Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
A Distinctive Product of the United States
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a tourism program created in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers' Association to showcase the state's rich whiskey history. It is not a single hiking path, but a curated, self-guided driving route connecting dozens of famous and craft bourbon distilleries across Kentucky.
Bourbon is an American whiskey distilled mostly from corn and barrel-aged. The invention of Bourbon is often credited to the frontier Baptist minister Elijah Craig. He was the first to age the distillation in charred oak casks, which gives Bourbon its reddish color and distinct taste.
Bourbon gets its name from the French House of Bourbon royal family, though historians debate whether the 19th-century whiskey trade on Bourbon Street in New Orleans or Bourbon County, Kentucky, inspired it. Both the region and the street were originally named to honor France for its help during the American Revolution.
In 1964, President Lyndon Baines Johnson, with support from the U.S. Congress, declared Bourbon a "distinctive product of the United States."
Start Here
The Trail begins in Lexington's Downtown at the Distillery District
This distillery is crafting its own small-batch Bourbon at the Old Pepper Distillery, with its first distillation in 2015.
Distillery District
(859) 259-0159
The Pepper family brand of whiskey is an iconic Kentucky whiskey brand initially produced during the American Revolution and continued through 1967. In 2008, the brand was relaunched.
Distillery District
(859) 309-3230
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
In the heart of Bourbon country, celebrating timeless traditions and bold imaginations with award-winning beers and Bourbon steeped in the history of Kentucky.
Distillery District
(859) 255-2337
Venture Onward
The Trail continues into the Bluegrass Region
Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, where the buffalo migration route crossed the Kentucky River.
Frankfort, KY
(866) 729-3722
Home of the first and only Kentucky Blue Corn Bourbon. Their award-winning Blue Corn Bourbon is grown in Central Kentucky.
Midway, KY
(859) 217-2377
The distillery itself is the oldest and smallest working bourbon distillery and a National Historic Landmark. Henry Clay was a friend and patron.
Versailles, KY
(859) 879-1812
The Ripy family founded the original distillery on what is now known as Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Lawrenceburg, KY
(502) 839-2182
It begins with a story of romance and roses, and turns into a passion for creating a truly American Whiskey.
Lawrenceburg, KY
(502) 839-3436
Savor the Journey
All these distillations, plus much more, are served in Lexington's Downtown Bourbon Bars
Specializes in handcrafted cocktails, Bourbons & beers.
156 Market St.
(859) 253-9300
A traditional pub offering beer on tap, classic cocktails, and a large selection of bourbons.
115 Cheapside
(859) 389-6664
A vintage bourbon shop and speakeasy where rare, hard-to-find bottles are sold by the pour or bottle.
601 West Main St.
(859) 317-8609
Prohibition-style bar serving craft cocktails, house-made bitters, and a deep bourbon selection in the heart of downtown.
115 W Main St.
(859) 286-5153
Experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Unpack your bags at Chez Lyndon Manor and set out to taste the legendary finishes of Kentucky's signature spirit