If you enjoy bourbon and you ever visit Kentucky, this article will definitely come in handy, so save this, as we will be discussing some of the best bourbon distilleries the state of Kentucky can boast of.
The distillers have their preferences concerning ingredients, grain used for distillation, or what they allow it to age in, charred barrels made from oak. On top of this, tour guides have no problem in imparting their knowledge to individuals who are interested in learning more. Whether it is to tour a bourbon distillery for connoisseurs or someone embarking on their first experience in this tour, it is indeed the best bourbon distilleries in Kentucky that introduce you to an entirely different rhythm for relishing this experience, which, in actuality, becomes an unusual experience in the heart of American bourbon country.
Some of these distilleries are listed below;
Best Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky
1. Buffalo Trace
2. Maker’s Mark
3. Woodford Reserve
4. Angel’s Envy
5. Heaven Hill
6. Bardstown Bourbon Company
The Best Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky
Let’s talk a little more about them.
1. Buffalo Trace
The Buffalo Trace Distillery has some of the most exceptional spots for the production of bourbon. Right from the start, this particular spot has the feel of the land itself, with its old buildings and ambience of serenity, as if it’s trying to convey the message that it’s a spot you want to visit. This particular spot qualifies as unique in terms of location in the sense that it has shown restraint.
When you visit the distillery, you will be taken through the history of the distillery and then the procedure involved in making the bourbon whiskey. The whiskey makers, however, work six days a week at the distillery to produce the whiskey. You end the visit at the distillery with a tasting ceremony where you have the opportunity to taste your bourbon whiskey.
A very truthful depiction of true Kentucky bourbon whiskey is provided by Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Address: 113 Great Buffalo Trce, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
2. Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark Distillery is definitely one of the most beautiful and beloved bourbon distilleries. From the first moment, you notice the red barns and the green hills, which signal that it will be a peaceful and special tour. From the very beginning, you realize that quality is important to Maker’s Mark.
There would be tour guides who would give information about all the processes behind making bourbon whiskey. You could have learned how they make their bourbon whiskey using soft red winter wheat at Maker’s Mark, or how they age their whiskey to make it smooth-tasting. There might be whiskey-tasting sessions in other places within the tour, in which you would get to dip your own bottle in red wax. The experience at Maker’s Mark has an ease to it, to have fun with it.
Address: 3350 Burkes Spg Rd, Loretto, KY 40037, United States
3. Woodford Reserve
The Woodford Reserve Distillery is also quite picturesque, for a bourbon distillery, and it is one of the most picturesque bourbon distilleries that are available in the state of Kentucky. Looking back while proceeding, there are some hills, and then there are some stone buildings and horse farms too. Heritage starts surfacing at this stage.
As you proceed with your visitation at the distillery facility, you will have the opportunity to learn the processes involved in the production of bourbon whiskey at Woodford Reserve that involve the use of copper pot stills and require a long period of aging. As you proceed with your visit to Woodford Reserve, you have the opportunity to learn about the historic structures available at the distillery and the patience required in the production of bourbon whiskey. To complete your visit, you have the chance to taste your bourbon whiskey.
Address: Woodford Reserve Distillery, in Woodford County, Kentucky
4. Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy Distillery provides a very attractive bourbon experience just downtown in Louisville. As soon as a visitor enters, an amalgamation of perfected design with bright lights provides a comfortable and cozy ambiance. Unlike other distilleries that appear to be old, Angel’s Envy Distillery seamlessly blends tradition and modernity.
Beginning the tours, there is an explanation of the steps involved in creating a bottle of bourbon that everyone can understand, as well as some insight into what makes the bourbon at Angel’s Envy unique, especially when it comes to its final steps of aging in port wine casks. Throughout this tour, guests can witness the equipment involved and understand that it’s the smallest details that go into creating such a robust product that shines with a rich taste during the final tasting session at the end of this visit.
Address: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
5. Heaven Hill
Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the most famous bourbon spots. Even with the first impression itself, it is this historic building, coupled with the calming environment surrounding it, that creates a sense of welcome and curiosity altogether. It is this that makes it so unique, not going for something very bold and highlighting tradition and authenticity instead.
As one embarks on their tour at the distillery, there are guides who are always available to enlighten one on its history, as well as the whole procedure that is put into making a bourbon whiskey. The last stop in these tours is where one embarks on a tasting tour, whereby one is able to sample bourbon whiskey. The Buffalo Trace Distillery is known to give a clear insight into exactly what is involved in a Kentucky bourbon whiskey.
Address: Bardstown, Kentucky, United States
6. Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company is an interesting development of bourbon whiskey. As one approaches, it begins with a modern design of an open area that radiates dynamism. Nevertheless, this is connected to the history of bourbon whiskey since it is closely associated with it.
The process of making bourbon is described in an effective way throughout this visit, taking into consideration the addition of innovation in this process. After that, one has an opportunity to witness the machines themselves, learning different bourbons developed on the concept of finishes. In fact, this tour would conclude with an exercise related to taste, where participants learn about the different profiles of each of the bourbons developed above.
Bardstown Bourbon Company brings in innovation, maintaining the fundamentals of bourbon in itself in Kentucky.
Address: Bardstown, Kentucky, United States
Conclusion
These bourbon distilleries combine to make a lesson in themselves that exposes how Kentucky is known as the bourbon state. They each have their own character, own style, own flair, and their own taste, making it an interesting journey filled with bourbon from first to last.
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