbon, Col. Masters shares his wealth of bourbon knowledge, as well as the opportunity to learn how to mix favorites like the Bourbon Sour, the Manhattan and the Mint Julep, during his Bourbon University
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class. For those guests eager to get behind the bar, the Mixology 101 class walks guests through the mixing of classic cocktails with light appetizers. Dinners and parties of as many as 24 guests are also available by reservation. See the “Where to Stay” section for more information about overnight options at one of the Kentucky Bourbon House cottages. 107 E. Stephen Foster Ave. Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 507-08338 www.kentuckybourbonhouse.com
Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Pre-prohibition bottles, written recipes, black and white photographs, and rudimentary equipment from the earliest era of distilling science are only a few of the pieces on exhibit at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History inside the historic Spalding Hall. The must-see attraction for those interested in the science of bourbon was named Whisky Magazine’s Visitor Attraction of the Year for 2014. 114 N. 5th St. Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-2999 www.whiskeymuseum.com
Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Every September, the community of Bardstown commemorates the 200-year-old tradition of producing world-famous bourbon on the tree-lined Great Lawn of Spalding Hall. Now In its 24th year, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival returns Sept. 15-20, 2015, as a reflection of the widespread cultural influence on bourbon on Bardstown and Kentucky. This year’s festival includes cocktail hours, a speakeasy, the Great Kentucky Bourbon Tasting and Gala, a hot air balloon glow, historical tours, ghost walks, tastings, cooking demonstrations, Bluegrass music performances, and a family-friendly activities center. The festival offers an optional VIP tasting experience located in the climatecontrolled loft inside Spalding Hall. A seasonal highlight for locals and visitors alike, the Kentucky Bourbon
Festival was named a top-10 summer event by TheCultureTrip.com. 1 Court Square Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-3623 www.kybourbonfestival.com
The Jailer’s Inn
One of the oldest cities in Kentucky, Bardstown is home to many historical buildings with a chilling allure. Visitors flock to Bardstown for bourbon, but a few discover haunting tales as well. The rugged stone Jailer’s Inn downtown housed prisoners as the Nelson County jail until 1987. Spook-seeking visitors can stay in the black and white jail cell, which provides an eerie picture of incarceration in the early days of Nelson County. If staying overnight in a cell doesn’t appeal to you, the former jailhouse provides six other more glamorous rooms for guests. 111 W. Stephen Foster Ave. Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-5551 www.jailersinn.com
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
One of the first state parks established in Kentucky, My Old Kentucky State Park evokes nostalgia for an old way of life in Kentucky during the 1800s. Visitors will delight in Victorian-era costumes and classic American music presented during outdoor performances of the Stephen s Foster Story. Stephen Foster was the famous American composer who wrote the state’s official ballad, “My Old Kentucky Home.” With an 18-hole golf course, campgrounds and tours of the 292-acre estate’s antebellum mansion, families will enjoy non-stop activity at this historic park. 501 E. Stephen Foster Ave. Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-3502 www.stephenfoster.com
Kentucky Bourbon Manor
Experience the Old World grandeur of a luxurious antebellum mansion by booking one of nine rooms inside two restored plantation homes, or a tenth room in the original
smokehouse, at the Kentucky Bourbon Manor. A member of the National Historic Registry and Kentucky Landmark Plantation Home, the Kentucky Bourbon Manor guarantees a romantic stay in Bardstown, with rooms that include private fireplaces, antique furnishings, spiraling staircases, whirlpool tubs and canopy king beds. Every homemade breakfast served in the dining hall or room incorporates the theme of bourbon. Emphasizing privacy and comfort in its gated park-like setting, proprietors Todd Allen and Tyler Horton spoil their guests with the highest standards of personalized service and hospitality. Guests can schedule a culinary workshop or bourbon spa experience on the grounds of the manor. For those passing through Bardstown, the Bourbon Manor Bar also serves local microbrews and bourbons, as well as a tapas menu with meats, cheeses and appetizers, starting at 5 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday. 714 N. Third St. (502)-BOURBON; (800) 426-8726 www.bourbonmanor.com
The Kentucky Railway Museum
A family friendly stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visitors can explore World War II era train car, take a ride on a steam locomotive and explore 70 pieces of historic railway equipment. 136 S. Main St. New Haven, KY 40051 (502) 549-5470 www.kyrail.org
The Harrison-Smith House
The Harrison-Smith House restaurant was founded on the belief the world’s best bourbon should be accompanied by the finest local cuisine. On this notion, owners Rachel and Newman Miller and Justin Hughes developed a menu incorporating southern ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Enticing southern entrees feature fresh caught catfish and responsibly sourced pork and steaks, as well as locally grown vegetables and homemade yeast rolls.
Reservations are recommended and private parties are available. 103 East Stephen Foster Avenue harrisonsmithhouse.com
The Rickhouse
Resembling the interior scape of the many rickhouses in the area with stacks of bourbon barrels, the Rickhouse located in the lower level of Spalding Hall offers a menu drenched in bourbon inspiration. With more than 130 bourbons from which to choose and offering expert sampling sessions, the restaurant is the most heavily stocked bourbon bar in the city. The bar offers several flight options so visitors can taste the diversity of bourbon. Lunch and dinner are served daily and reservations are recommended. Xavier Drive Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-2832 www.therickhousebardstown.com
Old Talbott Tavern
More than 200 years ago, stage coaches pulled by horses stopped in front of the Old Talbott Tavern carrying westward-bound travelers. Historical figures including pioneer Daniel Boone, statesman Henry Clay and President Abraham Lincoln are recorded as guests of this historic inn. Today, the aged stone building on the Court Square still replenishes hungry and thirsty travelers, but most are bound for bourbon distilleries. Travelers can book one of the five bed and breakfast rooms. 107 W. Stephen Foster Ave Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-3494 www.talbotts.com
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Operating year-round, the Old Kentucky Dinner Train chugs through 17 miles of Bourbon Country, taking off from the Historic Depot not far from the center of Bardstown. The ride includes a French-inspired meal prepared by the train’s chef and a relaxing view of Kentucky’s landscape, bourbon distilleries and the nearby Bernheim Forest. Waiters in tuxedos ensure
the comfort and enjoyment of guests seated in the car. Reservations are required for the dinner train and lunch and dinner rides are available. 602 N. Third St. Bardstown, KY 40004 (866) 801-3463 or (502) 348-7300 www.kydinnertrain.com
Kentucky Bourbon Marketplace
Located in the historic Mary May House, the Kentucky Bourbon Marketplace is the essential one-stop shop for upscale bourbon souvenirs and gifts. Pick up the bottle you regretted leaving behind on the trail, or discover something entirely new to take home, in the Boutique Liquor Store. Complete your visit by relaxing with a cocktail in the distinctive Bourbon Bar and Tasting Room. 110 W. Flaget Bardstown, KY 40004 http://www.kybourbonmarketplace.com (502) 348-8611
Shop Whether you’re hunting for a heritage antique, goat’s milk soap or a box of bourbon chocolates, you’ll find the item you’re looking for in the Bardstown shopping district. In addition to the Kentucky Bourbon Marketplace, shop for authentic artwork, crafts, furniture, antiques, and bourbon memorabilia at spots including At Mary’s Art and Antiques, Bourbon Country Soaps, Artist’s Barrel and Bardstown Art Gallery. www.visitbardstown.com/ listings-category/things-to-do/shopping/
Stay Bardstown offers 16 cozy bed and breakfast locations to accommodate distillery tourists. Limited rooms are available by reservation at Jailer’s Inn, the Kentucky Bourbon Manor and Old Talbott Tavern and more. For a romantic getaway, the Kentucky Bourbon House offers a bed and breakfast service and four historic cottages. For a list of accommodations, go to visitbardstown.com.
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Lebanon, Kentucky At the Bull’s Eye of Kentucky, A Little Town Doused in Bourbon
ffectionately known as the beating heart of Kentucky, Lebanon is geographically located at the center of the state, which also happens to be a hot spot for Bourbon distilling. Lebanon is a short distance from a megabrand distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a distillery part of the Craft Bourbon Tour. The town also claims the Kentucky Cooperage, which readies the interior of oak barrels used to age many of the area’s Bourbons. Along with its Bourbon heritage, Lebanon attracts visitors with its country festivals, spiritual grounds and Civil War sites and topnotch southern food. Hikers and nature lovers will also delight in walking paths at the Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail.
Maker’s Mark Distillery
One of the most admired brands of Bourbon in the world, Maker’s Mark distillery invites customers to come meet the real makers – the employees who still bottle this iconic Bourbon by hand. Bill Samuels and his son Bill Samuels Jr. perfected the Maker’s Mark family recipe that earned the then-budding distillery front-page article on the Wall Street Journal in the 1980s. But this family business exploded in the past few decades, and the bottles that are hand-dipped red wax and labeled with torn paper are now symbols of prestige and coveted collector’s items. An innovative leader in Bourbon making and marketing, Maker’s Mark integrated progressive alterations to the distilling process by adopting a French-oak staves method for its newer Maker’s 46. High demand for the Maker’s Mark Bourbon in 2013 paved the way to upcoming expansions, including the installment of a 50,000-barrel warehouse. Visitors can take a guided tour of the complete Bourbon-making process, ending with an opportunity to seal their own bottle with a dip of molten red wax. A special two-hour behind-the-scenes tour allows fans of the brand to get even closer to the Bourbon making process and leave with a set of wax-dipped glasses. 3350 Burk Spring Road, Loretto, KY 40037 (270) 865-2881 - www.makersmark.com
Limestone Branch Micro-Distillery
With its rugged stone exterior, the Limestone Branch Distillery relies on the flow of cold, limestone-rich water for its micro-distilling operations. Brothers Steve and Paul Beam point to the their forefathers, who played integral roles in the development of the Kentucky Bourbon industry, to explain their own passion for distilling. They returned to Lebanon to continue that family tradition on Bourbon’s most fertile grounds. With a sacred approach to distilling, the brothers use a hand-hammered pot still to produce one-barrel batches
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of Bourbon and moonshine, or shine. Their line of Appalachian-style moonshine has expanded to include flavors of jalapeno, cherry pie, pumpkin pie and even a chocolate moonpie. Their Bourbon is still resting in barrels, not eager to be released until it reaches its peak in flavor. 1280 Veterans Memorial Parkway (270) 699-9004 - www.limestonebranch.com
Kentucky Cooperage
The charred inside of a Bourbon barrel contributes notes of smoke and oak to the final product through years of aging. These fire-derived flavors are what make America’s spirit so exceptional when compared to other whiskeys. The family-owned Independent Stave Company has supplied those charred barrels to Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, Barton’s 1792, Maker’s Mark, Four Roses and Jim Beam, to name a few. Visitors to Bourbon Country can watch the entire barrel making process, from the shaping of the staves, to the charring of the barrel, to the inspection of the barrel’s durability, during a free tour at the Kentucky Cooperage. 712 E. Main - (270) 692-4518 www.independentstavecompany.com
WhiteMoon Winery
Just like the Bourbon making process, the journey of arriving at a captivating wine can take years. While she started the vineyard in 2002, winemaker Alex Payne didn’t produce a product until 2011, and she opened the doors of her award-winning winery in 2013. The vineyard’s plum wine received high marks at the Indy International Wine Competition in 2012. Other varieties include the Moonlight white and Moondance dry red. Visitors are invited to taste the goods and tour at the facility off of Old Calvary Pike. 1395 Calvary Pike (270) 402-1285 www.whitemoonwinery.com
Restaurants and Lodging
If your Bourbon journey has worked up an appetite, Lebanon has more than 40 restaurant offerings to feed your craving. Chaser’s Restaurant and Cedarwood restaurants offer traditional southern fare in downtown Lebanon. Area options also include international and Italian cuisine. From the privacy of a bed and breakfast to a budgetfriendly hotel, a variety of places to stay are located in Marion County near popular Bourbon sites. The historic Myrtledene Bed and Breakfast offers history and comfort while the Rosewood Cabins are more rustic options housed on a golf course. For a list of all accommodations and restaurant choices, visit visitlebanon.com. www.visitlebanon.com
Bowling Green, Kentucky
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Plenty of Personality and Play on Bourbon Country’s West
ith a new Bourbon and brewing festival coming to town, a craft distillery making a big splash on the national scene, and a museum exhibit portraying the collapse of eight high-end hot rods into a sinkhole, Bowling Green has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. An ideal stop off the I-65 route west through Bourbon Country, Bowling Green lays claim to the famous National Corvette Museum, a historic town square, cave systems and natural landmarks, and a leading public university.
National Corvette Museum
Sleek, flashy and built for racetrack speed, the Corvette remains one of America’s most iconic cars. The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green displays 70 models of the prized speedster. A new interactive exhibit at the museum chronicles the story of the infamous sinkhole that swallowed eight prized Corvettes in February 2014. The new National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park puts visitors in the driver’s seat with a 3-mile track for recreational driving, educational driving courses and a unique meeting space. 350 Corvette Drive corvettemuseum.org and motorsportspark.org
Corsair Distillery
With its edginess, inventiveness and an air of well-deserved confidence, Corsair Distillery distinguishes itself on the western front of Bourbon Country with experimental and seasonal spirits. At Corsair, the diverse varieties of “ultra-premium booze” distilled there are just about as colorful and creative as the names on the labels. Former garage distillers and friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber have schemed up original whiskeys and spirits such as the Nashville, a cherry smoked
bourbon, and Buck Yeah, a whiskey made with buckwheat and malt. Visitors to the downtown Bowling Green location can label their own bottle in the recently expanded tasting bar or enjoy a craft brew in the taproom. 400 E. Main St. #110 (270) 904-2021 www.corsairartisan.com
Mariah’s
Mariah’s restaurant in Stadium Park Plaza attracts hungry patrons with its revitalized location, which is just steps away from festivals, live musical performances and the new downtown farmers’ market. Mariah’s Bar offers thirsty patrons a wide variety of Kentucky bourbons and other spirits. East 8th Avenue (270) 842-6878 www.mariahs.com
440 on Main/Micki’s
With a splash of bourbon in many of its dishes, the white-tablecloth 440 Main Restaurant and Micki’s Bar brings the festive flavors of the bayou to Bourbon Country. Specializing in New Orleans style cuisine, the menu includes steaks, seafood, and Cajun classics like jambalaya and shellfish creole. The bar area of Micki’s on Main has a more casual atmosphere and attracts the area’s best jazz musicians for live performances on Friday and Saturday nights. 440 Main St. (270) 793-8450 www.440main.com
Candle Loft
The Candle Loft downtown bed and breakfast warms the hearts of its guests with the nearby essence of bourbon candles. Suites in this warming bed and breakfast are located above the Candle Makers on the Square. 415 Park Row (270) 843-3001 thecandleloft.net
Mary Jane’s Fine Chocolates
The delectable candy factory specializes in handmade chocolate truffles, including this shop’s rendition of the iconic bourbon ball. Special orders of chocolates are also available. 1640 Scottsville Road (270) 282-6126 facebook.com/maryjaneschocolates
Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University As a gesture of discarding an antiquated tradition of making bourbon and starting anew, Makers Mark’s Bill Samuels Jr. burned his family’s recipe – literally. One of the many exhibits on display at the Kentucky Museum is “Instruments of American Excellence” featuring ordinary objects that Americans have used to do extraordinary things. The copper bucket in which Samuels burned the old family recipe belongs to this fascinating collection. (270) 745-2592 1444 Kentucky St. wku.edu/kentuckymuseum
The Downing Museum at Baker Arboretum
Art and nature are beautifully combined at this stunning new attraction, which was designed by renowned artist and Kentucky Native Joe Downing. (270) 842-7415 4801 Morgantown Rd. wku.edu/downingmuseum
Bowling Green Bourbon and Brewfest
Held at Circus Square Park in downtown Bowling Green, the inaugural Bowling Green Bourbon and Brewfest will feature select craft beers from the region and hand-picked Kentucky bourbons. Additional activities include musical performances, raffles, a silent auction and VIP opportunities. bgbrewfest.com October 17, 2015
The official drink of
your best. weekend.
ever.
It’s weekend time in Louisville. One of the few cities in the world with an official cocktail. Ours is the Old Fashioned which was, of course, first muddled here. And with so many highly-acclaimed restaurants and bars right near so many award-winning distilleries, you’ll find something tasty on just about every corner all weekend long. Get a taste at CulinaryLouisville.com @culinarylouisville
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1 Louisville
89 82 89 83 85 89 86 86 87
Angels Envy (opening in 2016) Bulleit Bourbon Experience at Stitzel-Weller Copper and Kings The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Kentucky Artisan Distillery Michter’s Micro Distillery (opening in 2016) Old Forester Distillery (opening in 2016) Peerless Distillery
2 Lexington
80 Alltech Brewing & Distillery Co. 89 Barrel House Distillery
3 Frankfort
81 Buffalo Trace Distillery 91 Old Taylor Distillery
4 Shepherdsville
84 Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling Distillery 84 Jim Beam American Stillhouse
5 Bardstown
80 Barton’s 1792 Distillery 81 Bourbon Heritage Center: Heaven Hill Distillery 88 Willett Distillery
6 Loretto
85 Maker’s Mark Distillery
7 Lebanon
90 Limestone Branch Distillery
8 Lawrenceburg
83 Four Roses Distillery 87 Wild Turkey Distillery
9 Bowling Green
82 Corsair Distillery
10 Versailles
88 Woodford Reserve Distillery
11 Pembroke
90 MB Roland Distillery
12 Newport
90 New Riff Distillery
13 Maysville
90 Old Pogue Distillery
14 Danville
91 Wilderness Trail Distillery
Alltech Brewing & Distillery Co. Opened in 2012, Town Branch is the newest distillery to open in Bourbon Country. Their flagship spirit, Town Branch Bourbon, has a state of the art home and Lexington has a distillery making Bourbon for the first time in several decades. Tours Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on the hour
Location 401 Cross Street, Lexington, KY 40508 (859) 255-2337
Barton’s 1792 Distillery Established by Thomas Moore in 1879, Barton’s 1792 Distillery is located within the city limits of Bardstown has become a must-see distillery on the Bourbon tour. The distillery extracts water from the same limestone springs its founder used to make bourbon more than 100 years ago. Tours Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Last tour at 3:00 p.m. Free admission
Location 501 Cathedral Manor, Bardstown, KY 40004 (866) 239-4690
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Bourbon Heritage Center: Heaven Hill Distillery
As you pass the second largest suply of Bourbon in the world, you suddenly realize that this is more than just another distillery tour. Tours January - February, Sunday - Monday: Closed Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. March - December, Monday - Saturday: 10:00a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 4:00 p.m. Last tour offered one hour before closing.
Location 1311 Gilkey Run Road, Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 337-1000
Buffalo Trace Distillery The magic of fermentation and distillation still goes on much like it did over 200 years ago. For an up-close look, begin your Bourbon Trail adventure at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world’s most award-winning distillery. Tours Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Trace Tour leaves every hour, on the hour or more frequently as needed
Location 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort , KY 40601 (502) 696-5926
Bulleit Bourbon Experience at Stitzel-Weller Originally opened in 1935, this bourbon cathedral is now home to Bulleit, Blade & Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel. Tour the historic facility, its new experimental distillery and sample unique bourbons. Tours Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Last tour is always at 3:00 p.m.
Location 3860 Fitzgerald Road, Louisville, KY 40216 (502)310-3800
Corsair Distillery By combining traditional recipes with unique ingredients and techniques, Corsair has made a national name for itself by pushing the limit on how spirits are distilled.
Location 400 East Main Street #110 Bowling Green, KY 42101 (270) 904-2021
Tours Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m: 6:00 p.m. All on the hour
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Evan Williams Bourbon Experience One of downtown Louisville’s newest and most thorough Bourbon experiences.
Tours Monday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday - Satuday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Adult Admission (21+) $12.00 Kids (10 – 20) $9.00
Location 528 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 584-2114
Four Roses Distillery Four Roses Distillery can be found in the quiet Kentucky countryside along the banks of the scenic Salt River in Anderson County. This distillery was built in 1911 and features a unique Spanish Mission-Style architecture rarely seen in Kentucky. Tours Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 3:00 p.m. All on the hour
Location 1224 Bonds Mill Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 (502) 839-3436
Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling Facility Four Roses Bourbon is the only distillery using single-story rack warehouses to minimize temperature variations, which produces bourbon with more consistent flavors, body and aromas. Tours Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All on the hour
Location 624 Lotus Road, Cox’s Creek, KY 40013 (502) 543-2264
Jim Beam American Stillhouse As the first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Jim Beam Clermont facility employs more than 300 people and welcomes more than 80,000 visitors annually.
Tours Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Except 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed All on the half hour
Location 526 Happy Hollow Road, Clermont, KY 40110 (502) 543-9877
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Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Opening this Fall, the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will be located in the heart of downtown Louisville at Fourth Street Live! It will give folks an understanding about the Bourbon without leaving the Louisville city limits. Tours Monday - Thursday: Noon - 9:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 6:00 p.m. All on the hour
Location 404 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Maker’s Mark Distillery Maker’s Mark Distillery is the world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery on its original site. Tours Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sundays: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (March through December) The tour and bourbon tasting is $9 per adult. Maker’s Mark welcomes buses Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
Location 3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037 (270) 865-2099
Michter’s Micro Distillery Michter’s Whiskey Co., just finished their large volume distillery on the out-skirts of Louisville. They hope to have the historic Fort Nelson building in downtown Louisville completely renovated and outfitted with a state-of-the-art micro still and visitor center by late 2016 or early 2017.
Location 801 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Old Forester Distillery In 2017, Brown-Forman Corporation will open a brand new bourbon and tourism experience in the heart of Downtown Louisville. Celebrating Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky with a $45 million dollar state-of-the art facility, the project harkens back to the heritage and authenticity of America’s first bottled bourbon.
Location 117 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
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Peerless Distilling Company Louisville’s newest distillery is one that has resurrected an old family brand that is rich in history. That history is on display at Peerless Distillery Company and is now open for tours, Tours Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m (Tours at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.)
Location 120 N 10th Street, Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 566-4999
Wild Turkey Distillery The Wild Turkey Distillery is a fully-working distillery, and tours show the entire process of making the finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Tours Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Apr through Oct)
Location 1417 Versailles Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40302 (502) 839-2182
Willett Distillery Founded by Thompson Willett in 1935, the family still owns and operates the distillery, pulling water from two springs located on 120 acres outside of Bardstown. Inside the Cistern Room as the Willett Distillery, visitors can watch the very beginning of bourbon’s journey. Tours Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the hour Sunday: 12:30 p.m., 1:30p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (March - December)
Location 1869 Loretto Road, Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-0899
Woodford Reserve Distillery The Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, is known throughout the world as the “homeplace of Boubon.”
Tours Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Mar to Dec)
Location 7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383 (859) 879-1812
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Angel’s Envy Location Opening in 2016 on Whiskey Row
Copper and Kings
Barrel House Distillery Location 1200 Manchester St, #9 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 259-0159
Kentucky Artisan Distillery
Location
Location
1121 East Washington Street Louisville, Kentucky 40206 (502) 561-0267
6230 Old LaGrange Road, Crestwood, KY 40014 (502) 241-3070
Limestone Branch Distillery
MB Roland Distillery
Location
Location
1280 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Lebanon, KY 40033 (270) 699-9004
137 Barkers Mill Road, Pembroke, KY 42266 (270) 640-7744
New Riff Distillery Location 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY 41073 (859) 261-7433
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Old Pogue Distillery Location 716 W. 2nd Street, Maysville, KY 41056 (859) 512-6422
Old Taylor Distillery Location Coming in 2016
Wilderness Trail Distillery Location 445 Roy Arnold Blvd, Danville, KY 40422 (859) 402-8707