A Taste of Kentucky Spirit

It is no secret that the word bourbon is often preceded by Kentucky. Join me in taking an up close look at the highest quality of American Whisky on the market   . . .  

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Adventuring Along The Bourbon Trail - Bardstown Area

​Kentucky is home to dozens of high-quality distilleries, eleven of which are located around Bardstown. With this collection of historic distilleries cranking out a ridiculous number of notable brands, it is no wonder that Bardstown, Kentucky is famed as "The Bourbon Capitol of the World". 

Let's get started on a tasty tour of this bluegrass spirit! 

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Bardstown Bourbon Company

I found it very appropriate for my first stop to be Bardstown Bourbon Company. The property seems a bit spread out, but the main visitor building offers gift shop, restaurant, and a bar that offers the chance to taste a sampling of exactly what I came to experience. 

It was here that I was treated to spacious and comfortable environments featuring leather couches complete with pillows. There is also a large patio where you can sit and sip. Not only does this place carry the name synonymous with the Kentucky spirit, but it also allows for tastings of the most complete list of bourbons that I have seen. I tried one of the Bardstown Fusion Series two ounce pours for only $9. This was an excellent tasting whisky to begin with. Most seemed to be in the $10 to $20 range, but I did notice some higher end options on the menu with a Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition sporting a $400 price tag (per drink!). Be careful not to run up to big of a tab! ​

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Preservation Distillery

Preservation Distillery was the first in which I experienced the full tour. This place is a fairly small operation only cranking out a fraction of the bottled bourbon that the big boys produce. Preservation Farms encompasses a 40 acre property but the main attractions are mostly centered in one area, allowing for a quick but thorough tour. Along the way we were taught exactly what constitutes a true Kentucky bourbon. ​

​​While all bourbons are technically whiskies, not all whiskies are considered a bourbon.

​Here is what makes a true bourbon:
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• Must be produced and bottled in the U.S.A.
• The mash must consist of at least 51% corn.
• It must be aged in a new charred oak barrel.
• Must be barreled at no higher than 125 proof and bottled at at least 80 proof.
• The only additive allowed is water. This means no mixing of bourbons. 

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​Take notes … there will be a quiz later!

After we had been educated on the distillation process and history of the facility, it was time for the tasting. The interesting part was that we would be recalling our previously gained knowledge on what makes a bourbon. Of the three we sampled, each would have one different minor technicality that would cause it to lose that coveted classification. One was aged in a French Oak barrel rather than the traditional American White Oak. Another was a blend, while the last was bottle in Canada. Despite this atypical tasting experience, all were amazing. I definitely recommend stopping by Preservation Distillery!​

Tasting at Preservation Distillery

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Heaven Hill

Bardstown's ​Heaven Hill Distillery was founded in 1935 by members of the Beam family. This company is responsible for some of the most recognizable brands of bourbon on the planet, specifically Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. These are two of the top sellers on the market, and the company itself boasts the title of second largest bourbon producer on earth. Guess which company is number one. 

Today Heaven Hill brands are mostly distilled at the Louisville facility which is now the largest in the world. The Bardstown property has become more of a distribution point for the various brands, as well as a thriving tourist attraction that brings in countless whisky enthusiasts each year.

​The building seen here contains a gift shop featuring all your bourbon needs including hot sauces and apparel. To satisfy your palate, the Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is located just inside the main entrance. Here at the visitor center you will also have the chance for more tastings and another educational experience in the history and art of bourbon making.  

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Willett Distillery

Willett Distillery was founded in 1936 just three years after prohibition had ended. It was on the family farm that A. L. Willett and sons ventured into a revival of the bourbon making process that had been passed down from previous generations. Notable brands of this operation include Noah's Mill and Johnny Drum. 

Don't let the gravel drive fool you upon arrival. This property is one of the most beautiful distilleries around. You will soon notice an assortment of eye-catching buildings, some dating back to the original farm, and all begging to be photographed.
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The patio of the visitor center allows you to comfortably sip on you favorite beverages with an interesting view of barrels in storage. If you need a pick-me-up, there is a coffee bar just inside as well. A one hour guided tour costs $22, and a tasting is only $12. I regret not having time to take the full tour of this facility, but rest assured, one day I will return to finish exploring the grounds.  

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Maker's Mark Distillery

This one is technically not located in Bardstown, but close enough in nearby Loretto. Founded on Star Hill Farm in 1958, Maker's Mark Distillery set out with the mission to create a premium bourbon that would stand out among the competition. This was largely achieved by designing a bottle shaped like that of a fine as opposed to the traditional whisky style. The agreement that Mr. Samuels had with his wife was that for every dollar he spent on production, she would be matched with the same amount for marketing. It was her that devised the "Maker's Mark" seal and the signature red wax. 

I chose the guided tour for this one, as I have always had a taste for the Maker's. This place is very popular, so please book in advance. It is hard to describe how beautiful this property is, and the photos just don't do it justice. After we toured the grounds and were treated to the history of the brand, we sampled five different versions of this fine Kentucky Bourbon.

We started with the classic recipe, then proceeded to others including the cask strength. I found this one to be especially interesting, as it is bottled straight from the barrel, un-cut. Normally the bourbon is cut to exactly 90 prof upon bottling. Not this one. This means that each batch is unique ranging from 109 to 114 proof. 

After the tasting, the tour concluded in the gift shop. Don't think the fun stops here! This is where you will have the chance to customize the perfect souvenir. Each of the bourbons featured in the tasting is available for purchase … and you now get to hand dip your very own bottle of Maker's Mark. 

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Limestone Branch Distillery

Limestone Branch Distillery is positioned just a little bit further outside of the Bardstown area in Lebanon, Kentucky. This property cleverly gets its name from the rock through which filters the water for Kentucky Bourbon. 

This facility was founded by two seventh generation distillers that sport a very notable last name. The brothers Stephen and Paul Beam have kept alive a family tradition of over 200 years with this fine establishment. Popular brands include Yellowstone Bourbon and Minor Case Rye Whiskey. 

​The inside of the visitor center has a gift shop, areas for tastings, and also serves as a museum providing an educational display on the history of Kentucky distilling. Here you will find examples of the old-time whisky making process along with a time line of the distillers that helped to create the bourbon culture that we now enjoy.

Not only does Limestone Branch Distillery produce quality whiskey and a very tasty gin, they also have an amazing recipe for a bourbon based Bloody Mary. Whenever in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by and give them a try! 

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These are only a few of the many amazing distilleries that the Bardstown area has to offer. A few others include Barton, Boundary Oak, Knob Creek, Log Still, Lux Row, and Old Samuels. I will most definitely be returning to explore them all thoroughly. 

Stay Tuned for Part Two !!!

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Update:
In the wake of the December 2021 Kentucky tornado disaster, bourbon companies including Heavan Hill and Willett Distillery have raised over 4.5 million dollars in relief aid for local communities. 

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You may also enjoy reading about another of my road trips here