Discover the ultimate journey through Bourbon Territory, where America's spirit comes to life in a captivating guide that features 87 distillery profiles, must-visit hotels, delectable eateries, and vibrant bars. Immerse yourself in exclusive behind-the-scenes access with master distillers and experience the rich heritage and craftsmanship that defines bourbon culture. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this essential resource will elevate your journey through the heart of bourbon country.
Bourbon Territory
Bourbon Territory
BOURBON: AN AMERICAN LoveStory • THE ORIGINS OF OUR HOMEGROWN SPIRIT STRETCH BACK TO THE FORMATION OF THE COUNTRY ITSELF. BEFORE WE TAKE A DEEP POUR OF BOURBON TERRITORY, LET’S PULL THE CORK ON THAT FASCINATING AND SOMETIMES TUMULTUOUS HISTORY.
THE BOTTLED IN BOND ACT • THE SUBJECT OF AMERICA’S FIRST CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURE? WHISKEY!
MOTHER OF BOURBON • PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T THINK A WOMAN COULD RUN A DISTILLERY DIDN’T RECKON ON MARY DOWLING.
ROLL OUT THE BARRELS • WITHOUT THE AGES-OLD CRAFT OF TURNING OAK INTO VESSELS OF MATURATION, BOURBON DOESN’T EXIST.
KENTUCKY • No wonder Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon. The corn whiskey became popular around the time of the state’s founding, and today its distilleries produce the majority consumed around the world. In other words, a pilgrimage here is top of the bucket list for true bourbon fans.
LOUISVILLE • KENTUCKY’S LARGEST CITY HAS A KNACK FOR PRESERVING AND RESTORING ITS HISTORIC CHARACTER. THAT INCLUDES MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS FOR BOURBON FANS.
STAY • HOTELS THAT LOVE TO GIVE BOURBON LOVERS A PLACE TO REST
EAT • MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BOURBON ALONE—OR SO WE’RE TOLD
SIP • GOING BARS THAT ALREADY KNOW THAT YOU’RE TO ORDER A BOURBON
MELISSA RIFT • OLD FORESTER’S MASTER TASTER GIVES SOME NOTES ON BOURBON’S CLOUT, TOUR TIPS, AND HOW GROUP SINGLE-BARREL PICKS CAN BE LIKE FAMILY THERAPY.
HOW BOURBON IS MADE • EXPLORING BOURBON TERRITORY, YOU’LL WITNESS WHISKEY-MAKING EQUIPMENT IN MANY DIFFERENT SHAPES, SIZES, AND CONFIGURATIONS. BUT TO CREATE THAT AMBER LIQUID WE LOVE, THE DISTILLING PROCESS BASICALLY COMES DOWN TO THESE TIME-HONORED STEPS.
WESTERN KY • AMBLING THROUGH THIS REGION OF FARMLAND AND SMALL TOWNS CAN HELP YOU GET AWAY FROM IT ALL—EXCEPT FOR SOME GREAT BOURBONS WITH FASCINATING BACKSTORIES.
STAY • HOTELS THAT LOVE TO GIVE BOURBON LOVERS A PLACE TO REST
EAT • MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BOURBON ALONE—OR SO WE’RE TOLD
SIP • ORDER BARS THAT ALREADY KNOW THAT YOU’RE GOING TO A BOURBON
MEET THE mascots! • SOME FRIENDS YOU MAKE IN BOURBON TERRITORY GREET YOU ON FOUR LEGS. CHECK OUT JUST A SAMPLE OF THE ADORABLE DISTILLERY MENAGERIE.
BARDSTOWN • OLD TRADITIONS AND FRESH INNOVATIONS CREATE A BEAUTIFUL BLEND FOR VISITORS IN AND AROUND THE BOURBON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.
STAY • BOURBON HOTELS THAT LOVE TO GIVE LOVERS A PLACE TO REST
EAT • MAN DOES NOT LIVE ON BOURBON ALONE—OR SO WE’RE TOLD
SIP • BARS THAT ALREADY KNOW THAT YOU’RE GOING TO ORDER A BOURBON
CONOR O’DRISCOLL • THE HEAVEN HILL MASTER DISTILLER GIVES SOME NOTES ON HOW HE GOT HIS START AND WHAT AWAITS VISITORS TO THE ICONIC DISTILLERY’S NEW FACILITY IN BARDSTOWN.
DRINKING DUSTIES • WANT TO IMBIBE FROM A LIQUID TIME CAPSULE? THESE SPECIALIZED SPOTS POUR YOU INTO THE PAST.
FILLING STATIONS • READY FOR SOME D.I.Y. WHISKEY? THESE DISTILLERIES LET YOU FILL YOUR OWN BOTTLE.
CENTRAL KY • WITH WILD TURKEY AND WOODFORD RESERVE TO VISIT, AND BARREL-SHAPED CABINS TO SLEEP IN, THIS REGION REALLY DOES FEEL LIKE THE EPICENTER OF BOURBON TERRITORY.
STAY • HOTELS THAT LOVE TO GIVE BOURBON LOVERS A PLACE TO REST
EAT •...