During the 1800s, it is believed that there were as many as 500 distilleries dotting the rolling bluegrass hills of Kentucky. Unfortunately, prohibition was the demise of the majority of these distilleries. However, there are over 30 distilleries that are going strong and crafting high-quality bourbon to this day. One of the tours that is a truly must-see is Mint Julep Experiences.

Mint Julep Experiences in Kentucky offers some of the best distillery tours that help you discover some of the best bourbons Kentucky offers. This top-rated tour agency is family owned. Founded in 2008, the team acts more as bourbon concierges than tour guides. All of their dedication has paid off, as the company is one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Guided Drinking Tours in America.” 

This ultimate guide will help you know what Mint Julep Experiences has to offer. 

Public Bourbon Trail Tours 

Mint Julep Experiences Louisville offers several public tours that happen Thursday through Sunday throughout the year. These tours are easy to book online, and they tend to fill up quickly. Each tour will take you to three distillers, where you will have a guaranteed reserved spot for a tour and tasting. So if you are still looking for things to do in the Lexington or Louisville area, taking a public bourbon tour is a perfect single-day adventure. 

Thursday Bourbon Tour

While other people are hard at work on a Thursday, you could enjoy a bourbon tour. Set out on an adventure that will provide you with guided transportation to the Kentucky Artisan/Jefferson’s Reserve, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., and Bulleit distilleries. Your bourbon tour will also include a local lunch. 

Friday Bourbon Tour 

Plan the perfect end to your week with this Friday bourbon tour. You’ll follow guided transportation to Lux Row, Heaven Hill, and Jim Beam distillers. You will take a tour of each distillery and then go to a tasting experience. During your tour, you will enjoy a relaxing local lunch. 

Friday Bourbon Tour 

Start your weekend early with this fun bourbon trail tour. You’ll have guided transportation as you make your way to the three included distillers. First, you will tour and attend a tasting at the Rabbit Hole. Then you will tour and taste bourbon at the Starlight. You will then be ready for a break, and the Starlight Cafe provides the perfect respite as you enjoy lunch. Finally, you will make your way to the Stitzel-Weller distillery for a tour and tasting experience. 

Saturday Bourbon Tour 

This Saturday bourbon tour is a perfect introduction for beginners as you tour and taste at Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, and Bardstown Bourbon Co. distillers. This is an all-day tour experience that starts in the morning and lasts until the afternoon. A local lunch is included in your tour, letting you enjoy everything Kentucky offers. 

Saturday Bourbon Tour 

Enjoy a fun Saturday as you follow guided transportation to three of the distillers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You will take a tour and enjoy a tasting experience at the Wilderness Trail, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., and Bulleit distillers. Your tour will also include lunch at a local eatery. 

Sunday Brunch & Bourbon Tour 

Get your Sunday brunch on while enjoying high-quality bourbon. Follow the Mint Julep Experiences’ guided transportation and discover one of the local brunch spots. Sip on a breakfast cocktail as you munch. Brunch will be at a local favorite, The Cafe. You can choose from a Bloody Mary, mimosa, Bellini, or mocktail for your complimentary beverage. Your Sunday experience will include tours at the KY Artisan and Bulleit distillers. 

Cooperage Tours 

While many people think of tours and tastings at distillers when they think of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, there is another experience to be had. True enthusiasts are not satisfied with a quick tour and sip. The cooperage tour is for those who are passionate about bourbon. 

Mint Julep Experiences works with Brown-Forman Cooperage for exclusive access. You will get an up-close view of how coopers craft barrels. The tour experience walks you through the barrel-making process, from prepping the wood to forming the barrel and toasting the inside. Learn from craftsman about achieving the perfect char. Completed barrels head to world famous distilleries like Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Coopers’ Craft.

Custom Kentucky Bourbon Tours 

Create your own personalized bourbon tour experience with Mint Julep Experiences in Kentucky. This lets you enjoy the best distillery tour for your interests and budget. Perhaps you are looking for a single day of adventure for your group. Or maybe you want to experience the ultimate guide that takes you on a multi-day tour from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky through Lexington, Louisville, and Bardstown. 

You’ll ride in a private Mint Julep fleet vehicle, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about reliable transportation. In addition, each of the experiences on your tour will come with guaranteed reservations, ensuring you don’t miss out on anything. 

One of Mint Julep’s knowledgeable experience coordinators will work with you to customize an itinerary. 

FAQs

How much is a Mint Julep tour?

Public Mint Julep Experience bourbon tours range in price from $179 to $199. The cost can vary based on your chosen tour and when you decide to go. Custom tours will typically cost more. However, Mint Julep tours can customize a bourbon tour to fit your budget. 

Do Kentucky distilleries have tasting rooms?

Yes, all of the distillers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail have tasting rooms. This allows you to experience the bourbon at the distillery with guidance from the distillers who craft the spirit. 

Where is the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky?

The Kentucky bourbon trail is located in downtown Louisville and is known as Whiskey Row. The best place to begin is at the Frazier Museum, where there is an official welcome center. There are 42 bourbon distillers included on the Bourbon Trail. Most of them are clustered in Louisville and Lexington. 

What is the best time of year to do the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

The absolute best time of year to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is during spring. The weather in Kentucky is warming, the landscape is coming to life, and the bourbon is in full production. However, if you’re looking to avoid the heavy crowds of bourbon drinkers, aim to visit between November and March. 

Discover local distilleries with the help of Distillery Nearby.