Kentucky's Newest Bourbon Experiences

Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region Bourbon, Horses & History Northern Kentucky River Region

As the birthplace of bourbon, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s supply. With more than 11.4 million aging barrels, there are now 2 barrels for every Kentucky resident. Bourbon truly is more than a drink in Kentucky, it’s a way of life. Bourbon is booming, with distilleries and businesses expanding and enhancing visitors’ experiences to offer a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or new to the spirit, there’s a bourbon experience for you here in the Bluegrass State. Check out 6 new bourbon attractions below!

 

 

The Last Refuge – Louisville  

Bob Dylan’s whiskey brand Heaven’s Door located in Pleasureville opened a new experience in the NuLu district of downtown Louisville named “The Last Refuge.” The space is within a historic church originally built in 1880 that has turned into a music venue and tasting room.  The Last Refuge, located on East Market Street features a whiskey bar, restaurant and live event space. It is open at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 

 

 

The Trail Hotel - Bardstown 

 

“The Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown just got a luxury bourbon-infused hotel — The Trail Hotel. Located on a historic property, it offers 95 rooms, suites, a restaurant, multiple bars, a pool and even a bourbon butler. With the direct access to the Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, you are mere minutes away from some of the best distilleries.  


 

Augusta Distillery – Augusta 

 

Augusta Distillery located in Bracken County just opened up after finishing the renovation of a 45,000-dquare-foot-building. The company spent more than $45 million to create a cutting-edge distillery with a focus on guest experience and event center all in downtown Augusta.  

 

Augusta Distillery Bourbon Flight

 

Kentucky Artisan Distillery - Oldham County 

 

Kentucky Artisan Distillery opened up a new tour dubbed the Clubhouse Barrel Tasting Experience. As part of the experience, bourbon fans will be able to taste five different mash bills with a hands on, direct from the barrel tasting experience. 

 

Heaven Hill has opened a new fast-casual restaurant Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen named after the five Shapria brothers who founded the company in 1935. The new restaurant is located on the second floor of the distillery in Bardstown and offer lunch and dinner. The menu focuses on Southern cuisine with a modern twist becoming a must visit for both tourists and locals. 

 

Two men eating at Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen

 

 

Pursuit Spirits - Louisville 

 

Pursuit Spirits started two new experiences at their distillery on Mellwood Road in Louisville. The two experiences include the “Whole Shebang!” where bourbon lovers get an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. In 90 minutes, you will get to taste different expressions, select your own bourbon and fill your own bottle. The other experience, “Discover The Pursuit” offers a 30-minute tasting experience. 

 

 

Author Information

Aimee Pierce

Aimee Pierce is a marketing and communications intern for the Kentucky Department of Tourism. She is a journalism and integrated strategic communication double major at the University of Kentucky writing for the school’s newspaper the Kentucky Kernel and is a former writer for The Sentinel-News in Shelbyville. 

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