Bourbon flows from a barrel into a tasting glass at Jim Beam

Bourbon

The Spirit of Kentucky

In Kentucky, bourbon is much more than a drink. It’s a way of life. Whether you’re new to bourbon or an aficionado, whether you prefer your bourbon neat or on the rocks, whether you want to eat your way through Bourbon Country or bike along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, there’s a bourbon experience for you in the Bluegrass State.

 If you want to discover (and taste) the true spirit of Kentucky, you come to Bourbon Country. Take a distillery tour or learn about America's native spirit with a Bourbon 101 class. Experience restaurants creating a buzz with bourbon-infused dishes. Visit during National Bourbon Heritage Month (September) to take part in festivals, concerts and bourbon-soaked events. And if you're thirsty for outdoor adventure, too, you can even run the 200-mile Bourbon Chase relay race along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Plan Your Trip to Bourbon Country

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Classic Kentucky Cocktails

A mint julep in a traditional silver cup.

Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep

The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, this drink is a summertime staple – especially when served in a frosty silver cup.

An Old Fashioned cocktail, a bourbon cocktail that was invented in Louisville, Kentucky

Willett Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned cocktail was invented in Louisville sometime in the 1800s, but don't let the name fool you; this timeless classic is more popular than ever.

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