Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Around

how Long Does It Take to Tour All of The Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Distilleries?

While we encourage you to relax and enjoy your trip, we know that proper planning is a necessity. Visit our Transportation Page or our Trip Planners first to begin mapping out your stops–but know that roughly speaking, if you want to hit all the KBT^™ stops, plan on about a week of tours and travel. Can’t wrap it up in one trip? No worries! Your passport will never expire, so you can return anytime to complete it.

How Far Are the Distilleries from Each Other?

Some are as close as a stone’s throw and others are as far as 100 miles. Check out the Map page of our website for a lay of the land between distilleries. And remember—this is Kentucky. The scenery is beautiful so enjoy the drive.

Where Can I Find Directions to The Distilleries?

Go to the Map page of our website to click on the distillery and find your way through Google maps. Please keep in mind that sometimes cell service can get dodgy on the beautiful backroads of Kentucky.

Where Should I Start My Visit to The Distilleries on The Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Tour?

While we welcome you to begin your journey at any of our iconic distilleries, the official start will be the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Welcome Center at the Frazier Museum on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. Visit Plan Your Trip to get started today.

Tours

How Long Are the Tours?

While each distillery tour is unique, plan on spending at least an hour and a half at each to tour, taste, and visit the gift shop. Many distilleries offer extended and abbreviated tours in addition to the standard one hour tour. If you’re interested in times for a specific distillery tour, visit the Distilleries page on our website.

Is There an Admission Fee?

Yes, all distilleries charge a minimal admission fee for tours. Some distilleries have abbreviated or extended specialty tours that vary in cost. Please visit the Distilleries page to see pricing then call ahead for availability. One note, Four Roses has two locations to choose from for your stamp page–you only need one but you are welcome to visit both!

What About Tours for Large Groups?

If there are 10 or more people in your group, please call ahead to the distilleries to give them a heads up.

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 tour the distilleries. You must be 21 participate in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Passport Program.

Are Reservations Needed or Required?

It is highly recommended to book your tours online and in advance. Most distilleries have online booking options, or you can book your experiences through one of our trusted transportation partners. Specialty tours require reservations. Check out the Distilleries page of our website for more information.

Do Distilleries Offer Samples?

All distilleries offer a tasting at the end of the standard tour. Some offer tasting-only tours. Check the Distilleries page for more info.

Can You Buy Bourbon at The Distilleries?

Under Kentucky law, visitors can purchase up to 4.5 liters per customer, per day at distillery gift shops.

Can I Get a Non-Alcoholic Beverage at A Distillery?

Yes, most distilleries offer complimentary water, lemonade or other non-alcoholic refreshments.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® General

Am I Allowed to Ship Bourbon from A Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Distillery?

That depends. At this time, there are only a handful of reciprocal states that allow shipping from Kentucky distilleries. It also depends on whether common carriers like UPS, FedEx and others are shipping to that state. If you determine that your state does not allow shipping reciprocity for spirits, we strongly encourage you to contact lawmakers in your state and ask them to pass legislation allowing spirits to be shipped there.

However, there are other ways to get bottles back home:

You may pack distilled spirits under 140 proof (70% abv) in your checked baggage. Please ensure that the bottle is packed carefully so it doesn’t break and waste our great whiskey!
The KDA also has worked with Kentucky’s three major airports (Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati) to create Bourbon bottle shops inside security. You can find most of our top brands there, which you can carry on the plane.

Are There Any Times During the Year that Distilleries Aren’t in Full Production Mode?

Some KBT^TM distilleries still observe a summer shutdown to conduct essential maintenance. Full tours are still available during these times, but you may not see Bourbon being produced. Please visit each distilleries’ website for full details.

Why Isn’t Every Distillery Represented on The Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Tour?

A distillery must be a member distillery of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in order to participate in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® tour or the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour^TMpassport programs.

Are the Distilleries Handicap Accessible?

While our distilleries make every effort to comply with all legal building code requirements, visitors should contact each distillery individually with specific accessibility questions.

State Laws on Firearms

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association & Kentucky Bourbon Trail Firearms Policy states that Kentucky state law prohibits firearms on distillery property (KRS 244.125 and 237.110).

Why Is Wilderness Trail Distillery on Both of My Passports?

Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville) moved from the KBT Craft Tour onto the KBT^TM Passport in early 2020. You may still get your Craft Tour stamp at Wilderness Trail and receive your completion gifts, but it is not required for completion of the region/book.

Are All Transportation Companies Servicing Distilleries Legitimate and Properly Insured?

No–please be sure the company you book with has the proper documentation and insurance to guarantee a safe experience, and check some of our recommendations at www.kybourbontrail.com/transportation.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Brand

Can I Use the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Trademark or Logos?

Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® is a registered trademark of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Just like our distilleries practice great care in producing their Bourbons, we’re very careful in the use of our trademarks. Please contact us at 502-875-9351 or [email protected] for information on terms of use and potential licensing agreements.

Questions?

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