FAQ

You can expect distillery workers to be wearing gloves and masks, and we strongly recommend that you wear a mask, too. There will be frequent and enhanced cleanings, so we appreciate your patience as tour times may be adjusted for these necessary precautions. Distilleries are required, just like other businesses under the Governor’s “Health at Work” guidance, to enforce CDC social distancing requirements and limit their indoor tours, retail and tasting spaces to one-third capacity. You might be asked to let distillery gift shop workers handle bottles or other frequently touched areas. And, expect to see plenty of hand sanitizer stations!

Some distilleries are cutting down on the number of tours and sizes, so we recommend booking online with your distillery destination ahead of time. Tours are currently limited to the lesser of 10 people or one-third capacity, according to the Governor’s “Healthy At Work” requirements.

Each distillery is different and some tours may be adjusted to protect sensitive production areas and team members. While some tours may not be exactly the same as they were before, we hope you understand that the health and wellbeing of distillery staff is essential during these uncertain times. 

Following the Governor’s instructions, the KBT® is strongly recommending you wear a mask when visiting a distillery experience. It’s not only for your protection, but also for the health and safety of our distillery workers.

Tours, retail shops and tasting rooms are limited to the lesser of 10 people or one-third capacity, under the Governor’s orders. Call ahead so that a distillery representative can answer any questions about your group size or needs. Each distillery has different occupancy capabilities so it is best to contact your destination directly.

Starting June 8th, limited tastings can occur. Check ahead for specific details and to see if your distillery destination has reopened and if they are offering tastings.

Distilleries that have a by-the-drink license will be able to offer cocktails for purchase as part of the limited tourism experience starting June 8, according to guidance received from the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Distillery bars will not be open to the general public outside of scheduled tours until a later date TBD by the Governor. Some distilleries which also offer food may be offering to-go cocktails. Again, check ahead as each distillery has a different starting date and policy. 

We have collected all distillery website info in one place that can be accessed here.

Yes! And some will even ship it to your door. Click here for more info.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, Jim Beam, and Town Branch have two locations to choose from for your stamp page–you only need one but you are welcome to visit both!

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

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.

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.  (Angel’s Envy is a reservation only distillery.)

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

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

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

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.

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.

You 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™.

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

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).

Wilderness Trail Distillery (Danville) moved from the KBT Craft Tour onto the KBT™ 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.

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 enjoy@kybourbon.com for information on terms of use and potential licensing agreements.