Bourbon Tour (03) : Buffalo Trace, Woodford, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Other

Discover Kentucky’s Bourbon History with a Customizable Tour in Louisville

This Bourbon Tour (03) from Louisville offers an engaging way to explore over 15 distilleries, with options to visit three or four of the most iconic brands like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark, and more. Priced at $245.69 per person, the tour typically lasts 6 to 12 hours, making it suitable for a full-day experience. It departs from Mussel & Burger Bar in downtown Louisville, with hotel pickup included, easing the logistics for visitors.

What sets this tour apart is its customizable nature — you can select your preferred distilleries in advance, depending on availability. The tour features guided visits with admission tickets included at each stop, allowing ample time for tastings and learning about bourbon production. While the tour covers a broad array of distilleries, it’s especially ideal for those interested in Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and who appreciate guided, hassle-free transportation.

Key Points

• Flexible and customizable: Choose 3 or 4 distilleries from a list of over 15 options.
• Includes hotel pickup from downtown Louisville for convenience.
• Visits top distilleries like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, and Maker’s Mark.
• Guided tours and tastings included at each selected location.
• Long day option: The tour lasts 6 to 12 hours, perfect for a full-day adventure.
• Cost is $245.69 per person, with advance booking averaging 36 days ahead.

Starting Point and Logistics in Louisville

This bourbon experience begins at Mussel & Burger Bar in Louisville’s downtown at 113 S 7th St. The tour includes hotel pickup, removing the need to drive between distilleries, which is especially convenient given the distance and traffic around Louisville. The group size is limited to 32 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and well-organized experience.

Travelers receive a tailored itinerary after booking, indicating which distilleries will be visited based on preference and availability. The start time varies depending on your selected options and the distilleries’ schedules, with timing coordinated to maximize your day.

Visiting Iconic Distilleries: Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses

Among the stops, Buffalo Trace Distillery is a highlight, offering either a tour or a tasting depending on availability. Its historic distillery buildings and production methods provide insight into Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship.

Woodford Reserve features a distillery tour of about 1 hour 15 minutes, focused on the bourbon production process and history. The tasting session showcases their best products, providing a comprehensive look at their offerings.

Four Roses offers a “Taste of History” tour in a Spanish mission-style distillery lasting about 45 minutes. Visitors get to learn about the characteristics of Four Roses bourbons and enjoy a tasting at the end.

Additional Distillery and Experience Options

Beyond the big names, the tour offers stops at smaller and innovative distilleries like Bardstown Bourbon, where you can observe advanced aging and production techniques and even test bourbon straight from the barrel.

Stitzel-Weller Distillery provides a rich historical experience, featuring active barrel houses and micro still-houses, with tastings of Bulleit Bourbon, I.W. Harper, and Blade and Bow.

Maker’s Mark involves a guided visit to a barrel warehouse and limestone cellar, finishing with a tasting and a keepsake glass.

Other options include Limestone Branch, focusing on craft whiskeys and gins, and Preservation Distillery, known for its sustainability efforts and use of locally sourced ingredients.

Pacing, Length, and Physical Aspects

This tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness. The longer tour options span up to 12 hours, which includes travel time, tours, and tastings. The pace is flexible, but some stops may involve standing or walking within distillery facilities.

Most stops last around 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, giving enough time for guided explanations and tastings. Bringing snacks is recommended for the longer day, especially as lunch is not included.

Tour Reviews and Experience Highlights

The tour maintains a 4.5-star rating based on 476 reviews, emphasizing knowledgeable guides, smooth logistics, and interesting stops. Review comments note the driver’s careful driving and timely schedules, with some mention of variable weather impacting the experience.

The small group size and customizable itinerary are frequently praised, with many reviewers highlighting the variety of distilleries and tastings. Some mention last-minute schedule adjustments due to flooding, but overall, communication and flexibility are appreciated.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

Booking is typically done 36 days in advance, and confirmation is received immediately. The tour starts at 113 S 7th St but timing varies. The cost includes all admission tickets and guided tours at the selected distilleries, but lunch is not included.

Travelers should send an email to specify their preferred distilleries after booking. Booking early ensures better availability, especially for popular stops like Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark.

Distillery Selection and Customization

You have the option to upgrade to visit four distilleries instead of three, increasing the experience and sampling opportunities. The list of distilleries is extensive, including historic sites, innovative micro-distilleries, and renowned brands.

The flexibility means that your interests—whether focused on traditional bourbon, craft spirits, or historical sites—can be accommodated.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers ample tastings and expert guidance, remember that lunch is not included, so plan accordingly. The duration can extend to 12 hours, making it a full-day commitment. Travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity and standing during some stops.

The tour is non-refundable once booked, so confirming your preferences early is wise. Weather can affect some stops, especially during flooding or rain, but the tour provider reschedules or offers refunds under such circumstances.

Why This Tour is a Strong Choice for Bourbon Enthusiasts

This customizable bourbon tour offers a comprehensive, guided experience through Kentucky’s bourbon landscape, with ample tastings and insights into production and history. Its flexibility makes it suitable for both novices and seasoned bourbon lovers who want to learn and taste without the hassle of organizing transportation.

The hotel pickup, small group size, and variety of distilleries—from historic to innovative—make it a compelling option for a full day in Louisville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which distilleries to visit?
Yes, you can select your preferred 3 or 4 distilleries from the list, depending on availability.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or planning for a meal outside is recommended.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 12 hours, depending on the number of stops and length of visits.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, pickup from downtown Louisville is included, and transportation is provided between distilleries.

Are tastings included?
Yes, admission tickets include guided tours and tastings at each selected distillery.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is best suited for guests with moderate physical fitness, as some stops involve standing or walking.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or reschedule is offered.

Can I book last minute?
Booking typically requires 36 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on distillery capacity and group size.

Is this tour good for groups?
Yes, with a maximum of 32 travelers, it works well for small groups or private bookings.

How do I confirm which distilleries I want to visit?
After booking, simply send an email with your distillery preferences to the tour provider.