Kentucky Bourbon Trail
My husband is a lover of bourbon. We decided to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and it has been such a fun experience.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail:
Did you know that 95% of the world’s Bourbon is produced in Kentucky. Or as we like to say, only good bourbon is produced in Kentucky. The bourbon trail is widespread through the state and can’t be completed in a day or two. Depending on if you are doing a tour or experience at each distillery or just stopping in for a tasting will determine how long it will take you to complete.
Did you know in order for whiskey to be Bourbon, it must be made with a minimum of 51 percent corn, aged in new, charred oak containers, stored at no more than 125 proof and bottled at no less than 80 proof? You will learn facts like this and much more as you tour and explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
There are two trails. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has 18 distilleries, and The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour has 28 distilleries. I am a personal fan of the original trail but if we have time and are in the area, we often do some of the craft tours too. The craft tours are broken down into 4 regions – Northern, Central, Western, and Bluegrass. It takes a week to do this part of the trail.
In 1964, a Congressional Resolution declared Bourbon an indigenous product of the United States—meaning that no other country can make a product and call it Bourbon. This is why Bourbon is revered as “America’s Official Native Spirit.” Bourbon is growing in popularity right now in the United States and abroad, so this is a booming industry for Kentucky.
There are now almost 11 million barrels of Bourbon aging in Kentucky, which is 2+ barrels for every person living in the state. As my husband always says, there are only two good things that came out of Kentucky. His beautiful bride and bourbon. It has been a fun experience for us to complete together and we are enjoying crossing off distilleries off our list.
Woodford Reserve Distillery Tour
I highly recommend staying at the Bourbon Barrel Retreats.
Melissa is a football and soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 24 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.
