Launched in 1999 by the Kentucky Distiller’s Association (KDA), the Kentucky Bourbon Trail program features 8 of Kentucky’s distilleries in an effort to boost tourism to the bourbon capital of the world. Initially, the official trail inluded only 7 distilleries. However in 2008, the eighth distillery – Tom Moore – was included. Unfortunately, in 2009, both Tom Moore and Buffalo Trace withdrew from the program to host independent tours for reasons still subject to debate. 2012 saw the addition of Town Branch distillery, followed by Heaven Hill’s Evan William’s Distillery in right here in Lousville to the official trail, bringing the number of participating distilleries back to the following 8:
1. Campari Group’s Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg
2. Brown Forman’s Woodford Reserve Distillery at Versailles
3. Beam Inc’s Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont
4. Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company in Lexington
5. Kirin Brewery Company’s Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg
6. Heaven Hill’s Visitors’ Center in Bardstown
7. Heaven Hill’s Evan William’s Distillery in Lousville
8. Beam Inc’s Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto
Although the above distilleries are the only ones on the official trail, there are dozens of smaller ones that make for unforgettable experiences – including Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky. Add them to the trail and experience them for yourself!