While bourbon doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky, about 95% of the world’s bourbon is distilled in the Bluegrass State. The craft distillery scene in Kentucky dates back over 100 years to when families had private distilling methods. Today this history of whiskey making in Kentucky is celebrated with an official trail that will help you experience the best distillery tours in Kentucky. This is the ultimate guide to experiencing the best that Kentucky has to offer. 

Travel the Kentucky Bourbon Trail 

Because there are so many distilleries in Kentucky, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) established the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999. There are 42 distilleries on the trail. You can follow the Bourbon Trail map and take an epic road trip. Or you can choose your favorites along the trail. 

Kentucky Distillery Tours 

If you want to enjoy all that the Kentucky distilleries have to offer, consider booking a tour. There are single distillery tours and those that will take you to several distilleries. By booking a tour, you don’t have to worry about transportation, allowing you to drink responsibly. You can customize your tour to the experience you are looking for. Perhaps you want to visit specific distilleries or want a luxury experience. 

Iconic Kentucky Distilleries 

While there are many distilleries in Kentucky making high-quality craft spirits, there are some that are considered the best distilleries in Kentucky. This is the ultimate guide to the best distillery tours offered by some of the oldest and best distilleries in Kentucky. 

Wild Turkey

While Wild Turkey Bourbon dates back to the 1800s, it didn’t get its name until 1940. An executive shared it on a wild turkey hunting trip, and the name seemed fitting. Throughout the decades, the team at Wild Turkey has dedicated themselves to distilling traditional whiskey. 

• Core Collection
• Small Batch Bourbon & Rye Collection 
• Limited Edition Master’s Keep Collection 
• Flavored Whiskeys 

Stepping into the visitor’s center at Wild Turkey is an experience in itself. It is a sight to behold, inspired by the traditional Kentucky tobacco barns. While at the distillery, you can experience the process of making these famous craft spirits. Learn about the history of one of the best distilleries in Kentucky, and taste the bourbon at its source. 

Maker’s Mark Distillery

The iconic red wax on the bottle has made Maker’s Mark craft spirits easily recognizable and helped it to become one of the best distilleries in Kentucky. The bourbon whiskey is distilled and bottled using the same methods that were used when the distillery began in 1953. Eight different distillery tours provide a broad range of experiences. There is something for everyone, from the farm to the history and the art tour. 

• The Maker’s Mark Tour: $22
• Season Star Hill Farm Tour: $65
• Behind the Bourbon: $55
• The Oak Experience: $220
• Sip & Stroll: $18
• The Maker’s Mark August Tour: $22
• Exclusive Private Selection Summer Series: $160
• Maker’s Mark Art & Design Tour: $45

In addition to taking a distillery tour, you can buy a Maker’s Mark souvenir from the gift shop. Purchase an undipped bottle, and you can try your hand at the dipping station for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. 

Woodford Reserve Distillery

The distillery that houses Woodford Reserve is a National Historic Landmark. The distillery partners with the Kentucky Derby to make the official cocktails of this famous horse race. The craft spirits feature unique flavor profiles of rye, wheat, and malt. There are also special limited edition lines, such as the Master’s Collection or Baccarat Edition. You can visit the distillery store and bar without a reservation. However, distillery tours and tastings require a reservation. There are several tours available that let you customize your experience. 

• Path to Flavor: $32 
• Spectacle for the Senses: $25 
• VIP Master Distiller Experience: $500 
• Innovation Inspired Tour and Tasting: $125 
• Mixology Experience: $40 

James B. Beam Distilling Co.

In the 1780s, a man named Jacob Beam strapped his wooden still to his back and moved his family to the foothills of what we now call Kentucky. This fateful move started a legacy of bourbon that has turned James Beam into one of the eBay distilleries in Kentucky. Today, the distillery has a line of famous craft spirits, including Jim Beam, Knob Creek, and Baker’s. Take a trip to Clermont, sign up for a distillery tour, and see two centuries of bourbon distilling in person. Then visit The Kitchen Table and taste cuisine inspired by original Beam family recipes. The distillery also hosts several events throughout the year. 

Buffalo Trace Distillery

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has undergone changes over the years, but its history dates back to the 1800s. After crafting bourbon for over 200 years, it’s easy to claim the Buffalo Trace as one of the best distilleries in Kentucky. In addition, while the distillery is famous for its Buffalo Trace brand, it also produces 20 other craft spirit brands. When visiting the distillery, there are six tours to choose from. The Trace, Expansion, Old Taylor, and Hard Hat Tours all give you a deeper insight into distilling operations. The Arboretum & Botanical Gardens tour gives you a unique view of the distillery grounds. Finally, the National Historic Landmark Tour is an educational tour giving you insight into the history of the distillery and area. 

Four Roses Distillery 

The history of Four Roses Distilling dates back to the 1860s. As with many things steeped in history and tradition, the story behind Four Roses is romantic. Paul Jones Jr proposed to a beautiful Southern Belle. She replied with a yes by wearing a corsage of four red roses on her dress. He later named his distillery after his love. Despite being one of the bigger and best distilleries in Kentucky, it specializes in small-batch craft spirits. Visiting the distillery will take your breath away with its new visitor center. There is a lounging patio, bar, gift shop, parlor, and archive collection. There are also several distillery tours and experiences available. They range in price from $16 to $45, and you need to book a reservation in advance. 

• Single barrel tasting flight: $45 
• Distillery legacy tour: $22 
• Taste of History: $16 
• Sip’ N Stroll summer tour: $22 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kentucky’s oldest distillery?

The distillery in Kentucky is Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in America. It remained operational during prohibition to make whiskey for “medicinal purposes.” The Buffalo Trace history dates back 200 years. 

How many distilleries are in Kentucky? 

While there are 42 distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, many more distilleries are operating in Kentucky. There are about 70 distilleries currently operating. 

What is the largest family-owned distillery in Kentucky?

Heaven Hill Distillery is family-owned, but the Shapira family. It was founded in 1935; it is the second-largest barrel holder in the world and one of the country’s largest spirit suppliers.  

Plan your road trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with Distillery Nearby.