Buffalo y/ or Wiskey Thief & Churchill Twilight Racing Experience

A Unique Louisville Combo: Bourbon and Horse Racing for $349.99

This tour offers a combination of bourbon tasting at iconic distilleries, a hands-on barrel-to-glass experience at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., and reserved seating at Churchill Downs, all for $349.99 per person. With an approximate duration of 4 to 6 hours, it provides a rich taste of Kentucky’s legendary whiskey scene and thoroughbred racing. The tour includes pickup services and a mobile ticket, making logistics straightforward.

Designed for those interested in Kentucky’s renowned bourbon and horse racing culture, this experience is especially suitable for visitors wanting a curated, premium day out. While the tour features exclusive access and guided insights, it’s important to note that lunch is not included, so dining options at Star Hill Provisions or Makers Mark are at your own expense. The tour’s limited spots ensure a personalized experience, so early booking is recommended.

Key Points

• Includes guided tours at Buffalo Trace Distillery with bourbon tastings
• Barrel-to-glass experience at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. with exclusive barrel tastings
• Reserved seating tickets at Churchill Downs, covering the Sept-Nov 2025 racing season
• Duration of 4 to 6 hours with pickup service and mobile ticketing
• No lunch included, but dining options are nearby and optional
• Free cancellation available if canceled 24 hours in advance

Visiting Kentucky’s Oldest Distillery: Buffalo Trace

The tour begins at Buffalo Trace Distillery, recognized as America’s Oldest Continuously Operating Distillery. Visitors walk through a historic site, enjoying an exclusive guided tour that highlights the craftsmanship behind Kentucky bourbon. The tour includes a curated bourbon tasting, giving insight into the distillery’s rich heritage and production process.

The one-hour visit is an opportunity to see Kentucky’s iconic distilling methods firsthand while sampling some of the finest bourbon. The experience is particularly appealing for those who appreciate the tradition and history embedded in each bottle. It’s a core highlight that sets the tone for the day’s bourbon adventures.

The Barrel-to-Glass Experience at Whiskey Thief

Following the distillery visit, the tour proceeds to Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. for a 45-minute immersive barrel-to-glass experience. Here, guests enjoy exclusive barrel tastings of five premium bourbons and ryes. The highlight is the chance to ‘thieve’ your own whiskey straight from the cask, offering a hands-on element rare in typical tours.

Guests also have the option to fill and label a personal bottle to take home, making this stop especially memorable. The exclusive nature of these tastings emphasizes quality and craftsmanship, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for bourbon production.

Churchill Downs: Reserved Race Seating & Special Offers

The final stop of this tour features reserved seating tickets at Churchill Downs for the Sept-Nov 2025 racing season. Depending on the date, visitors can experience Twilight Thursdays races starting at 5 PM, or other special events like Stakes Races, Breeders Cup Watch Parties, and Thanksgiving Weekend Races.

The reserved seating provides a comfortable view of the track, and the experience includes special offers only available through this package. For racing enthusiasts or those wanting a vibrant Kentucky atmosphere, this segment offers a chance to enjoy exciting live racing amid the Kentucky Derby’s famous racing heritage.

Logistics and Meeting Details

This private tour departs at 1:00 pm from a designated meeting point with pickup service, simplifying transportation logistics. The tour features an air-conditioned vehicle to keep travelers comfortable during travel between stops. Since the tour is private, only your group participates, ensuring an intimate experience.

While lunch is not included in the package, nearby dining options such as Star Hill Provisions and Makers Mark are available for those wishing to dine during the day. Travelers should plan accordingly, as meal expenses are at their own cost.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided distillery tours, bourbon tastings, the barrel-to-glass experience, and reserved race seating tickets. Lunchtime and any personal expenses at restaurants or for additional drinks are not included. The experience is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible, allowing guests to explore Kentucky’s bourbon and racing scenes comfortably.

Booking, Cancellation, and Weather Considerations

The tour promises free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the full amount is non-refundable. The experience is weather-dependent, with options for a full refund or alternative date if canceled due to poor weather conditions. The minimum number of travelers is required for the tour to proceed; otherwise, a different date or full refund is offered.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour appeals to visitors who want a curated, premium experience combining Kentucky bourbon culture with live horse racing. It’s ideal for those interested in guided distillery visits, hands-on bourbon experiences, and reserved seating at Churchill Downs. The limited spots and exclusive access make it suitable for travelers seeking a more personalized, memorable day in Louisville.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $349.99, this experience bundles several key Kentucky highlights into one day: historic distillery tours, exclusive bourbon tastings, a barrel-to-glass experience, and premium race seating. The all-in-one package saves the hassle of booking each element separately, representing good value for those wanting a comprehensive Kentucky experience.

Final Thoughts on the Buffalo y/ Whiskey Thief & Churchill Twilight Racing Experience

This tour stands out by seamlessly blending Kentucky’s bourbon heritage with its legendary horse racing. The guided distillery visits and hands-on tastings are both educational and enjoyable, while the reserved race seating offers excitement and a vibrant atmosphere at Churchill Downs.

While lunch is not included, the tour’s flexibility and exclusive access make it a compelling choice for visitors with an interest in Kentucky’s iconic traditions. The limited spots and private format promise a more intimate experience, ideal for those who value quality over quantity.

This experience provides a well-rounded, premium day that captures the essence of Louisville’s most famous attractions. It’s best suited for bourbon enthusiasts, horse race fans, and those eager to enjoy Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage in a single, well-organized tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but nearby dining options such as Star Hill Provisions and Makers Mark are available for purchase.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, covering all stops and experiences.

Do I need to prepare for physical activity?
The tour involves walking through distilleries and possibly some standing at Churchill Downs, but no strenuous activity is required.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there is free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Are transportation and pickup included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup service is provided for the tour.

What is the capacity of this tour?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates, ensuring an exclusive experience.