Northern Kentucky, or NKY as the locals call it, is quite literally where the South begins. You’ll notice a mixture of north and south from German fusion in their culinary and brewing heritage, and their penchant for good ‘ol southern fried chicken and whiskey. NKY has played an important role in the movement and production of whiskey throughout our country’s history. Today, visitors can explore the booming distillery scene, shop at Newport on the Levee, and enjoy delicious meals and cocktails at any of their top-notch establishments. If you’d prefer a handheld guide of NKY’s distilleries, bars, and restaurants, check out the B-Line.
This three-day travel guide showcases the best of the Northern Region, but you can easily tailor it to fit your schedule, whether you have one day or several. As you explore, use the Build Your Own Bourbon Trail® tool to create, save, and share a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and timing.
Although many distilleries welcome walk-ins for tastings and seasonal cocktails, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and preferred time. Don’t forget to account for travel time to and from each destination.
Northern Kentucky spans a vibrant mix of bustling city streets and charming small towns, offering everything from riverfront attractions and historic distilleries to quaint rural escapes. Want to leave the logistics to someone else? With our trusted Transportation Partners handling the driving, you can focus on tasting, exploring, and uncovering hidden gems across the region without worrying about directions or parking. From boutique distilleries to evening cocktail lounges, Northern Kentucky is the perfect place to experience the full breadth of Kentucky Bourbon culture.
DAY 1
After 11 generations of moonshining, the Neeley Family Distillery “went legal” in 2015. They craft spirits using traditional family recipes, local grains, and fresh limestone water, all non-chill-filtered to preserve natural flavor. From their revered Moonshine to acclaimed Bourbon, the Neeleys honor their forefathers by distilling history in every bottle.
Fun fact: Eleventh Generation Royce Neeley is one of the youngest distillery owners in the world.
Boone County Distilling Co. has taken up the tradition of a distillery that once was located only miles from the current facility. Stop in to see why their spirits are “made by ghosts” and sample their Kentucky Bourbon, Bourbon Cream, and their White Whiskey, Tanner’s Curse.
Covington’s first distillery in over 100 years is housed in a historic 1873 building that blends industrial charm with modern elegance. Wenzel Distillery offers a unique boutique blending experience where guests, guided by expert staff craft personalized whiskey blends. Don’t miss out on their cigar patio and handcrafted cocktails.
When it’s time to relax, Hotel Covington offers both comfort and convenience, with Coppin’s Restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine perfectly paired with Bourbon cocktails. End your evening at the Knowledge Bar & Social Room, where expert bartenders craft inventive Bourbon drinks—ideal for a nightcap after a day of exploring.
Insider tip: Wenzel Distillery and Coppin’s both offer cocktail menus that shine after 6 p.m., making them ideal for evening visits.
DAY 2
Your future looks bright when you start your day at Second Sight Spirits. Settle in for a one-of-a-kind experience where visitors can explore the mysteries of distillation and hear the colorful stories behind their “visionary” still. Enjoy a tour and tasting of their spirits, as well as creative cocktails and coffee drinks in their welcoming lounge space.
At Pensive Distilling Co., Newport’s bootlegging past meets modern Bourbon craftsmanship, all inspired by the 1944 Derby-winning horse that gives the distillery its name. Tour the historic Monmouth Street building, hear Prohibition-era stories in the speakeasy, and enjoy a tasting flight before savoring hearty fare at their full restaurant and bar.
New Riff Distilling — A New Riff on an Old Tradition
Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, New Riff Distilling is a family-owned distillery crafting award-winning Bourbon, rye, single malt, and gin. Made with limestone-rich water from a naturally occurring aquifer, their bottled-in-bond whiskeys reflect uncompromising quality. Visitors can tour the distillery, sample spirits along the way, and enjoy cocktails and small bites at the Aquifer Bar, showcasing New Riff’s distinctive creations.
Insider tip: New Riff’s commitment to community shines in their gift shop, where you’ll find unique, locally sourced gifts and collaborations with makers of ice cream, butter, chocolates, and more.
Right next door sits the Party Source, the largest party supply store in the region, offering an extensive selection of spirits, mixers, and event essentials. From rare Bourbon finds to everything you need for a celebration, it’s a one-stop destination for party planning and tasting adventures.
DAY 3
On your final day, head toward Augusta, a picturesque riverside town with rich Bourbon heritage. At Augusta Distillery, Master Distiller Alex Castle leads with patience, precision, and passion, producing award-winning spirits like their 2023 Best Bourbon in the World. Guests can explore the distillery, savor the unique character of each barrel, and even try a hands-on cigar rolling experience to pair with their Bourbon.
One of America’s most historic spirits sites, with a legacy dating back to the Whiskey Rebellion, is now home to Becker & Bird Distillery. The winery/distillery is home to the largest and oldest wine cellar in the U.S., built in the 1850s, and the only winery to survive a Civil War battle. Today, the winery/distillery is known as the “home of Bourbon barrel-aged wines” and produces a range of internationally acclaimed spirits and wines.
The Old Pogue Distillery operates on the historic grounds of the original H.E. Pogue Distillery, producing small-batch Rye and Bourbon using the same recipes and methods as their ancestors. The property features the family’s historic home, an artisan distillery, and a tasting room overlooking the Ohio River Valley. Visitors can tour the distillery, sample spirits, and take home bottles and merchandise, all while experiencing a legacy that dates back to 1876.
More to Explore
Your adventure through Northern Kentucky is just the beginning. From Covington’s vibrant cityscape and historic distilleries to rolling hills and charming small towns, there’s a wealth of Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences waiting to be discovered. Extend your journey through the Lexington, Bardstown, Louisville, Central, and Western Regions – each with unique distilleries, landscapes, and stories. Explore all Kentucky Bourbon Trail® regions and uncover a new chapter of Bourbon’s rich heritage at every stop.
Visit our Know Before You Go blog for helpful planning resources and insider tips.
