Trail Tips

Booking Bourbon Experiences For NCSL In Louisville, August 2024

By:Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Posted: May 14, 2024

By:Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Posted: May 14, 2024

Kentucky and its legendary distilleries look forward to hosting the attendees of the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Summit on August 5-7.

With the expected influx of conference traffic, it is imperative that you book your Bourbon experiences as soon as possible…or as we like to say–Book Now, Bourbon Later. Distilleries typically open up bookings about two or three months in advance, but some are available for bookings today! Below are some tips to make your trip planning as smooth as Kentucky Bourbon. Check back regularly for more exclusive offerings for NCSL attendees and updated booking information.

Want to leave the planning and driving to someone else? Book today with one of our trusted Transportation Partners.

Louisville Area Bourbon Experiences

With 8 Bourbon experiences on Whiskey Row and many others in the city and surrounding area, there’s a reason why we call Louisville “Bourbon City!” See experience options below and book now to ensure you opportunity to taste the best whiskey Louisville has to offer.

Angel’s Envy Distillery

500 E Main St, Louisville, KY

The 5% of spirit lost each year during barrel aging is called the “Angel’s Share,” and after tasting the finished whiskey, founding Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson joked that he’d finally gotten a better deal than the angels. And with that, Angel’s Envy was born.

Use the promo code NCSL24 for a 20% discount on a Signature Tour between Aug. 5th – 8th. August tours will be open for booking online beginning May 7th. They will have a distillery exclusive Single Barrel Bourbon (115 proof) available for purchase that week for NCSL attendees – don’t miss out!

Book Now

Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Tasting Room

730 West Main Street, Louisville, KY

Explore the world of Bourbon like never before at Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Louisville Visitor Center. Discover interactive exhibits, exclusive tastings, and unique events that celebrate the spirit of Kentucky.

August bookings open 90 days out (about Mid-May). Book a tasting tour, or visit their cocktail bar.

Book Now

Bulleit Distilling Co.

3900 Benson Pike, Shelbyville, KY

Built in 2017 and open to visitors in 2019, Bulleit Distilling Co. leads the industry with its state-of-the-art technology and offers a portfolio distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy taste.

Tour bookings for August are open now! Book a tour, take a cocktail class, or visit their bar for a refreshing cocktail.

Book Now

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

528 W Main St, Louisville, KY

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a multi-million dollar artisanal distillery, immersive tourism experience, and retail location that celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. It is located along downtown Louisville’s historic “Whiskey Row” and across the street from the riverfront location where Evan Williams’ distillery once stood in the late 18th century.

Use the promo code NCSL24 for a 20% discount on the Traditional Tour & Tasting. August tours will be available to book in early May (90 days in advance). Book a tour and tasting, or stop by to visit the ON3 Bar.

Book Now

Michter’s At Fort Nelson

801 W Main St, Louisville, KY

In 2019 Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery opened its doors after almost 7 years of renovation. An architectural gem in the heart of downtown Louisville, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery is down the block from the Frazier History museum, which has been designated the official welcome center to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and across the street from Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

Tour and bar bookings open in mid-June. Book a tour, bottle-your-own Bourbon, or make a reservation at the Michter’s Bar.

Book Now

Old Forester Distilling Co.

119 W Main St, Louisville, KY

A century and a half ago, Whiskey Row was the economic center of Louisville – home to distillers, wholesalers and Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon. In 1870, George Garvin Brown signed and sealed Old Forester with a promise: a handwritten guarantee to produce Bourbon of the highest consistent quality. As you step into 119 West Main Street, the same four walls that Old Forester called home before Prohibition, you’ll see that the times have changed, but the promise of sealed-in quality from the First Bottled Bourbon endures.

Use promo code NCSL24 for 50% off Old Forester Tours! August tours open up for booking on May 6th. Attendees will also have access to purchase a special NCSL Single Barrel (in the OFD Bottle Shop only and must show attendee badge for purchase). Book a tour, pick up a bottle, or stop in to visit George’s Bar.

Book Now

Rabbit Hole Distillery

711 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY

In 2012, founder and whiskey maker, Kaveh Zamanian, took a plunge down the Rabbit Hole. In love with Bourbon and Rye whiskey, he risked it all and left his twenty-year psychology practice to make authentic spirits. He then took an unconventional path of building a magnificent distillery in the heart of Louisville. Rabbit Hole Distillery is a modern cathedral that pays homage to the art and science of distillation.

August experiences open up for booking in June (60 days out). Book a tour, or stop in to visit their Overlook Bar.

Book Now

Stitzel-Weller Distillery

3860 Fitzgerald Rd, Shively, KY

Originally opening on Derby Day in 1935 and reopening to the public in 2014, the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery is one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey industry. Located only five miles from downtown Louisville, it’s a distillery drenched in the rich history of bourbon’s past that’s pushes the boundaries with innovations for the future. Walk in the footsteps of bourbon legends, as you step into an active barrel house, cooper shop and micro still-house.

Tour bookings for August are open now! Book a tour, or stop in to visit the Garden & Gun Club.

Book Now

Copper & Kings American Brandy Company

1121 E Washington St, Louisville, KY

Copper & Kings is an American Brandy distillery located in the Butchertown neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. The American Brandy revival is happening right in the heart of Bourbon Country as they age their purely copper pot distilled brandies in select Kentucky Bourbon barrels. And because they like to give back, they’ve even finished a blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbons in their American Apple Brandy barrels for our latest release. Come see how Copper & Kings continues to push boundaries and why they’re consistently rated one of Louisville’s Best Distilleries.

Visit the booking page to view Specialty Tour availability, or make reservations to have a meal and a drink at their Rooftop Bar & Restaurant.

Book Now

Jeptha Creed Distillery

500 Gordon Ln, Shelbyville, KY

Our family has been farming in Shelby County Kentucky for five generations. In 2016, we opened our passion project, Jeptha Creed distillery, which sits on 64 beautiful acres of Kentucky soil right here at home. At Jeptha Creed, we create Bourbon, vodka, moonshine, and brandy based on the history and heritage we honor as we make old fashioned new. Book a tasting experience, or stop in for a drink and food at the Creed Cafe.

Get 20% off experience bookings at Jeptha Creed for the month of August when you use the discount code NCSL20 at checkout.

Book Now

Kentucky Artisan Distillery

6230 Old Lagrange Rd, Crestwood, KY

Located just outside of Louisville in scenic Oldham County, Kentucky Artisan Distillery is home to several brands, including Whiskey Row and Jefferson’s Reserve. Their team of distillers runs a distillery that is devoid of iPads, relying solely on their senses to know when a batch is finished. The KAD distillery is truly as close as a production facility in the 21st century can get to how Bourbon was made 200 years ago.

NCSL attendees – email tours@kentuckyartisandistillery.com to book a tour today.

Learn More

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

120 N 10th St, Louisville, KY

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company offers behind-the-scenes tours of how the finest Bourbon and rye are crafted from grain to bottle. Located in Louisville’s Bourbon District just one block away from The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center® at The Frazier Museum, Peerless is family-owned and operated by fourth and fifth-generation relatives of the original owner.

August experience bookings are now open! Click below to book. Make sure to browse the gift shop for exclusive single barrels that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Book Now

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Welcome Center At The Frazier History Museum

829 W Main St, Louisville, KY

The Frazier History Museum is the official starting point of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and where “The World Meets Kentucky,”–the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind Kentucky Bourbon experience. NCSL attendees are cordially invited to experience the history of Bourbon as you taste through four unique spirits at the Frazier. Your experience will transport you back to the era of Prohibition–and what better place to learn about the tradition of Kentucky Bourbon than in a real life Speakeasy tucked behind a hidden bookshelf?!

NCSL attendees can email Frazier’s Bourbon Ambassador Stephen Yates to book this experience, or just stop by the Frazier Museum to see the Spirit of Kentucky exhibit and book a tasting or tour.

Learn More

Barrels & Billets Bourbon Experience

800 W Main St, Louisville, KY

In this unique experience you will get to create your own Bourbon recipe that will be bottled with your own custom label right before your eyes.

August experience bookings are now open! Click below to book.

Book Now

Buzzards Roost Whiskey Row Experience

624 W Main St, Louisville, KY

Geek out on the science behind barrel influence, up your cocktail game, or have a delicious date pairing Bourbon and chocolates. It’s all happening at the Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row Experience.

Buzzards Roost has created two experiences at a reduced rate just for NCSL attendees! Click here to book the Why Whiskey Matters Experience or the Speakeasy Class. Bookings are now available for August 5-7.

Learn More

Augusta Distillery

207 Seminary Ave, Augusta, KY

Sharing their name with the historic river town that is their home, Augusta Distillery have made it their mission to market more than just our Bourbon. They are working to spread word of this charming city once named the “Most Picturesque Town in Kentucky.”

Augusta Distillery is offering a complimentary River Proof Barrel Experience to NCSL attendees! Use the code NCSL100 at checkout. Bookings are now available and apply to the dates Sunday, August 4th thru Saturday, August 10th 2024.

Book Now

Castle & Key Distillery

4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY

In 2014, Castle & Key began the restoration of the historic Old Taylor Distillery. Today, they continue the inspiring spirit that Colonel Taylor established in 1887 with their shared vision of producing terrific Bourbon and being the focal point of Bourbon hospitality. Their team of like-minded people have revived the spirit and grounds of the Castle–the birthplace of Bourbon hospitality. Come share the experience with and raise a glass to honoring history and challenging tradition!

Castle & Key has created an exclusive distillery experience for NCSL attendees (August 6 + 7)! Click below to book the tour, or peruse the campus and sip on cocktails from their onsite Taylorton Station.

Book Now