The Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (2025 Edition)
Bourbon is more than a drink in Kentucky — it’s part of the culture here. As someone who grew up surrounded by rickhouses and distillery tours, I’ve spent years helping people plan trips through bourbon country. But here’s the thing: the Bourbon Trail can be confusing. What’s official? What’s worth visiting? Where should you even start? My Bourbon Trail guide should help.
This complete guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail breaks everything down so you don’t have to stress. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or building a full bourbon-focused road trip, this post will help you figure out the best stops, where to stay, and how to plan your days without overdoing it.
And yes — I’ve included local favorites, budget tips, and all the extras the official website forgets to tell you.
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What Is the Bourbon Trail?
Let’s clear up a big misconception: the Kentucky Bourbon Trail isn’t just a nickname for every distillery in the state. It’s actually a marketing program run by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that includes a select list of member distilleries — plus a Craft Tour for smaller producers.
But don’t let that list limit your plans. Some of the best distilleries in Kentucky, like Buffalo Trace, aren’t on the “official” Bourbon Trail. That’s why this guide includes everything: the big names, the hidden gems, and the craft spots you’ll be glad you didn’t skip.
So when people talk about doing the Bourbon Trail, what they really mean is visiting a mix of Kentucky distilleries that offer tours and tastings — not just the ones with official trail status.
Where Is the Bourbon Trail?
Most people expect the Bourbon Trail to be a neat loop — but it’s more like a triangle, with a few outliers thrown in. The majority of distilleries are clustered around Louisville, Bardstown, and Frankfort, with bonus stops in places like Loretto, Lawrenceburg, and even northern Kentucky.
If you’re planning to drive, expect scenic country roads, horse farms, and lots of barrel-lined warehouses along the way. It’s part of what makes the trip so memorable.
To help you plan, I’ve put together a complete interactive map of the Bourbon Trail that includes every distillery with a tour or tasting experience — not just the official ones. It’s organized by region, so you can easily build your own route based on where you’re staying.
How to Plan Your Bourbon Trail Tour
Planning a trip to the Bourbon Trail isn’t hard — but it does take a bit of strategy. Unlike wine country, you can’t just show up and expect to hop on a tour. Most distilleries now require advance reservations, and the popular ones book out fast.
Here’s what you need to know to make your trip smooth:
Book early
Tours at Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Maker’s Mark often sell out weeks in advance. I recommend checking availability at least one month before your trip, especially if you’re visiting in spring or fall.
Don’t overbook your day
It’s tempting to pack in 4–5 stops, but that’ll wear you out fast. Most tours last 60–90 minutes, and many distilleries are 30–60 minutes apart. Stick to 2 or 3 distilleries per day, max — especially if you want time for lunch or cocktails.
DIY vs. guided tours
Driving yourself gives you more flexibility and is usually cheaper. But if you don’t have a designated driver, a guided bourbon tour might be a better (and safer) option. These usually cost $250–$400 per person per day, depending on the tour company.
Budget tip: Tasting-only experiences are quicker and usually cheaper — $10 to $20 for 3–4 pours. Mix them in with full tours to save time and money.
👉 Related: How much does a Bourbon Trail trip cost? Here’s my full breakdown.
Best Time to Visit the Bourbon Trail
You can visit the Bourbon Trail any time of year, but some seasons are definitely better than others — both for the weather and the experience.
Fall is the sweet spot. Late September through early November is when Kentucky’s weather is cool, the leaves are changing, and the distilleries are buzzing with events. It’s also the most popular time to visit, so you’ll want to book tours at least a month in advance.
Spring is also a great option. The weather is mild, wildflowers are blooming along the backroads, and crowds aren’t quite as intense as fall. April through early June is ideal if you want a more relaxed pace.
Summer can be hit or miss. Some distilleries (especially those outside of Louisville) aren’t climate-controlled, and rickhouses can get hot. If you go during July or August, plan your tours earlier in the day and leave time to cool off.
Winter is quiet, except around the holidays. Between Christmas and New Year’s it’s hard to get a distillery tour. But in the winter months of January and February you’ll find a lot of availability.
Top Bourbon Trail Stops to Consider
With over 40 distilleries offering tours and tastings in Kentucky, narrowing down where to go can feel overwhelming. But the best stops for you depend on your travel style — whether you’re into big-name brands, small-batch innovation, or historic properties with a great view.
👉 Not sure where to start? Here’s my local guide to the 10 best bourbon distilleries to visit in Kentucky.
First-Time Visitors
If you want the full Bourbon Trail experience, stick with a mix of iconic distilleries and highly rated tours. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Woodford Reserve, and Maker’s Mark are all great intros to Kentucky bourbon. Just be sure to book well in advance.
History + Architecture Lovers
Some distilleries are worth visiting for the grounds alone. Castle & Key is one of the most beautiful spots on the trail, and Stitzel-Weller offers a glimpse into bourbon’s past. Even if you’ve done other tours, the setting makes these stand out.
Cocktail Fans
If you’re more into drinking than distilling, look for stops with great bars and restaurants. Willett and Bardstown Bourbon Company both serve up excellent cocktails and food — perfect if you want to linger for lunch.
Unique Experiences
If you’re after something a little different, there are a few stops that go beyond your standard tour. Bardstown Bourbon Company offers a hands-on thieving experience straight from the barrel. For something more off-the-beaten-path, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. lets you taste right from aging barrels inside a rustic barn. No headsets, no gift shop — just bourbon tasting.
Short on Time?
Stick to Louisville. You can walk between several urban distilleries (like Old Forester and Angel’s Envy) without a car. It’s ideal for a one-day or one-night bourbon stop.
👉 Want the full list? Check out my guide to the 10 best distilleries to visit on the Bourbon Trail.
Where to Stay on the Bourbon Trail
Since the Bourbon Trail isn’t a loop, where you stay can make a big difference in how much time you spend driving between distilleries. Most travelers choose one of three main areas as their base — each with its own vibe.
Louisville
The best option for city lovers. You’ll find plenty of hotels, great restaurants, and several distilleries within walking distance of downtown Whiskey Row. Ideal if you’re short on time or want a mix of bourbon and nightlife.
Bardstown
Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown is central to many classic distilleries like Willett and Heaven Hill. It’s quieter and more charming — great for couples or anyone looking for a small-town feel.
Frankfort
Close to Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve, Frankfort is a convenient base for exploring the eastern side of the trail. It’s less crowded than Louisville but still easy to navigate.
👉 Want something unique? Here are the most memorable places to stay on the Bourbon Trail.
👉 Need help picking your hub? Don’t miss my full guide on where to stay along the Bourbon Trail.
Sample Bourbon Trail Itineraries
Not sure how many days you need for the Bourbon Trail? The answer depends on how much bourbon (and driving) you want to fit into your trip. Here’s a quick look at what’s possible, whether you’ve got just one day or a full weekend.
1 Day on the Bourbon Trail
Stick to Louisville. You can walk to several distilleries downtown and still have time for lunch, shopping, or a cocktail before dinner. Add Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, and maybe Kentucky Peerless Distilling for a quick intro to the trail.
2 Days on the Bourbon Trail
Start in Louisville, then head toward Bardstown or Frankfort on day two. This gives you time to visit 3–5 distilleries and explore a mix of historic and modern stops.
3 Days on the Bourbon Trail
You’ll have time to slow down, enjoy longer experiences (like bottling your own bourbon), and visit several regions without rushing. It’s the sweet spot for first-time visitors.
👉 Planning a quick trip? Check out my 2-day Bourbon Trail itinerary for a short and sweet route.
👉 Want the full experience? Here’s my complete 3-day Bourbon Trail itinerary with exact stops, tips, and tour timing.
What to Expect From Bourbon Distillery Tours
Bourbon distillery tours are as much about the experience as they are the spirits. While every distillery does things a little differently, most offer a mix of traditional guided tours, tasting-only sessions, and special behind-the-scenes experiences.
Types of Tours
Standard tours are the most common. These walk you through the production process — from grain to glass — and end with a guided tasting. They typically last about 60–90 minutes and cost anywhere from $18 to $32 per person.
If you’re short on time (or just want to sample), many distilleries offer tasting-only experiences for $10 to $20. These usually include 3–4 pours and take around 30 minutes.
Some distilleries offer premium or specialty tours — like bottling your own bourbon, cocktail classes, or thieving straight from the barrel. These range from $30 to $50+, but are often the most memorable experiences.
How to Plan Your Trip Around Tours
The key is not to overbook. Most people can realistically visit 2–3 distilleries per day. Tours are spaced out, and you’ll need time to drive, park, and browse gift shops or grab a cocktail at the bar.
Book tours at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially if you’re visiting in spring or fall. Popular stops like Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve sell out quickly.
Mix and match experiences to keep things interesting — try a full tour in the morning, a tasting-only stop in the afternoon, and save a premium tour for your final day.
👉 Want a better sense of the budget? Here’s my full breakdown of what a Bourbon Trail trip costs.
More Bourbon Trail Tips + Resources
Ready to keep planning your bourbon adventure? I’ve created a full set of guides to help you save time, avoid stress, and make the most of your Bourbon Trail trip — no matter how long you’re staying.
Planning Your Route
👉 Kentucky Bourbon Trail Map: Full Interactive Guide
Where to Stay
👉 Best Places to Stay on the Bourbon Trail (by Region)
👉 Unique & Themed Places to Stay on the Bourbon Trail
Choosing Distilleries
👉 10 Best Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries to Visit
👉 Complete Guide to Buffalo Trace Tours
👉 Top Louisville Tours to Choose
Itineraries
👉 2-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary
👉 3-Day Bourbon Trail Itinerary
Budgeting Your Trip
👉 How Much Does the Bourbon Trail Cost? Full Breakdown
