1-Day Bourbon Trail

Disclaimers

Everyone has heard of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Furthermore, most of my readers have visited some aspect of the Bourbon Trail in the past. So, I recognize that this post is arguably not as obscure as I like to be with my posts. But, let’s face facts. Bourbon is a significant portion of my life. So, darn it, I just wanted to write about bourbon.

There are far too many distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to visit in a short period of time. So, I wanted to narrow the approach to a more practical bourbon road trip. My approach was to select three, excellent and contrasting distilleries that can be comfortably visited in one day. One last disclaimer, these distilleries can be done in one day, but I did not do them in one day. This post is a compilation of my vast years of bourbon “research.” So, without further adieu, here is my best 1-day Bourbon Trail.

The Big Guy

If you want to see an example of the large, industrial level distilleries, my choice is the Wild Turkey Distillery.

In my previous life, I visited my share of chemical manufacturing sites. Trust me, Wild Turkey is a “chemical” manufacturing site. You will not see some wise, old Kentucky bootlegger adding secret ingredients into his small batch operation. Nope. Rather, this is all high end technology on a very large scale where the workers sit in control rooms to work their magic. There are 12″ underground pipelines transferring the “moonshine” to the production building to the barreling operation. The charred oak barrel is the special essence of bourbon. But, at Wild Turkey, the chemical tanker truck also has an important role.

Wild Turkey also has a very nice visitor center where you can hear about all the important history…explained to you by Matthew McConaughey. Of course, I may be a little bias toward Wild Turkey, as my son had his first taste of bourbon here. But, I am still confident that its a great trail stop for anyone.

Ma-Pa Distillery

In stark contrast to the vast Wild Turkey operation, the entirety of the Whiskey Thief Distillery is located in one barn and one barrel shed located on a large working cattle farm. If you want the Kentucky bootlegger in the barn vibe…Whiskey Thief is the place to visit

If you are new to bourbon distilleries, this is a great place to introduce you to the bourbon making process. Its all right in front of you (see the next picture below). On the right side of the photo is the mash tank where the grains get the process going. Then, the wooden, jacketed tank directly above Carol is the fermentation tank where the yeast creates alcohol. Finally, the large copper still on the left separates water from alcohol and creates the “moonshine.” The moonshine is then put in charred oak barrels for at least 5 years…then you have BOURBON.

The tasting process at Whiskey Thief is the best that I have ever done. Its not a tasting room. Rather, they just pull it straight from the barrel right there in the barn. There are 5 barrels/tastings per visit. Be forewarned, Whiskey Thief is very high proof bourbon. Carol dominated her post breakfast barrel sampling. Meanwhile, PugsleyTonks paid for the extra experience of bottling your own bourbon experience. I would rate this bourbon trail visit as one of my favorites of all time. But, it is a bit on the pricey side.

The Crown Jewel

Obviously, the Crown Jewel of the Bourbon Trail could be the subject of much argument. However, the final answer is the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfurt, Kentucky. If you bother to argue the point…you are wrong. The Buffalo Trace Distillery dates back to the late 1700s. This is the longest continually operating distillery in the USA. Furthermore, the distillery even continued to operate during prohibition by legally making “medicinal” whiskey. The location is registered as a National Historic Landmark. The place makes some of the most highly sought after labels on the market. Every tour includes 5 tastings plus the opportunity to buy some hard to get brands. Finally, the entire tour and tastings are absolutely FREE! Mic drop…

Going through Buffalo Trace is like watching them print money at the US Mint. Your base of knowledge is seeing restaurant bourbon lists where Pappy Van Winkle sells for over a $100 a shot and Blanton’s goes for at least $50. On the tour, you will find yourself standing next to ten of thousands of dollars worth of hard to acquire bourbon.

The main distinguishing feature of bourbon is the charred oak barrel. If you make a barrel of “bourbon,” its not really bourbon until it has aged in the barrel for at least 5 years. Over that five years, the heating and cooling of the barrel causes losses in the liquid. Some liquid evaporates away through the barrel…called the Angel’s Share. And some liquid gets retained within the barrel…the Devil’s Cut. By the time the aging is over, the 53 gallons of liquid becomes a significantly smaller amount before its actually bottled.

Wrap It Up

I know I ran a bit long, but its OK since its all about bourbon. This trip was anchored around Buffalo Trace because it can be tricky to get a tour reservation. Once the reservation was acquired, all other stops were within 30 minutes. Sure, its possible to do more in a day. But, why get yourself in a rush. My 1-day Bourbon Trail is a solid approach for those that are new to the hobby. For my veteran Bourbon Trail adventurers, please offer up your favorite distilleries in the COMMENTS section below. As always…do not drink and drive. Everyone needs that special friend that does not drink, but loves to join the fun. Have a wonderful day. PT

I hope you have enjoyed reading “1-Day Bourbon Trail” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

Here is another attraction in Kentucky if you need a break from bourbon https://travelingwithpt.com/ventriloquism-museum-its-the-real-deal/

If you want to get your tour reservation at the crown jewel, start here https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

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p.s. If you like the sound of my suggested 1-Day Bourbon Trail, here is another trip enhancing tip. Downtown Frankfort does not have a lot in the way of hotel chains. However, I found an excellent lodging option rich in local heritage and Kentucky charm. If you want to maximize your Frankfort experience, stay at BNB’s BNB at the Meeting House.

Brad and Bridget were the most excellent of hosts. We walked to all the restaurants for our evening dinner. And, the room and breakfast were outstanding. BNB’s BNB at the Meeting House is the perfect lodging for your bourbon trail experience. https://www.themeetinghousebandb.com/