Craving bourbon and want to travel? Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
That’s amazing, but so do hundreds of thousands of other people.
The Kentucky Distilled Spirits Association In 2023, 2.55 million people visited Kentucky distilleries, coming from 48 states, 20 countries, and six continents. Kentucky bourbon’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past decade, and craft distilleries and the tourism industry have grown right along with it. Due to high demand, walk-in tours and tastings aren’t always available, and reservations for lodging, experiences, and dining are often recommended.
If you are planning a trip Kentucky Bourbon Trailplease come prepared.
Ahead of the summer travel season, The Courier Journal reached out to tourism officials in Louisville, Bardstown and Frankfort to get an idea of how far in advance people should plan their trip.
Ready to hit the road? Here’s what you need to know when planning your Kentucky bourbon adventure.
Is there a time of year when the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is less crowded?
Late winter is generally the quietest time to visit Kentucky, but in recent years many distilleries have seen increased traffic during the winter holiday season and in January, February and early March.
When should I book a tour of a Kentucky bourbon distillery?
Tourism authorities recommend booking your tour at least one month in advance, but this largely depends on which distillery you want to visit. Distilleries publish their own calendars of booking dates, and some, especially popular ones, may have reservations available at the earliest. Buffalo Trace Distillery (not part of the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail) opens reservations and has a waiting list two months in advance, while other distilleries have booking calendars that extend three months or more in advance.
Officials suggest first researching the distilleries you want to visit, finding out when their calendars are open, and booking your can’t-miss experiences as early as possible — and even setting a calendar reminder on your phone so you can check back when the time is right.
When should I book a hotel or Airbnb if traveling the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
If you’re planning a weekend getaway in April, early May, September, or October, book as early as possible. In most cases, you can find lodging in Frankfort if you book about two weeks in advance. In Bardstown, officials recommend booking at least one to two months in advance. Kentucky Bourbon Festival By September, some people are booking their rooms a year in advance.
When should I make reservations at Kentucky Bourbon Distillery Restaurant?
In general, officials recommend making dining reservations at least two weeks in advance. Distillery restaurants usually have shorter hours than traditional restaurants, so reservations are fewer. If you’ve already secured your bourbon experience at a distillery, try to book for that date.
When should I book with a tour company to travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
Again, officials recommend finalizing this schedule as soon as possible, as many tour companies are willing to book up to a year in advance.
How many Kentucky bourbon distilleries can you visit in one day?
Tours usually last between 30 and 90 minutes, so when planning your schedule, keep in mind how closely spaced the tours are and how much travel time there is between distilleries. Many distilleries have cocktail bars and gift shops, so you’re sure to find some interesting stops along the way if you need to spend some time there.
The closer the distilleries are to each other, the more you can visit in one day: Louisville, for example, has several distilleries within walking distance, and in Lexington, you can visit three distilleries back-to-back in one day. Distillery DistrictTo tour the distilleries in Bardstown and Frankfort, you’ll need a car or a tour bus.
A leisurely traveller could do around three places in one day, while a more meticulous planner might go to five.
What are some hidden gems along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
Small craft distilleries tend to be more likely to book a tour than the internationally known brands. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tours It may be easier to get to than the traditional Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
for example, Whiskey Thief Distilling Company Frankfort still offers walk-in tours, but it’s best to call ahead.
Many new or small distilleries are not listed on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail. J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Frankfort and Louisville Common Buzzard’s Roost and Nuru Whisky Company.
Bardstown Bourbon Company and Castle & Key They also operate a tasting room in downtown Louisville.
Feature columnist Maggie Menderski writes about what makes Louisville, southern Indiana and Kentucky unique, wonderful and sometimes a little odd. If there’s something in your family, your town or even your closet that fits that description, she wants to hear your story. She also occasionally writes about bourbon. Contact her at mmenderski@courier-journal.com. Follow @MaggieMenderski on Instagram.
