We know you already know this, but Kentucky has a lot of bourbon, which means that we have a lot of distilleries. But which ones should you visit? How do you get to them all in a limited time? Well, that’s where our Kentucky Bourbon Trail 3 day itinerary comes in! We like to think that the “Amber waves of grain” referenced in America the Beautiful is a precise reference to Kentucky bourbon. Our fields of barley, wheat, rye and of course corn are mashed and distilled into a literal glass of amber-colored bluegrass. 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky, and just like how champagne tastes better from the Champagne region of France, bourbon tastes better from the terroir of Kentucky’s rolling hills.

500 East Main Street, Louisville, KY (1-mile from the inn) There’s no better place for ANGEL’S ENVY® to continue our story than in the heart of Louisville. ... “We’re bringing bourbon back to Louisville, back to Whiskey Row, in addition to honoring the history throughout the state."

Located on the limestone banks of the Kentucky River, Augusta Distillery was founded in 2017 by college friends Lance Bates, Robert Burns, and Jeff Johnson. Their vision was simple: create uncompromised Kentucky bourbon—single barrel, cask strength, and aged at least eight years. Each barrel is hand-selected and patiently aged in the distillery’s seven-story rickhouse. Augusta gained national attention when Buckner’s 13 Year was named World’s Best Bourbon at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Today, led by Master Distiller Alexandra Castle, Augusta Distillery blends traditional craftsmanship with a deep connection to the community and history of Augusta. Visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and a taste of what makes this Kentucky bourbon destination special.

B.H. James Distillers is a small, community-focused distillery in Adairville, Kentucky, named for Burton Hulon “B.H.” James, a professional baseball player who later became a respected local businessman and community leader. In 1919, Burton and his wife Estelle settled in Adairville, where he ran B.H. James Grocers and served in several community leadership roles. A century later, fifth-generation Adairville resident Shawn McCormick purchased the historic fire station in 2019 and transformed it into a working distillery. B.H. James officially opened in 2022. Today, the distillery uses locally grown corn, rye, and barley to craft award-winning Burton James® Whiskey and Bourbon, along with James Lake® Vodka. Visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and cocktails in a welcoming small-town setting—where local history and Kentucky craftsmanship come together.

Cave City Distilling Company is a veteran-owned craft distillery just minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park. Founded by Luke and Creste Jean and Wade and Chasidy Terry, it began in Smiths Grove as Balance Distilling Company before moving to Cave City. On July 3, 2026, it became the newest stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, with a vision of being “Cave City’s Front Porch”—a welcoming gathering place for locals and travelers. The distillery produces bourbon, rum, gin, and moonshine, including Mammoth Cave Bourbon. Guests can enjoy tours, tastings, cocktails, and Barrel and Rind, an on-site cheese and charcuterie shop. With plans for farm animals and agricultural experiences, Cave City Distilling brings together Kentucky bourbon, agriculture, and hospitality near Mammoth Cave.

Copper & Kings is a Louisville, Kentucky distillery founded in 2014 with a mission to revive America’s first distilled spirit — brandy — long before bourbon became dominant Copper & Kings American Brandy. The founders didn’t set out to follow bourbon; instead, they sought to reclaim a lost American craft, distilling brandy in traditional copper pot stills using fresh fruit and American wine, then aging it in bourbon barrels right at their distillery in bourbon country Copper & Kings American Brandy

Evan Williams, founded in 1783, is recognized as Kentucky’s first commercial distillery and a pioneer of bourbon. Welsh immigrant Evan Williams established his distillery along the Ohio River in Louisville, using local corn and limestone-filtered water to produce quality whiskey. After his death in 1810, the brand faded but was revived in 1957 by Heaven Hill Distillery. Today, Evan Williams is one of the world’s best-selling bourbons, known for its historic roots and traditional craftsmanship.

Four Roses Bourbon traces its name to a romantic legend. Founder Paul Jones Jr. proposed to a Southern belle, asking her to wear roses to a grand ball if she accepted. She arrived wearing four red roses, inspiring the name Four Roses. Jones began producing bourbon in the 1860s, trademarked the name in 1888, and established the brand on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row. During Prohibition, Four Roses survived as a medicinal whiskey and later gained international popularity, especially in Europe and Japan.

Founded in 1885 in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River Whiskey quickly became known for its award-winning quality and the slogan **"The Whiskey Without a Headache."** A devastating fire in 1918 and Prohibition brought the brand's success to a halt, and it eventually disappeared for decades. After a major restoration, Green River returned in 2020 and is once again producing award-winning bourbon, proudly carrying on its historic legacy as a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Founded in Bardstown, Kentucky, in 1935 after Prohibition, Heaven Hill was established by the Shapira family and Joseph L. Beam. It quickly gained a reputation for quality, with its Bottled-in-Bond bourbon becoming a Kentucky favorite. The launch of Evan Williams Bourbon in 1957 further cemented its legacy. After a devastating fire in 1996, Heaven Hill rebuilt by acquiring Louisville's historic Bernheim Distillery. Today, it remains one of the nation's largest family-owned spirits producers, crafting iconic brands like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny while preserving Kentucky's rich bourbon tradition.

Founded by Joyce and Bruce Fraley, Jeptha Creed Distillery began with a family passion for farming, craftsmanship, and creating exceptional Kentucky spirits. Located on a historic family farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Jeptha Creed honors generations of tradition while producing unique, grain-to-glass bourbons made with locally grown ingredients.

Jim Beam’s story began in 1795 when Jacob Beam sold his first barrels of corn whiskey in Kentucky, starting a family tradition that would span more than seven generations. Today, Jim Beam remains one of the world’s most recognized bourbon brands, continuing to craft bourbon using time-honored recipes and techniques passed down through the Beam family.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® celebrates Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage, connecting visitors with historic distilleries, craft producers, and unique tasting experiences. Founded in the late 20th century, the trail has grown to include 68+ distilleries, from iconic brands like Jim Beam and Buffalo Trace to craft favorites like Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Green River Distilling. More than a tourism route, the trail showcases Kentucky’s history, craftsmanship, and the traditions that made bourbon a global icon.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. began in 1881 in Henderson, Kentucky, producing Peerless whiskey under Elijah W. Worsham and Capt. J.B. Johnston. In 1889, Henry H. Kraver purchased the distillery, renamed it Kentucky Peerless, and grew it into one of Kentucky’s largest whiskey producers. After closing during Prohibition, the brand remained dormant for nearly a century until 2015, when Kraver’s great-grandson Corky Taylor and his son Carson revived Peerless in Louisville’s Bourbon District. Today, Kentucky Peerless is a family-owned, grain-to-bottle distillery known for its handcrafted bourbon and rye whiskey, blending historic tradition with modern craftsmanship.

In the quiet hills of Gethsemane, Kentucky, a new chapter in bourbon country began with a vision to restore what had been forgotten. Once home to a thriving distilling community, the historic grounds had stood silent for decades. With faith, perseverance, and respect for the past, Wally began restoring the property that would become Log Still Distillery, proudly carrying the DSP-KY-47 designation once held by the F.M. Head Distillery. Today, Log Still is more than a distillery—it’s a gathering place where bourbon, music, hospitality, and community come together. The hum of the stills, laughter from the Bed & Breakfast porches, and music from The Amp once again fill the hills, bringing new life to a place rooted in Kentucky heritage.

Maker’s Mark began in 1953 when Bill and Margie Samuels transformed a historic distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, with a vision to create a smoother, more approachable bourbon. Inspired by family tradition and handcrafted techniques, they introduced the signature red wax-dipped bottle that has become a beloved symbol of Kentucky bourbon heritage.

Michter’s traces its roots to 1753, when John Shenk founded a rye whiskey distillery in Pennsylvania. Known over the years as Shenk’s and Bomberger’s, the distillery became part of American whiskey history, with a legend of George Washington purchasing rye whiskey there for his troops during the Revolutionary War. After closing in 1990, the Michter’s name was revived in 1996 by Joseph Magliocco and Richard Newman, who moved the brand to Kentucky and rebuilt it with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. Today, Michter’s is recognized for its small-batch, handcrafted whiskeys and dedication to its historic roots.

Established 2014 Founded in 2014 by Ken Lewis, a visionary Kentucky entrepreneur and proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, New Riff has spent the past decade building a distillery rooted in craft, innovation, and uncompromising quality. After ten years of growth, we’re proud to see New Riff products in all 50 states, and across the globe, a milestone that reflects both the reach of our spirits and the continued support of our community. Located in Newport, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, Old Forester is America’s oldest continuously produced bourbon brand. Brown created a more consistent whiskey and became the first to sell bourbon in sealed glass bottles. One of only six brands allowed to continue during Prohibition, Old Forester has survived for more than 150 years. Today, it remains a Brown–Forman Kentucky bourbon known for tradition, quality, and innovation.

Opening on Derby Day 1935, Stitzel–Weller is a distillery located in Shively, a suburb of Louisville, Kentucky. Blade and Bow's story began with the founding of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in 1935, a Louisville icon and home to the fathers of bourbon. Following the repeal of prohibition, the Stitzel–Weller Distillery was built with a commitment to craftsmanship and artistry. It reimagined what Kentucky Bourbon could be until distilling stopped in 1992. Stitzel–Weller Distillery was eventually acquired by Diageo as part of a larger sale, and was officially reopened to the public in 2014.

Founded in 1869 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Wild Turkey began as a family-run distillery and grew into a world-renowned bourbon brand. The Wild Turkey name was introduced in 1942 after bourbon shared on a hunting trip became a favorite among friends. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell joined in 1954 and helped define the brand’s signature style, later joined by his son Eddie Russell. Today, under Campari Group, Wild Turkey continues its legacy of bold, traditional Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship.

Inspired By Bourbon's History Woodford Reserve is situated among beautiful horse farms - in fact, it’s one of the only places in Kentucky where you can see the state’s two most famous products – Bourbon whiskey and thoroughbred horses – maturing side-by-side. The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. You get that sense of history. The history of bourbon is the history of Kentucky, is the history of the United States.