** PLEASE NOTE: Changes to the Barreled & Bold Experience Below **

Welcome to the rolling hills and glorious pastures of Kentucky! Here, you’ll find some of the most pristine landscapes, the most breathtaking views, and the most delicious bourbons and whiskeys. Take a tour and hit the trail to sample them all on one of the legendary adventures – Barreled & Bold.

About Barreled & Bold

Of all the tours and delicious trails to experience in Kentucky, and trust us, there are plenty, Barreled & Bold is a definite must-see. This collaboration features two of the most brilliant distilleries in the state. At the top of most “best of” distillery tour lists, you’ll always find Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. and Sazerac, the parent brand of Buffalo Trace Distillery and Barton 1792 Distillery. 

NOTE: Upon its original launch in 2019, the Barreled & Bold tour featured all three aforementioned distilleries. However, Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, no longer offers public tours. So enthusiasts should explore the remaining two distilleries as part of this spirits sippin’ adventure.

The tour experience includes comprehensive sipping and strolling through both Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. in Louisville, KY, and Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfurt, KY. Experience two of the best distillery tours in Kentucky with one Barreled & Bold excursion!

With Barreled & Bold, you’re not just sampling Kentucky’s best whisky. This tour offers a unique blend of several spirit favorites, including:

• Brandy
• Gin
• Vodka
• Absinthe
• Destillaré Liqueurs
• Bourbon

The Barreled & Bold adventure will take you through a historical look back at some of the most notable spirit founders and brands, including Albert B. Blanton, George T. Stagg, and E.H. Taylor, Jr. You’ll also get to witness the fun and intricate distilling process, from the mashing of grains to the distilling of your favorite fruits.

Tours at these two participating distilleries are free, and guests can have their passes stamped at each. A fully-stamped book will provide you with additional discounts and extras, too! 

Buffalo Trace Distillery – Frankfort

It’s like visiting an entirely self-contained city! When you visit Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, you’re stepping foot into one of the most popular distillery experiences state-wide. No, really, more than 230,000 guests were recorded coming through back in 2018 alone. Recently expanded, this visit demonstrates all the distilling and aging capabilities of the facility. 

Check out all the awards!

• 2022 – Global Distiller of the Year 
• 2022 – American Distiller of the Year
• 2021 – World Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year
• 2020 – Distiller of the Year
• 2020 – Visitor Attraction of the Year 
• 2020 – Global Visitor Attraction of the Year
• 2018 – Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year
• 2018 – Distiller of the Year
• 2018 – Brand Innovator of the Year
• 2018 – Whiskey Visitor Attraction of the Year
• 2017 – Visitor Attraction of the Year
• 2016 – Master Distiller of the Year
• 2016 – Distillery of the Year, World
• 2016 – Distillery of the Year, North America
• 2015 – Americas & the Caribbean Spirits Producer of the Year
• 2015 – World Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year
• 2015 – Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year
• 2014 – International Wine & Spirits Competition
• 2015 – American Distillery Manager of the Year
• 2015 – Whiskey Distillery of the Year
• 2015 – Whiskey Visitor Center of the Year
• 2014 – America & Caribbean Spirits Producer of the Year
• 2014 – Whiskey Distiller of the Year
• 2013 – Whiskey Distiller of the Year
• 2012 – Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year
• 2012 – Whiskey Ambassador of the Year
• 2012 – Traverse Award for Promotional Video
• 2007 – Distiller of the Year
• 2006 – American Distiller of the Year
• 2012 – Traverse Award for Print Ad 
• 2011 – Traverse Award for Excellence in Marketing
• 2011 – Traverse Award, Excellence in Marketing – Honorable Mention
• 2011 – Class C Education Award, Quest For The Perfect Bourbon
• 2010 – Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year
• 2009 – American Visitor Attraction of the Year
• 2008 – American Innovator of the Year
• 2000 – 2006 – Distillery of the Year

Explore all the brands!

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• Eagle Rare Bourbon
• Blanton’s Single Barrel
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel
• W.L. Weller
• Old Charter
• Benchmark
• Ancient Age
• White Dog
• Bourbon Cream
• Wheatley Vodka
• Kosher Whiskey
• Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Soda
• Antique Collection
• O.F.C. Vintages
• Experimental Collection
• Single Oak Project
• E.H. Taylor, Jr.
• Van Winkle
• George T. Stagg
• Sazerac Rye

Copper & Kings American Brandy – Louisville 

With more than 60,000 annual visitors, Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery in Louisville is a wildly popular gem. Often called “the world’s most imaginative distillery,” the Copper & Kings tour is more than just an educational adventure. See the full barrel-to-bottle experience, from picking your own barrel and sampling delectable spirits! 

The core roster includes…

• American Craft Brandy
• American Apple Brandy
• Butchertown Brandy
• Gin
• Absinthe
• Liqueurs 

FAQs About Kentucky Distilleries

If you’re planning a visit to Kentucky, you’ll likely have a few other questions about adding unique distillery experiences to your list and seeing the best KY has to offer. Here are some FAQs and answers to guide your next bourbon trail adventure! 

1. What other distilleries are there in Bardstown, KY?

There’s no shortage of exciting tours to experience when you’re in Bardstown, KY, the “bourbon capital of the world!”

• Bardstown Bourbon Company
• Lux Row Distillers
• Willett Distillery
• Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center
• Preservation Distillery

2. What other distilleries are there in Louisville, KY?

While you’re in Louisville, add these distillery tour gems to your list of must-sees! 

• Angel’s Envy
• Brough Brothers
• Copper & Kings
• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
• Kentucky Artisan
• Kentucky Peerless
• Michter’s
• Old Forester

3. What do you do on a Kentucky distillery tour?

Every distillery tour is going to be unique. Some are brief facility tours and tastings. Others are chaperoned tours with complete historical recaps, full access to the processes, and sipping every stage of the tour. From picking your own barrel of bourbon to fun and quick intros to your favorite brands, prepare for anything! Additionally, here are a few notable mentions to make it the best experience. 

• Dress casually and comfortably
• Drink responsibly
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Summer in KY is HOT.

Conclusion About Barreled & Bold

If you’re exploring the green hills of Kentucky, add the Barreled & Bold distillery experience to your list of things to do. And keep Distillery Nearby handy to help you locate all the best tours and hidden gems worth exploring, too. We’re the ultimate guide to all the best sips and trips when it comes to tours and trails!