Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Straight-Up Answers

1. How long does it take to complete the entire Kentucky Bourbon Trail®?
While we encourage you to relax and enjoy your trip, we know that proper planning is a necessity. That said, you should allow at least two days to visit all six of our historic distilleries. Check out the tour times for each distillery on the distillery pages of the web site.

2. How long are the tours?
Each distillery’s tour is unique, and some offer specialty tours that can take longer. You should plan on spending at least an hour and a half at each distillery to tour and visit the gift shop and tasting room. If you’re interested in times for a specific distillery tour, we encourage you to call ahead.

3. How far are the distilleries from each other?
Some are as close as three miles and others are as far as 70 miles. Check out the Map and Guide section of our web site for driving directions and distances between distilleries. And remember— this is Kentucky. The scenery is beautiful.

4. How do I complete the passport?
Collect stamps at all six distilleries to earn a free Kentucky Bourbon Trail® T-shirt when you submit your completed passport. Your passport will be shipped back to you along with the shirt. Please include your T-shirt size. Shirts come in adult male sizes from small to 4XL. Please mail your completed passport to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, 612-A Shelby Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.

5. Where can I find directions to the distilleries?
Check out the Map and Guide section of our web site for complete driving directions to each distillery. We’ve been told that some GPS devices aren’t completely accurate for providing directions. Ours have been tested and driven. Trust us.

6. Is there an admission fee?
All general tours are free, with the exception of Woodford Reserve, which charges $5 for adults 18 and older. Some distilleries have specialty tours that carry charges. Please see the distillery pages of our web site to see which distilleries offer specialty tours, then call ahead for costs and availability.

7. What about tours for large groups?
If there are 10 or more people in your group, please call ahead to the distilleries that you plan to visit to give them a head’s up.

8. Where should I start my Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience?
Anywhere! There’s no official beginning or end to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You’re free and welcome to start in any one of our landmark distilleries or historic communities.

9. Are people under 21 allowed to take tours?
All distilleries require you to be at least 21 to sample their products if they offer tastings, but anyone is welcome to take a tour of the distilleries.

10. Are reservations needed or required?
General tours at the other distilleries don’t require reservations, but please call ahead if your tour group has 10 or more people. Specialty tours require reservations. Check out the distillery pages of our web site for more information.

11. Are there tour companies that offer Kentucky Bourbon Trail® packages?
So far, we know of only one—Mint Julep Tours. Contact them at http://www.mintjuleptours.com. If we hear of others, we’ll post them here.

12. Do distilleries offer samples?
All six distilleries offer a tasting at the end of the tour.

13. Do distilleries allow Sunday tastings?
That’s up to the local governments. As of May 2009, only Woodford Reserve, Heaven Hill and Maker’s Mark allow Sunday tastings.

14. Can you buy Bourbon at the distilleries?
Under Kentucky law, visitors can purchase up to three liters per customer, per day at the gift shop.

15. Can you buy Bourbon on Sundays at the distilleries?
Due to local laws, only Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark allow the sale of liquor on Sundays.

16. Can I use the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® name or logo?
Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a registered trademark of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. We’re very careful in its use, just like our distilleries practice great care in producing their Bourbons. Please contact us for information on terms of use and potential licensing agreements.