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 [4] is always up to the task.
9 a.m.: Begin at The Frazier History Museum [5]’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 [6].
11 a.m.: Stop by Art Eatables [7] and pick up some wonderful handmade bourbon truffles. Walk a few doors down to the new Jim Beam Urban [8]Stillhouse for a quick tour and tasting.
Noon: Brunch at The Silver Dollar [9], including a Kentucky Mule. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Stop a few blocks down the street at Bourbon Barrel Foods [10] 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 [11], W.L. Weller [12], and Eagle Rare.
5 p.m.: Dinner at Bourbons Bistro [13], Louisville’s original bourbon-inspired restaurant.
7 p.m.: Hop across the river for a post-dinner cigar and Manhattan at Match Cigar Bar [14] in Jeffersonville.
9 p.m.: Things are just getting going at Haymarket Whiskey Bar [15]. 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