Know Before You Go.

For many Bourbon lovers, a visit to the Trail™ is the culmination of a lifelong dream. We want you to make the most of every moment. Here are some insider tips, based on our many conversations with distillery employees and what we’ve gleaned from the firsthand experiences of visitors.

Plan ahead

It’s no secret that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® has grown enormously in popularity, with over 2.5 million visitors a year. We don’t want you to miss out on your favorite distillery. Reservations sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to start exploring several months before your trip. This site can help you Build Your Own Bourbon Trail™ and identify the places you want to visit, based on what’s important to you.

Book early

It’s helpful to learn the advance booking window for each distillery you want to visit. They’re often 6-12 weeks before your trip. Hint for procrastinators: no promises, but if you can visit earlier in the week like a Tuesday or Wednesday, you might still find some availability.

More to explore

If you’re a repeat visitor, you’ll discover that Trail experiences have expanded vastly in recent years. When the Bourbon Trail™ began, there were 7 distilleries. Now you’ll find dozens in locations across Kentucky, with new ones being added each year. This calls for a different approach to the Trail™ – one focused on enjoyment, not completion. All distilleries, from iconic heritage brands to smaller, family-owned establishments, are now on a single Trail, making it easier to plan and enjoy.

Shoot for variety

A thoughtfully textured trip is a more rewarding trip. The ideal Bourbon Trail™ trip includes a mix of well-known and under-the-radar distilleries, and a variety of tastings, tours and other on-site experiences.

Size matters

Absolutely, visit some of the bigger brands you know and love at home. But don’t miss out on the unique experiences that you will only find at smaller distilleries, which often promise more interaction with the master distiller or owner. You get an up-close and personal view of the craft that’s truly one of a kind.

Consider distances as you plan

Some of our distilleries are literally neighbors, while others can be 300 miles apart. One way to consider approaching the Trail™ is to plan your days by Region. That helps you build a trip with less travel time and more enjoyment.

Book transportation early

If you are working with a KBT®-partnered transportation company, they can book many of your experiences in advance. They have deep relationships with the distilleries, and it’s one of the big advantages of choosing an experienced driver and guide for your trip. They can also make thoughtful suggestions for your itinerary, based on proximity and variety. Official Kentucky Bourbon Trail® transportation partners are all properly licensed and insured, so you know you are in good hands.

It’s essential to make transportation arrangements before your visit. Some novice visitors make the mistake of assuming they can just taxi or ride-share to rural distilleries – and get stuck without a ride home for hours, or longer.

Change things up

Seek out varied experiences. Remember, you don’t have to do a production tour at every single stop. You might want to consider two tours and then a tasting or cocktail class, to give your day some variety.

Take your time

If ever there was something to savor, it’s a sip of Kentucky Bourbon in one of America’s most beautiful settings. We want you to relax, meander, and not rush. You can Build Your Own Bourbon Trail™ any way you like, but the locals recommend no more than three distilleries per day.

Plan meal stops

Not all distilleries have food options, so you’ll really want to have this part figured out in advance. You may want to make a lunch reservation for one of the many outstanding restaurants on our Eat & Drink page, whether located at a distillery on your itinerary, or a nearby option.

Explore this site

There’s great information here in Trail Tips, and throughout the site. It’s all designed to help you be a better prepared visitor, and have a more rewarding trip. The more you know about the Trail™, the more memorable your experience will be.

Click here to learn about the status of the Passport and Field Guide.