Bardstown rightly touts its status as the Bourbon Capital of the World,® and they have the rickhouses of Bourbon royalty to back it up. The lush, rolling farmland, some of Kentucky’s most beautiful, brings a quiet sense of awe and a welcome escape from city cares. Downtown is a refreshing mix of authentic, locally owned businesses that pair a genuine welcome with small-town charm.
Explore your options
in the Bardstown Region.
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Bardstown Region Distillery Experiences
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Places to eat & drink in the Bardstown Region.
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Places to stay in the Bardstown Region.
quickview buttonOther ways to enjoy the Region.
Off-site Bourbon Experiences
Enjoying Bourbon is a way of life here that goes well beyond the distillery. Discover the possibilities.
Off-site Bourbon Experiences
Shopping
From original art to apparel, barware and more, there’s a piece of Kentucky that can come home with you.
ShoppingParks and Natural Wonders
Our state’s stunning geography creates countless opportunities for a photo-perfect vacation experience.
Parks and Natural Wonders
Biking in Kentucky
From rolling scenery that will reward your spirit to mountain trails that will test your capabilities, Kentucky has it all.
Biking in Kentucky
Non-Bourbon Experiences
Discover art galleries, museums, equestrian experiences and more. There's more to Kentucky than just Bourbon.
Non-Bourbon Experiences
Communities in this Region.
The real rewards come when you dive in and truly get to know our communities. Click below to learn more about your dining, shopping, and hotel options in each of these communities, as well as a rewarding range of other experiences.
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
What Do We Mean By Build Your Own Bourbon Trail™?
What Do We Mean By Build Your Own Bourbon Trail™?
The Ideal Romantic Getaway In Bardstown, Ky
The Ideal Romantic Getaway In Bardstown, Ky
Maker’s Mark Invites Guests To Go Beyond The Traditional Distillery Tour With Star Hill Farm Experiences
Maker’s Mark Invites Guests To Go Beyond The Traditional Distillery Tour With Star Hill Farm Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no beginning or end to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Where you start and how you explore is up to you. Plan your trip around your favorite Bourbon brands. Or create an itinerary dedicated to discovering new brands. You can even explore the Trail™ by regions. The possibilities are limitless. We encourage you to Build Your Own Bourbon Trail™ and construct the perfect trip that’s unique to you.
Visit each distillery’s page on our website to find information on where each is located. You can also click the “Quickview” on each distillery’s card to find important information for each – including where they are located. Please keep in mind that sometimes cell service can get unreliable on the beautiful backroads of Kentucky.
It is highly recommended to book your distillery tastings, tours and other experiences online and in advance. A few distilleries have walk-in experiences, but planning a trip without booking your experiences ahead of time is highly discouraged. Most distilleries have online booking options, or you can book your experiences through one of our trusted transportation partners. Check out our Distilleries page for more information from each of the distilleries.
That depends. At this time, there are only a handful of reciprocal states that allow shipping from Kentucky distilleries. It also depends on whether common carriers like UPS, FedEx and others are shipping to that state. If you determine that your state does not allow shipping reciprocity for spirits, we strongly encourage you to contact lawmakers in your state and ask them to pass legislation allowing spirits to be shipped there.
However, there are other ways to get bottles back home:
You may pack distilled spirits under 140 proof (70% abv) in your checked baggage. Please ensure that the bottle is packed carefully so it doesn’t break.
The KDA also has worked with Kentucky’s three major airports (Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati) to create Bourbon bottle shops inside security. You can find most of our top brands there, which you can carry on the plane.
Some distilleries still observe a summer shutdown to conduct essential maintenance. Full tours are still available during these times, but you may not see Bourbon being produced. Please visit each distillery’s website for full details.