Foliage, Flavors and Fun: Savoring a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Fall

As a sixth-generation Kentuckian who writes about Kentucky for a living, of course I think our state is gorgeous all year long. But there is absolutely nothing like Kentucky in the fall.

In this guest blog from Heather Watson of HerKentucky, she unpacks her favorite things about visiting the Bluegrass during the fall.

I love visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries during this time of year, and I’ve curated a list of why you should make the Bourbon Trail™ part of your fall plans, too.

1. The scenery

During the autumn months, the fall foliage provides a dramatic, colorful backdrop to the rickhouses, restaurants, visitor centers, and shops found near the Bourbon Trail™ distilleries. The weather is a little cooler, and the distilleries are at their most picturesque against the setting of deep orange and yellow leaves.

One of my favorite Kentucky Bourbon Trail® views is at James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, KY. There’s something special about the way the rickhouses sit against the backdrop of rolling hills and fiery fall foliage. It’s a perfect blend of Kentucky countryside charm and Bourbon history—a scene that feels as rich and warm as the spirit itself.

2. The weather

Fall weather in Kentucky is usually quite temperate, which makes it the perfect time for Kentucky Bourbon Trail® visitors to spend some time outside and explore! I love using the comfortable weather to my advantage by embarking on longer, more in-depth Bourbon tours.

This is also a great time to explore Bourbon Trail™ stops that you may not have visited before. I’m personally looking forward to touring the Northern Kentucky stops this fall.

3. The activities

The magic of a Kentucky autumn isn’t exactly a secret. We Kentuckians are always looking for a reason to get out and enjoy the pretty weather and scenery. In addition to the numerous distillery events, there’s always a fall festival, a college football game, or a horse race at Keeneland or Churchill Downs to take in. With a little planning, you can add one of these Kentucky celebrations to your Kentucky Bourbon Trail® visit.

4. The tastes of fall

My absolute favorite reason to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience in the fall is that the Bourbon just tastes better this time of year. That might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but the warm, spicy notes of Kentucky Bourbon truly pair beautifully with the in-season flavors at nearby restaurants.

I love visiting restaurants in and around Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries and delighting in the seasonal Bourbon and food pairings. I’m partial to the Kitchen and Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company for their creative and delicious fall-inspired menus.

I always find something new to love about the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience, and I especially enjoy visiting during the fall. It’s such a beautiful time to take in all the sights, flavors, and stories that make a Bourbon adventure so special.

Cheers, y’all!

Featured Author: Heather C. Watson

Read more from Heather C. Watson on her website, HerKentucky.com. Or keep in touch with her on Instagram @herkentucky.