My style of doing things is work hard, play hard, sleep when you’re dead. While there are certainly many leisurely ways to enjoy a Saturday in Bourbon Country, babysitters are hard to come by and I have to squeeze all my grown-up fun into one action-packed day. It helps if you have a designated driver for this venture - Mint Julep Tours is always up to the task.
9 a.m.: Begin at The Frazier History Museum’s Prohibition Exhibit, stopping by to check out the 1964 Congressional Resolution that declared bourbon “a distinctive product of the United States” before you leave.
10 a.m.: Take a tour of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.
11 a.m.: Stop by Art Eatables and pick up some wonderful handmade bourbon truffles. Walk a few doors down to the new Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse for a quick tour and tasting.
Noon: Brunch at The Silver Dollar, including a Kentucky Mule. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Stop a few blocks down the street at Bourbon Barrel Foods to pick up barrel aged bitters for Happy Hour.
2:30 p.m.: Take a tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. One of the oldest distilleries in the state, this is the home of some of your favorite bourbon brands, including Pappy Van Winkle, W.L. Weller, and Eagle Rare.
5 p.m.: Dinner at Bourbons Bistro, Louisville’s original bourbon-inspired restaurant.
7 p.m.: Hop across the river for a post-dinner cigar and Manhattan at Match Cigar Bar in Jeffersonville.
9 p.m.: Things are just getting going at Haymarket Whiskey Bar. Whether you stay for one drink or close the bar down, this is the spot where you’ll want to end your night.
Photo by Maggie Kimberl
