We’ve all got relatives packing their bags and heading our way this time of the year. Trying to figure out how to entertain them while they are here can be a big challenge. If you want to introduce them to Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, here are a few things you can do (call ahead if you have a large group):
1. Mint Julep tours is always a great way to go visit distilleries. They do the driving for you, which you will appreciate once you hit your third or fourth distillery. It also gives you the chance to take in the beautiful Kentucky scenery.
2. Look around for appointment based or impromptu bourbon education. Haymarket Whiskey Bar does hour long education classes by appointment in the late afternoon for around $45 per person. Check out my review here. Westport Whiskey and Wine is another great place for tastings and impromptu education, as is Bourbons Bistro. I advise calling ahead and going earlier in the day.
3. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is like Disneyland for bourbon enthusiasts. The nice thing about this attraction is that it is relatively kid-friendly and since it emphasizes Louisville history, it is also interesting to the folks who aren’t really that interested in bourbon. Check out my review here.
4. Check out the new Bulleit Experience at Stitzel-Weller. There’s currently no distilling going on there, but any whiskey geek in your entourage would be excited for an opportunity to check out Pappy Van Winkle’s old stomping grounds!
5. Take a tour at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort. Santa will be in the gift shop to visit with the kids December 19th and 20th from 6-8 p.m. Buffalo Trace is one of the family-friendliest distilleries around- they put on family events for just about every holiday. And before you balk at the idea of taking kids to a distillery, remember that it’s about more than just bourbon. It’s about Kentucky history and agriculture as well.
6. Visit the Urban Bourbon Trail. You only need 6 stamps to get a t-shirt, so designate a driver and go out bar hopping.
7. Visit Cave Hill Cemetery. There aren’t any bourbon tours scheduled for this month (you can read my review of that here) but you can download the Cemetery Tours app to your smart phone and guide yourself. It’s a beautiful and historic place to visit even if you aren’t interested in bourbon.
8. Take a trip to Bardstown to enjoy The Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center and the Oscar Getz Whiskey History Museum. Jim Beam and Willett are also right around the corner.
9. Take a trip across the bridge to Match Cigar Lounge to smoke a stogie and have a nice bourbon. I recommend a Liga Priviada and a Bulleit Rye Manhattan.
10. Check out some bourbon in food. You can buy all kinds of barrel aged and barrel smoked condiments from Bourbon Barrel Foods, my favorite bourbon truffles from Art Eatables, or bourbon barbecue from Feast or Down One, just to name a few.
As you travel around, don’t forget to get your passport stamped, both for the Urban Bourbon Trail and for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Cheers!
Photos Courtesy of Heaven Hill, The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Mint Julep Tours, Maggie Kimberl, and Jim Beam American Stillhouse
