Top bourbon tours in Louisville (which one is right for me?)

Known for its iconic Whiskey Row, Louisville’s bourbon scene continues to expand to become more impressive. As someone from Louisville who has visited every bourbon tour in Louisville, there are so many amazing experiences to be had. Here are the best bourbon tours in Louisville:

Going outside Louisville? I’ve got a guide to all the best distilleries on the trail.

What is the bourbon trail?

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a network of bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. The distilleries are mostly located in Louisville, Bardstown, and Frankfort areas but the network extends beyond that. More distilleries are in Kentucky than are included on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail and though most consider all distilleries the “Kentucky Bourbon Trail” some of the most famous distilleries aren’t even included on the official list.

I recommend doing your research outside of the official Bourbon Trail to get the most out of the Kentucky distillery experience. But for the sake of clarity I’ll be describing all distilleries as “the trail.”

Where to stay in Louisville for the Bourbon Trail

Whiskey Row has had a renaissance in downtown Louisville. The area has renewed itself from its creation and is a great place to stay when visiting the trail in Louisville. One of my personal favorite hotels in the area is the Moxy. But if you want something a little more upscale, The Grady is an excellent hotel, too! 

Check out my helpful guide to the best places to stay on the Bourbon Trail for more ideas!

Best bourbon tours in Louisville

Though you can visit the Bourbon Trail in many parts of Kentucky, you’ll almost certainly spend at least some of your time visiting the trail in Louisville. Though most of the distilleries won’t include the amazing rickhouses with countryside views, you will experience the tradition of Whiskey Row and urban distilling. 

Having visited every distillery (and tour) in Louisville, I’ve curated what I think is the best experience at each Louisville distillery to help you make the most of your time. 

Stitzel-Weller Distillery

What to book: The Stitzel-Weller Experience
Price: < $25
If you’re looking for a traditional rickhouse experience, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery (home to Blade and Bow) is a must. The distillery isn’t located on Whiskey Row (built here to avoid taxes inside what was then the Louisville line) and because of that still has the original grounds with rickhouses, offices, and more. If you like distilling history, this 1-hour tour is a must. 

Old Forester

What to book: Old Forester Tour
Price: > $25
This is probably my favorite comprehensive tour on Whiskey Row. The tour is well thought out and helps you understand the entire bourbon making process, even in an urban setting. The best part of Old Forester is the treat of one of their amazing chocolate dipped modjeskas at the end. (Do not miss this sweet treat!)

Rabbit Hole

What to book: Rabbit Hole Distillery Tour
Price: < $25
Rabbit Hole is one of the most modern distilleries in Louisville. With a really unique aesthetic, it’s a stark contrast to the old feel of most of Whiskey Row. Their 1-hour standard tour includes a cocktail to start, which is the only tour I’ve been on that includes one. Be sure to include plenty of time for their gift shop, too. Unlike most distilleries, there are plenty of unique gifts and collectables worthy of any bourbon lover’s collection.

Angel’s Envy Distillery

What to book: Private Select Tour
Price: > $25
Like Rabbit Hole, Angel’s Envy is creating a name for themselves as a modern distillery experience. Here I’d recommend the more expensive Private Select Tour, where you can learn more about bourbon finishing, one of the growing industry trends.

Michter’s Distillery

What to book: Discovery Tour
Price: < $25
Michter’s probably has the best tasting experience at the end of their tour. You get to try products you can’t find anywhere else all for a good tour price. The facility itself is super small, so you don’t really get to see much in their micro distillery. But the tour is worth it for the tasting experience at the end.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

What to book: Grab a cocktail
Price: < $25
After visiting nearly every bourbon distillery in Kentucky I can confirm this is the worst experience on the trail. It’s over the top and just not interesting. If you decide to go to Evan Williams just grab a cocktail at their upstairs bar.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

What to book: Tasting Experience
Price: < $25
Peerless has an interesting history in a beautiful historic building downtown. They do offer a tour but I recommend booking a tasting experience instead. Peerless is known for their products and the tasting experience gives you a great variety of tastes.

Cooper & Kings

What to book: The Cooper & Kings Experience
Price: < $25
Located outside Whiskey Row, Cooper & Kings offers a great tasting experience in a unique atmosphere. Though the Cooper & Kings Experience is the only tour offered daily be sure to look out for their special cocktail and cooking classes, too.

Other bourbon tours that aren’t distilleries

Though distilleries are what you think of when you think of bourbon tours in Louisville there are some other unique bourbon experiences you can do. Here are some of my favorites:

Take a blending class at Barrels & Billets

If you’ve ever wanted to blend your own bourbon, you have to book this experience. You’ll taste a variety of bourbon profiles and create your own blend at the end of the workshop. Even better? You can pay just $50 to take home a custom bottle of your blend at the end of the experience.

Walk the streets of Whiskey Row with a guided tour

If you’re a history lover or just bourbon history lover, consider booking the Whiskey Row Walking Tour and get an inside look at the history of bourbon in the historic heart of Louisville.

Barrel tasting and bottling experience

Pursuit Spirits is known for their highly popular bourbon podcast but they’re now invested in bourbon experiences. Their taste, pick, and pour experience allows you to barrel pick your own bourbon to take home. 

Tips for visiting the Bourbon Trail

• Most distillery tours open 3 months in advance and sell out quickly. Be sure to get organized and book your tours in advance to be sure to get the times and locations you want to visit
• If you plan to just visit Louisville you don’t need a rental car. Almost all the distilleries are located within walking distance from Whiskey Row downtown. If you plan to venture outside of Louisville and don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars per person for a day trip you can rent a car which will give you freedom to visit each distillery at your own pace.
• Though it seems like you can do tour after tour after tour…. Limiting yourself to 3 tours a day will give you plenty of time between experiences for the gift shop, tasting experiences, cocktails, and meals.
• Don’t worry – distilleries are highly regulated and you’re limited to how much you can consume on a tour. Unless you purchase additional cocktails, you’ll be completely fine.

Explore on. -K