When it comes to having a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, nothing beats a private and custom Kentucky distillery tour with BourbonTown Tours. Being part of a tight group of family, friends, and strangers makes for an intimate and independent adventure. This is where skilled guides open up a window into the secret world of bourbon making. Additionally, BourbonTown’s private tours are designed with couples, families, and friends in mind. Each adventure is customized to your specific tastes and preferences. This blog highlights just a few of the reasons to be part of BourbonTown’s private and custom tours. Plus, we’ll share the top four distilleries to visit first in Kentucky.

Reasons to take a private and custom distillery tour

If you have a busy schedule, you may want to consider booking a private distillery trail instead of opting for the DIY approach to planning. Customized tours handle all the details for you. Here are the benefits of being part of Kentucky’s private and custom distillery tour with BourbonTown Tours:

• Great learning opportunities: A private distillery tour guarantees a greater learning experience where all the secrets of the bourbon-making process are unmasked. Although the internet offers substantial information on any of Kentucky’s over 70 distilleries, many bourbon trail experiences are still yet to be discovered and shared online. On a private tour, you enjoy the added benefit of having a personal guide who answers all your questions to make your adventure-hunting much more enjoyable.
• A conveniently planned trip that caters to your preferences: Tour operators have extensive experience. They know the Kentucky bourbon trail like the back of their hands. Whether you are budget-friendly or a luxury traveler, they can customize a perfect vacation that suits your preferences and needs.
• Access to exclusive experiences: Although there are plenty of fun experiences that public bourbon trails offer, you will likely miss out on thrilling exclusive experiences only available with private tours. Apart from distillery explorations and tastings, these tours offer added perks. Start exploring these personalized experiences, including dinner events, festivals, camping, hiking, and other exciting destinations. 

Kentucky’s top 4 distilleries to visit with BourbonTown tours

Bourbontown Tours are customized based on your preference and tastes. Because it is a small-batch tour company, its public and private tours cover exclusive destinations. Alternatively, other tour companies don’t venture far from the common venues. The following are some of the top Kentucky distilleries to include in your tours: 

1. Maker’s Mark Distillery

Address: 3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037

Maker’s Mark is undeniably one of the largest distilleries in the world, occupying Kentucky’s oldest whisky-making site. It is also the only distillery in the US to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Maker’s Mark produces 16 brands and variations of bourbon, including the hand-made Maker’s Mark bourbon that tastes irresistibly good. Its history revolves around The Samuels family, who uses an old-fashioned secret recipe to make refreshing whiskies loved worldwide. To date, every bottle of Maker’s is still hand-dipped in their signature red wax, just like Bill Samuels, Sr. would have wanted. Visit the distillery to witness the enthralling bourbon-making process firsthand and have an opportunity to purchase a bottle of Makers Mark and dip it yourself.

2. Limestone Branch Distillery

Address: 1280 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Lebanon, KY 40033

Limestone Branch produces Kentucky’s finest craft spirit. Located in picturesque Lebanon, the distillery continues the long-standing tradition as the best maker of old-fashioned whiskeys. Each of Limestone Branch’s private tours delves into heritage and processes to give modern-day drinkers a view of how things were done back in the day. Get to see how they make their craft whiskeys and gin right from start to finish. You will also get opportunities to taste your favorite bottle, explore more than 200 artifacts and even order a cocktail at their bar. 

3. Heaven Hill Distillery

Address: 1064 Loretto Rd Bardstown KY 40004

Nestled in the heart of historic Bardstown is Heaven Hill distillery offering a wide array of popular American whiskeys. If you have a strong taste for the fine art of whiskey, be part of BourbonTown’s private tours to experience the independent spirit and artistry of American’s original whiskey. Go behind every bottle and discover behind the scene happenings that bring the tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit to life. At the end of your tour, you will receive educational Bourbon tasting of some of the world-famous bourbons. 

4. Jim Beam Distillery

Address: 568 Happy Hollow Rd, Clermont, KY 40110

The history of the Jim Beam distillery began some 270 years ago when Jacob Beam, a farmer, distilled his excess corn to produce sour mash whiskey, which he sold to revelers. A seemingly simple idea born out of a dire necessity gave rise to a family legacy and vast business empire. Today, the distillery can produce over 17 million barrels of whiskies, including popular brands such as Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam, Old Grand Dad, and Knob Creek. Take a tour of the distillery to discover how the eight generations of the Beam family have carried on with the long-standing bourbon tradition for over two centuries. Apart from the tours, you can also participate in cocktail classes, tastings, warehouse education, or a full distillery dive.

FAQ about a private & custom distillery tour with BourbonTown Tours in KY

How long does a private distillery tour take?

The duration of distillery tours varies based on the specific facility. However, most Kentucky trails last for between 60 and 90 minutes.

What should I wear to a distillery tour?

It is recommended that you wear casual and comfortable clothing to your tour. A nice polo shirt or collared-down shirt is perfect for a distillery. Choose short or long sleeves, depending on the weather, and shorts.

What are the raw materials used in Kentucky distilleries?

There are several raw materials used to produce beverage alcohol. Some of the raw materials used in bourbon making include:

• Corn
• Malted barley
• Wheat 
• Rye

Explore distilleries near you with DistilleryNearby customized directory 

Planning a vacation on your own can be daunting, especially when you have a hectic and busy schedule. A private and custom distillery tour with BourbonTown Tours can maximize your Kentucky vacation. Moreover, everything is catered to your tastes, including the attractions to visit, things to do, and activities to enjoy. Don’t waste time and money when planning the perfect bourbon vacation on your own. Instead, start your spirit sipping journey with BourbonTown Tours!

DistilleryNearby features a tailored directory to help you explore Kentucky distilleries by location, beverage type, or amenities, making it easy to find great local options.