In Kentucky’s Central Region, history meets reinvention. Here, 150-year-old distilleries have been brought back to life, welcoming a new generation of Bourbon lovers. You’ll find eclectic small distilleries just a stone’s throw from some of Bourbon’s biggest names, all set among rolling pastures, horse farms, and charming rural landscapes that are sure to inspire your spirit.
This four-day travel guide showcases the best of the Central Region, but you can easily customize it to fit your schedule. As you explore, use the Build Your Own Bourbon Trail® tool to create, save, and share a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and timing.
Although many distilleries welcome walk-ins for tastings, seasonal cocktails, and light bites, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and preferred time. Don’t forget to account for travel time to and from each destination.
Rolling hills, historic towns, and world-class Bourbon experiences make this region perfect for a guided adventure. Want to leave the logistics to someone else? Our trusted Transportation Partners make it easy to sit back, sip, and enjoy the ride without worrying about directions or parking, leaving you free to taste, explore, and discover hidden gems across the heart of Kentucky.
DAY 1
Four Roses Distillery — Romance in Every Bottle
Begin your journey at the historic Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg. Its Spanish Mission-style architecture stands out amid Kentucky’s countryside, inspired by Southern California wineries when rebuilt in 1910 by J.T.S. Brown. Check in for a guided tour or tasting to explore their 10 distinct Bourbon recipes, or unwind with a cocktail on the patio or in the lounge.
Fun fact: Legend has it that the distillery’s name was inspired by a love story. Founder Paul Jones, Jr. proposed to his sweetheart, who answered “yes” by wearing a corsage of four red roses. That same spirit of romance continues to define the brand today.
Just a few minutes down the road, Larrikin Bourbon Co. blends Australian panache with American ingenuity. Learn about their award-winning small-batch Bourbons, then relax outside with a cocktail or neat pour.
Insider tip: Larrikin is the only Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distillery with a walk-in cigar humidor, a one-of-a-kind spot for whiskey and cigar enthusiasts.
Wild Turkey Distillery — Where Tradition Takes Flight
Perched above the Kentucky River, Wild Turkey Distillery offers sweeping views that pair perfectly with a cocktail by the firepits. Guided tours walk guests through production and one of the oldest rickhouses, where thousands of barrels have rested. At the visitor center, NYC-trained head bartender David Bates mixes inventive, perfectly balanced drinks alongside a light bite from their select menu.
Insider tip: If you’re lucky, you might spot Jimmy Russell, the longest-tenured active Master Distiller in the world, and his wife Joretta greeting guests and signing bottles in the visitor center.
DAY 2
Woodford County is home to some of Kentucky’s most celebrated distilleries and storied thoroughbreds. The area’s winding backroads lead you past horse farms, stone fences, and historic hamlets — the quintessential Kentucky countryside. Beyond the barrel warehouses and stills, you’ll find farm-to-table dining, boutique shopping, and charming inns that invite you to slow down and stay awhile.
Woodford Reserve Distillery — The Art of Flavor
Dating back to 1812, Woodford Reserve Distillery is one of Kentucky’s oldest working distilleries. Explore the “Five Sources of Flavor” on a guided tour or elevate your visit with a VIP experience featuring exclusive tastings and cocktails. You might also join Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris and/or Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall for a behind-the-scenes tour.
Stop at the nearby Stave Restaurant, known for Kentucky-inspired cuisine and imaginative Bourbon cocktails. Enjoy your meal on the scenic patio overlooking the creek.
Insider tip: Request an outdoor firepit and s’mores kit during cooler months for a cozy, memorable evening.
Castle & Key Distillery — A Revival Fit for Royalty
Kentuckians waited decades to see the historic Old Taylor Distillery reborn. Beginning in 2014, the new owners painstakingly restored the site, reopening as Castle & Key Distillery in 2018. Today, it offers a full sensory experience blending historic architecture, distillery tours, and craft Bourbon tastings. Short on time? Skip the tour and grab a cocktail by the creek, then wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds.
Fun fact: The Old Taylor Distillery was the first distillery intentionally built for tourism. In 1887, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. constructed the distillery with European-inspired architecture, including a castle, sunken gardens, and a classical springhouse.
At Bluegrass Distillers, history meets creativity. The visitor center is housed in the historic Elkwood mansion and features multiple tasting rooms, while the distillery building offers a modern cocktail bar and gift shop. Sample small-batch spirits, enjoy a delicious cocktail, or bottle your own custom Bourbon for a unique keepsake.
Woodford County is also home to some of Kentucky’s most storied thoroughbred farms, where generations of champions have been raised on rolling Bluegrass pastures. Get an inside look at Kentucky’s other signature industry by booking a guided tour with Horse Country, which offers exclusive access to working horse farms, nurseries, and training facilities.
Looking for a scenic detour? Chart a course for adventure with Rail Explorers — pedal-powered rail cars that offer a 10-mile journey through horse farms, past limestone cuts, and overlooking Wild Turkey Distillery.
Tee off at The Woodford Club, part of the Kentucky Golf Trail, where lush fairways meet Bluegrass pastures and the only “neigh-bors” are horses.
DAY 3
The state capital delivers small-town charm, vibrant dining, and deep Bourbon heritage. With its winding river and rich history, Frankfort is Kentucky distilled — a place where old brick warehouses meet bustling new tasting rooms. Here, every street tells a story, and every pour connects you to generations of craftsmanship that shaped America’s original spirit.
For nearly two centuries, the Mattingly name has been synonymous with Bourbon innovation. Tour J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery to learn about founder John Graves Mattingly’s pioneering work on the column still — a key advancement in whiskey-making. Sample their “double-staved” small-batch Bourbons or try your hand at blending your own bottle.
Set among rolling cornfields, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. delivers one of the most hands-on tastings in Kentucky. Thieve whiskey straight from the barrel, bottle your favorite, and sip a Bourbon slushie by the firepit while grabbing a bite from the on-site food truck.
Take to the Kentucky River for a guided Bourbon Boat Tour with Captains Nathan and Allison. Enjoy a pour as you cruise past historic distilleries and learn the stories of Kentucky’s whiskey past and present.
Insider tip: Frankfort is home to one of our favorite confections, the Bourbon ball, first created by Ruth Hanly Booe in 1938. Don’t leave without picking some up from a local shop (allergy warning: they often contain nuts).
DAY 4
Shelbyville blends craft and heritage beautifully, making it a perfect capstone to your Central Kentucky journey. Just an hour from both Louisville and Lexington, this charming town offers a mix of world-class distilleries, scenic landscapes, and activities that go beyond the Bourbon glass. From historic barns and horse farms to modern tasting rooms, Shelbyville invites you to explore at your own pace while soaking in the heart of Bluegrass country.
Bulleit Distilling Co. — Frontier Spirit, Modern Innovation
Welcome to the modern frontier of whiskey. At Bulleit Distilling Co., you’ll enjoy innovative tasting experiences and immersive tours inside a state-of-the-art, sustainably built distillery. Opened in 2019, the visitor center showcases Bulleit’s commitment to craftsmanship, habitat protection, and local sourcing, all served up with signature hospitality and bold flavor. Every detail, from the reclaimed wood accents to the expansive outdoor spaces, reflects the brand’s modern, frontier-inspired spirit.
Family-owned and operated, Jeptha Creed Distillery embraces the motto “Ne Oublie” (“Never Forget”), reflecting the Nethery family’s heritage and commitment to farming. Their 64-acre farm produces the Bloody Butcher corn and botanicals used in spirits from Bourbon to brandy. Relax outdoors with a cocktail, play lawn games, and meet the four orange rescue cats: Malt, Wheat, Barley, and Rye.
Fun fact: Jeptha Creed’s farm features apple, pear, and pecan trees, berry bushes, herbs, and even beehives, all contributing to the distillery’s bold, flavorful profile.
Set amongst the bucolic landscape of Pleasureville, Heaven’s Door Distillery blends art, music, and Bourbon into a one-of-a-kind experience inspired by Bob Dylan’s creative spirit. Set on 160 acres of rolling hills once owned by Squire Boone, the distillery offers tastings that celebrate both tradition and innovation.
If you need another adventure, Red Fern Riding Center offers safe, guided horseback rides for all experience levels, led by knowledgeable guides who ensure a fun and memorable experience on the trail.
Cap off your journey with a stay at the Mallard Hall Estate, a beautifully restored 1790 mansion that blends history with luxury. The speakeasy-style lounge, chef’s kitchen, and scenic pool area create an atmosphere perfect for reflection, or one last celebratory toast.
More to Explore
From century-old stills to modern marvels, the Central Region blends the past and future of Bourbon into one unforgettable experience. But your journey doesn’t have to end here – explore the Lexington, Bardstown, Louisville, Northern, and Western Regions, each offering distinct distilleries, landscapes, and stories. Expand your journey across all Kentucky Bourbon Trail® regions, where every stop adds a new chapter to Kentucky’s spirited story.
For additional planning advice and tools, check out our Know Before You Go blog.
