Exploring the Distillery Trail in Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail

Are you a bourbon enthusiast? If so, the Urban Bourbon Trail in Louisville, Kentucky, is a must-visit for your bourbon travels. In addition to enjoying bourbon tastings at the city’s top bourbon bars and restaurants, you can also experience the Distillery Trail. Here is what to expect on this exciting bourbon adventure.

Planning Your Distillery Trail Experience

Before you start your adventure, it is essential to plan your visit carefully. You can choose to visit all six distilleries in one day, but it is best to spread your visits over several days to fully experience each one. Here are the six distilleries that make up the trail:

  • Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
  • Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
  • Angel’s Envy Distillery
  • Old Forester Distilling Co.
  • Rabbit Hole Distillery
  • Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery

Each distillery has its unique history, distilling process, and tasting room. You can itinerary the order of visiting these distilleries based on your preferences.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Distillery Trail. The distillery is located in the heart of downtown Louisville, making it a convenient stop for anyone on the Urban Bourbon Trail. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes, during which you’ll learn about the history of Evan Williams Bourbon, explore the distilling process, and end with a bourbon tasting. The experience also features a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and bottles of bourbon.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. is a family-owned distillery that has been producing bourbon for over 100 years. The distillery went through a long-term hiatus before reopening in 2019, and now it is back to producing great and award-winning bourbon. The tour takes about an hour, and it will take you through the entire bourbon-making process of fermentation, distillation, and aging, which takes place in a unique brick-and-mortar warehouse. After the distilling process, the tour culminates with a tasting of Peerless Bourbon in their unique tasting room.

Angel’s Envy Distillery

The Angel’s Envy Distillery offers an interactive experience where you can create your own finished product. The distillery offers a modern tour experience with displays and exhibits, including a virtual reality presentation that takes you through an active distillery. During the tour, you’ll learn about Angel’s Envy’s unique production process, which includes aging bourbon in wine casks and finishing each batch with a blend of sherry and port wine. The tasting room, which overlooks downtown Louisville, offers a unique and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy your bourbon samples.

Old Forester Distilling Co.

The Old Forester Distilling Co. is one of the oldest and most traditional distilleries in Kentucky. It was founded in 1870, and its bourbons have become a favorite of bourbon connoisseurs for years. The tour will approximately take around 90 minutes, starting with a video presentation on the history of the distillery, followed by learning about the barrel-making process. After seeing the mash cooking and fermentation tanks in action, you’ll watch the stills in action, and the aging process from their barrel room. Finally, the tour culminates with a tasting of Old Forester’s signature 1870 Original Batch and Single Barrel bourbons.

Rabbit Hole Distillery

Rabbit Hole Distillery is in the NuLu district of Louisville, Kentucky. Unlike the traditional style, Rabbit Hole is more modern and artistic with their building design and presentation. The guiding principle is to "chase your dreams – Follow your Path". Here you will find an impressive 4-story copper column continuous still, an interactive sensory tour that takes you through the distilling process, and an ample 5,500 square foot tasting room. You can finish a fantastic tour with a selection of their bourbons and refreshments.

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery is located right in the heart of historic Louisville, within the Fort Nelson building, which has undergone extensive restoration. At Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, you will tour through a stunning 18th-century house-turned-distillery and see everything from the distilling and aging process to bottling Michter’s world-renowned spirits. The distillery offers a tour and tasting experience lasting 90 minutes, where you will enjoy samples from their exceptional portfolio, including Michter’s US*1 Bourbon, Rye, and American Whisky.

Conclusion

Exploring the Distillery Trail in Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail is an excellent opportunity to experience the bourbon-making process, learn about the history of each distillery, and taste an impressive array of bourbons. Each distillery offers a unique experience with a different twist on the traditional distilling process complemented by modern presentations, exhibits, and tastings. Make sure to take your time and enjoy each stop on this exciting adventure.

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