Mark Megahan
Kentucky is world renowned for it’s bourbon whiskey. In fact, the state exports around 95 percent of the beloved amber beverage. That makes it an “exciting destination for whiskey connoisseurs.” A trip along the distillery trail can be quite an adventure. Some well seasoned experts share their tips for getting the most from the experience.
Bourbon capitol of the US
A Kentucky Bourbon Trail adventure is a great way for novice unicorn hunters to learn the ins and outs of collecting rare whiskey.
The KBT was “officially created” out of thin air and whiskey fumes back in 1999, as a way to get local distillers some profitable attention.
Rather than a physical “trail,” it’s “an officially recognized collection of some of Kentucky’s preeminent distillers.” Each has individual offerings of tours and tastings, “giving whiskey enthusiasts a peek behind the proverbial curtain of bourbon production.”
Some of the moonshiners reveal more than others. One of the pro tips is look for your favorite brands and check their websites to see what they offer loyal pilgrims without compromising proprietary secrets.
No matter which of the famous distilleries you choose to visit, all feature “historic buildings and beautiful scenery.” Not only is the trail “a great way to experience bourbon at its source,” there are opportunities “to snag a rare or allocated bottle.”
A lucky investor could come home with a prize unicorn for the top shelf of the man cave bar.
Taste of American history
You can assure the missus that it’s perfectly safe to drag the kids along while you go boozing your way from one end of Kentucky to the other. It’s educational!
You can learn about American history and bourbon manufacturing all at the same time. The promoters call it a “a unique and very pleasant experience.”
While it’s possible to just fly into Louisville and simply head to the nearest bourbon distillery, the pundits relate it’s much better to do some homework, first.
“No two distilleries are created the same. Some will be more amenable to walk-in tours, for example, while others require visitors to have a reservation.”
Transportation is another issue. “As convenient as it would be to have all of Kentucky’s finest distilleries in one easy-to-reach location, you’ll instead find that much of the KBT is spread out across the regions of Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, among others.”
There are tour services which will pour you from one bourbon dispenser to the next, saving you the hassle of driving yourself anywhere afterward.
