Head two blocks down to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, located just a stones-throw from the port where Evan himself used to send barrels down the river. ON3 is an urban-chic loft space that is open and airy, with exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll find barrel staves and bottle chandeliers at the bar, and plenty of space to sit and mingle. Enjoy flights of Bourbon, or a specially prepared cocktail from their Mixologist, Karla Plott.
Get your shades ready for you next stop! The Old Forester Distilling Co. is four floors of Bourbon education like you’ve never seen before. You will see barrels being assembled and charred (hence the shades) in their on-site cooperage and end your tour in their state of the art cocktail lounge, George’s Bar. If visiting on Fridays and Saturdays, have your camera ready as the Old Forester Whisky Drummer drums up business on Whiskey Row! Watch as the barrels built and filled in the cooperage are rolled out onto Main Street and into their vintage-style barrel truck.
Prepare your palate for this distillery’s different take on Bourbon. At Angel’s Envy, they age their Bourbon in ruby port wine casks giving it a subtle depth of flavor. After your tour, grab a hand-crafted cocktail in their gorgeous, second story bar overlooking the Ohio River. (Angel’s Envy is a reservation-only distillery and is closed on Tuesdays.)
Next, head to the beloved NuLu district to visit Rabbit Hole Distillery. Step into this ultra-modern facility to learn how the owner fell in love with Bourbon as he fell in love with a girl, and what drives him to make what he considers to be the best Bourbons and ryes. Finish your tour with a cocktail in their Overlook bar curated by Death + Co.
Make your way back to West Louisville to tour the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery. This site originally opened in 1935 has been closed to the public for years. Walk around for a few minutes and you’ll see just how much whiskey history has occurred on these hallowed grounds. Make sure to bring your appetite to the new Garden & Gun Club where southern fare is full display. (Stitzel-Weller is closed on Tuesdays.)
Leave the city limits momentarily to peruse the new home of Bulleit Distilling Co. Tour their state-of-the-art distillery, grab a cocktail from their bar, and take home a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon with your own customized label. (Bulleit is closed on Mondays.)
Take a short 40 minutes drive south on I-65 to the home of one of the world’s most noted whiskeys – the James B. Beam Distilling Co. After seeing every step of the process, you’ll have the chance to dip your own bottle of Knob Creek right off the bottling line. After the interactive, multi-sensory tour, make sure to grab some a delicious meal and sip a cocktail at The Kitchen Table Restaurant. Stay tuned to their events calendar for any special happenings throughout the year.
(Just south of Jim Beam lies the Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling Facility in Cox’s Creek. You may choose to get your passport stamped here or at the distillery. This Four Roses tour focuses on its warehouse and bottling operations. Save on admission fees if you tour both within 60 days.)
If you’ve got a smaller group who would love to tour distilleries with other folks, a day long public tour with Pegasus Distillery Experiences takes the guesswork out of your stay. Check out Your Perfect Kentucky Day for tour options.
Did somebody say “bucket list?” Mint Julep’s Roll Out the Barrel Experience will ‘whiskey’ you away from Louisville in a private helicopter where you will pick a barrel, personalize your bottles that will be delivered to you, and enjoy a world class meal at Star Hill Provisions. Two nights in luxury accommodations in Louisville included.