By:  Holly Freeland
Holly@louisville.com

The state of Kentucky has 12 operating distilleries that produce 95% of the world’s bourbon.  Kentucky’s unique location, as well as lengthy history with producing the product makes it THE place for bourbon.  It is classified as a distilled spirit made from a fermented mash, mainly consisting of corn, and aged in white oak barrels for at least two years.

Today, Kentucky Bourbon has evolved into one of the most known and respected distilled spirits traded worldwide. From the procedures of fermentation to the aging process, such stringent rules govern production that the United States has pursued a policy of protecting the cultural and environmental distinctiveness of bourbon.  While there are many types of whiskey, from Scotland and Ireland, to Canada and the US, bourbon is a special form created, distilled, and aged almost strictly in Kentucky.

Want to learn more and see how it’s all made?  Here’s a list of local distilleries just a few minutes’ drive from Louisville open for visitors and tours.  If you’re planning a visit, be sure to call ahead to ensure operating hours as they fluctuate for different seasons!

Buffalo Trace 1001 Wilkinson Boulevard Franklin Co., Kentucky (502) 696-5926

A working distillery on the grounds since 1787 with the first modern distillery built on this site in 1857, it was the first to incorporate the use of steam power.  They have an on-site gift shop and visitors center.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm, Saturday 10am-2 pm year-round.

www.buffalotrace.com

Four Roses: 1224 Bonds Mill Road Lawrenceburg, Kentucky (502) 839-3436

The Distillery was built in 1911 and features a unique Spanish Mission-Style architecture rarely seen in Kentucky.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operates continuously, except for the summer months, typically July through mid-September.  Tours are available, call for seasonal hours and dates.

www.fourroses.us

Heaven Hill Distilleries: 1311 Gilkey Run Road Bardstown, Kentucky (502) 337-1000

Heaven Hill has become the largest independent family-owned producer and marketer of distilled spirits. Famous as a distiller of world-renowned Bourbons such as Evan Williams, Elijah Craig and Old Fitzgerald, Heaven Hill is home to the world’s second largest holding of aging Kentucky whiskey, representing over 16% of the worlds future supply.

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00, and Sundays from 12:00 – 4:00 Tours run repeatedly throughout the day; the last tour starts one hour before closing. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

www.heaven-hill.com

Jim Beam 149 Happy Hollow Road Clermont, Kentucky (502) 543-9877

Come visit the world's largest bourbon distiller.  You can begin your visit at the Outpost Theatre; there you can view the "First Family of Bourbon", which details the Beam family rise and influence as the number one producer in the world.  Stroll around the grounds and visit the T. Jeremiah Beam home and sample a selection of our hand crafted Small Batch Bourbons.

www.jimbeam.com

Makers Mark Distilleries 3350 Burks Springs Road Loretto, Kentucky (270) 865-2099

Established in 1805 as a gristmill/distillery, it is the nation's oldest working distillery on its original site and has been named a National Historic Landmark.   Experience a step back in time on a stroll through the buildings and around the grounds on a guided tour. Maker's Mark is one the smallest distilleries, crafting Bourbon in batches of less than 19 barrels.

Tour times are: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Sundays: 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., March through December.
www.makersmark.com

Wild Turkey Distillery 1525 Tyrone Rd. P.O.Box 180 Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 (502) 839-4544

Premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been distilled on Wild Turkey Hill for generations. And, sitting on the crest of a hill that overlooks the Kentucky River,see the spectacular view from the facility.  While following the production process from grain delivery to bottling, you'll be able to see their unique 40-foot high column still, watch new bourbon being poured into hand crafted oak barrels and stroll through our timber warehouses.

www.wildturkeybourbon.com

Woodford Reserve Distillery 7855 McCracken Pike Versailles, KY 40383 Phone: (859) 879-1812

Hidden away between some of the most beautiful horse country in the world, visiting Woodford Reserve is as much of a scenic trip as it is an educational one.  Handcrafted in small bottles, this distillery is one of a kind in horse and bourbon country.

Hours/Tours: Tuesday- Saturday, 9 am- 5 pm, Sunday 12:30- 4:30 PM

www.woodfordreserve.com