Insider tips from Kentuckians who live, sip, and guide here every day.
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How to Bourbon Like a Local
Our friends at Kentucky Bourbon Boys—one of our trusted transportation partners—share a few tips about how to enjoy your experience to the fullest. Check them out below!
Planning your first Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure? Or maybe you’ve been before and want to see it through fresh eyes? Either way—welcome! There’s no wrong way to plan a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience, but if you really want to explore like a local, we’ve got you covered with these tips:
1. Start slow and savor it
It’s tempting to hit 6 distilleries in one day, but Bourbon isn’t about speed. Around here, we recommend sticking to 3-4 thoughtfully chosen stops. It gives you enough time to truly enjoy each tour and tasting without feeling rushed, grab a great meal at a local restaurant, explore the distillery grounds, and maybe even sneak in a surprise stop (yes, that happens more than you’d think).
2. Go off the beaten path
The big-name distilleries are amazing, and you can also experience some unforgettable moments at some of the lesser-known spots. Check out a local craft distillery, an up-and-coming brand, or even the cooperage where they make the barrels! We love helping our guests mix it up with custom itineraries that guarantee a variety of experiences. When you tour with us, it’s your day, your way. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on just enjoying it!
3. Know your Bourbon style
Not every Bourbon Trail™ adventure looks the same, and that’s the beauty of it. Maybe you’re a history buff who wants to visit the oldest working distilleries, or a collector on the hunt for hard-to-find pours. Maybe you’re just here for good food, good company, and a scenic drive. Whatever your vibe, take time to think about what matters most to you on this trip.
Once you’ve got a sense of your goals, working with a tour company can help streamline the process. The right team can help you build an itinerary that fits your preferences, timing, and style, all while handling the logistics that can otherwise be a bit of a headache.
4. Your guide makes a bigger difference than you think
A good tour guide isn’t just a driver; they’re a local resource, storyteller, and behind-the-scenes connector. The best guides can point out things you’d never notice on your own, recommend hidden gems, and adjust the day as it unfolds to make the most of your experience. Look for guides who know Bourbon Country inside and out and bring the kind of local knowledge that turns a regular tour into something truly memorable. It’s not just about getting from one distillery to the next; it’s about everything in between.
Ready to Bourbon like a local?
We’ve got you! At Kentucky Bourbon Boys, we’re more than just a tour company; we’re a family. Literally. We’re family-owned and operated, and we treat every group like they’re part of the crew. From your first email to your final pour, we’re here to make your Bourbon Trail™ experience seamless, memorable, and tailored to you. Most of our team members (including our booking team) are Associate Bourbon Stewards, born and raised in Kentucky, and they bring years of experience (and a whole lot of heart) to every tour.
At Kentucky Bourbon Boys, we take care of everything:
- Distillery reservations and admissions
- Private transportation with a local guide
- Lunch reservations and your meal
- Snacks, water, and the little things that make your day smoother
You just show up and enjoy. No planning. No guesswork.
We’re proud to be one of the top-rated tour companies in the region, with 5-star reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook. You don’t have to take our word for it! If you want to see what other Bourbon lovers have said about their time with us, you don’t have to look far. (Warning: You may get FOMO.)
So whether it’s your first time doing a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour or your tenth, we’d love to show you around. Book your private, custom tour and we’ll handle the rest, from logistics to laughs to every last sip. Let’s raise a glass to Bourbon Country Done Right.