Frankfort Bourbon Trail Tours & Experiences
Discover Frankfort's rich bourbon heritage with curated tours exploring historic distilleries and tasting sessions.
Frankfort, Kentucky, sits at the heart of America's bourbon country, offering a captivating gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. This historic capital city boasts a deep-rooted connection to the spirit that defines the region, with some of the Commonwealth's most iconic distilleries calling it home. Exploring Frankfort through guided tours provides a unique opportunity to delve into the craft, history, and culture surrounding bourbon production. These experiences go beyond a simple tasting; they are immersive journeys into the very soul of Kentucky. For any bourbon enthusiast, or even the curious traveler, understanding the intricate process from grain to glass is enlightening. Frankfort's distilleries offer behind-the-scenes access, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the meticulous methods passed down through generations. From the aging warehouses filled with the sweet scent of maturing whiskey to the distillation rooms humming with activity, each step is a testament to tradition and quality. Whether you're drawn to the history of Prohibition-era distilleries, the science of fermentation and distillation, or simply the pleasure of savoring a finely crafted bourbon, Frankfort's Bourbon Trail experiences deliver. These expertly guided tours ensure you gain a comprehensive appreciation for what makes Kentucky bourbon so legendary.
Featured Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences Tours
Discover our top picks for kentucky bourbon trail experiences in Frankfort
Experience a unique sightseeing tour and/or Taste to 03 traditional bourbon distilleries (Kentucky there are more than 20 distilleries). Take the stress out of going on your own by booking a excellent tour. Enjoy the tour and don’t worry about anything. Your visit three iconic distilleries where you can learn about the bourbon production process and taste some special Bourbon (+21 years). We offer you the list of 18 distilleries, you must choose 03 so we depend on the availability of the distilleries. Remember you booking is 03 distilleries (Tour and/or Taste) NOTE: You can add the fourth distillery at your tour. Please send message to the company after your reservation Please note: - Minimum of two people required per tour - We depend on the availability of distillers and vehicle - The tour start time may vary depending on the number of distilleries to visit. - Send us the 3 distilleries you want to visit -The distilleries have different opening hours and days
Touring a local bourbon distillery is a must-do when visiting Louisville. With included transportation, there's no need to designate a driver - you can concentrate on enjoying your friends! Visit three small-batch Kentucky bourbon distilleries Comfortable transfers between each: No need to designate a driver Private tour, exclusively for your party: A personalized experience Go behind the scenes at the distilleries and taste straight from the barrel
You can't find tickets, you don't want to miss the taste of driving, it's a special event... we are your option because we will plan everything so that you only enjoy the tour! The tour include four famous distilleries in the city. Depending on the availability of the distilleries, in two of them you can take the Tour and/or Taste, days before starting the tour you will receive the itinerary. The tour starts at your Hotel located in downtown Louisville. Note: - We depend on the availability of distillers -The start time is defined in the itinerary - We can provide you options to have lunch or end the tour in a fancy steakhouse in downtown Louisville Optional: - You can modify the itinerary from $19.99 (Add a tour, taste...) Contact us after making your reservation. - We can pick you up from other cities, but everything will depend on availability and additional payment. - In Kentucky we have more than 25 distilleries in the city
Bourbon Bites Tours: Bardstown • Frankfort • Lexington • Private Transportation. Led by Local Bourbon Experts Discover Kentucky’s Bourbon Country with luxury private transportation, local bourbon experts, and personalized itineraries. Choose your region: Bardstown – The Bourbon Capital of the World Frankfort – Home of the Legends Lexington – Where Heritage Meets Innovation • Three distilleries in your selected area, curated by availability • Tailored itineraries mixing iconic, family-run and innovative distilleries • Optional lunch at signature distillery restaurants (guest’s cost) • Local bourbon experts guiding your day • Premium journey… never rushed… always personal • Three zones… three days (optional full-Kentucky upgrade)price X day x person. • Three zones… one day — high-end “Bourbon Country Express” (special request) One region… three distilleries… or all three zones in one memorable private day. The Bourbon Bites Tours… The Evolution Experience Edition!!!!
We offer customized bourbon distillery tour transportation and help you build the perfect day for your group. There are tour experiences, tastings, cocktail bars, and great food. With so many choices, it’s essential that we talk about them and make sure that you and your group have the perfect day. There are 2 groups of distilleries. First, the distilleries to the south are Jim Beam, Four Roses Bottling and Warehouse, Heaven Hill, Willett, Lux Row Distillers, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Preservation Distillery, Log Still Distillery, Makers Mark, and Limestone Branch. To the east towards Frankfort and Lexington, there is Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Bulleit, Glenn’s Creek Distillery, Whiskey Thief Distilling Company, Castle & Key, Jeptha Creed, and J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery. Whiskey Thief Distilling lets you taste straight from the barrels. You can also hand-fill your own bottle. You can make your own blend at J. Mattingly.
Sipping in the South was born from a bold idea: bourbon deserves more than a bus ride, a stamp in a book, and a cookie-cutter, self-guided checklist. This tour is everything The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® isn't. Raw, Real and Straight from the Barrel We book three hand-picked distilleries, where you'll drink bourbon the way it was meant to be enjoyed: pulled straight from the barrel in true Kentucky Fashion. Every tour begins with our Bourbon 101 Social an interactive, hands-on introduction to nosing and sipping that gives you the tools to truly enjoy what you’re tasting. Because when you understand bourbon, everything else gets better. Then we wind down the day with cigars, fire pits and plenty of good bourbon. It's not just a tour, it's a full-on bourbon country experience, crafted for those who want something more authentic, and more memorable than a self-guided, cookie cutter tasting trail. ...and YES, we even save 30 minutes for rare finds at local liquor stores.
Why Choose Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences in Frankfort?
Historic Distilleries
Frankfort is home to legendary distilleries with centuries of bourbon-making history, offering unique insights.
Expert-Led Tastings
Learn to appreciate the nuances of bourbon from knowledgeable guides during curated tasting sessions.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
Go beyond the visitor center to see the actual production process, from grain to barrel.
Convenient Location
Frankfort provides easy access to several major Bourbon Trail distilleries, making it a perfect base.
Educational and Entertaining
These tours offer a fascinating blend of history, science, and the enjoyable culture of bourbon.
Variety of Experiences
Choose from tours focused on history, production, or specialized tasting experiences.
Types of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences in Frankfort
Distillery Production Tours
These comprehensive tours take you through the entire bourbon-making process, from grain milling and cooking to fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the science and craft involved.
Bourbon Tasting Experiences
Focusing on the sensory aspect, these tours and experiences guide you through the art of bourbon tasting. Learn to identify aromas, flavors, and finish, often comparing different expressions from the same distillery.
Historic Distillery Tours
Explore the rich heritage of Frankfort's bourbon legacy. These tours often highlight the history of the distillery, its founders, and its role in shaping the bourbon industry, often including access to historic buildings and grounds.
Custom & Private Tours
For a more personalized experience, private and custom tours can be arranged. These often cater to specific interests, group sizes, or offer a more in-depth exploration of select distilleries or themes.
What to Expect on Frankfort Bourbon Trail Experiences Tours
Duration
Most tours range from 1.5 to 3 hours, with some specialized experiences potentially lasting longer.
Weather
Tours operate year-round. Be prepared for varying temperatures, especially inside aging warehouses which can be cooler.
Group Size
Group sizes vary, from intimate sessions of 6-10 people to larger public tours of up to 20-25 guests. Private tours offer more exclusivity.
What's Included
Typically includes guided access to the distillery, explanations of the process, and a tasting of select bourbons. Some may include souvenirs or snacks.
Meeting Point
Tour meeting points are usually at the designated visitor center of the distillery. Clear instructions will be provided upon booking.
Costs
Prices generally range from $25 to $75 per person, depending on the distillery and the tour's complexity and inclusions.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book your tours in advance, especially for popular distilleries like Buffalo Trace and Castle & Key, as slots fill up quickly.
Wear comfortable shoes; you'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking, sometimes on uneven surfaces.
Consider transportation options beforehand. If you plan on tasting multiple bourbons, arrange for a designated driver or use ride-sharing services.
Check the specific distillery's website for their tour schedules and any age restrictions, which are typically 21+ for tastings.
Don't be afraid to ask questions! The guides are knowledgeable and passionate about bourbon and eager to share their insights.
Factor in travel time between distilleries if you plan to visit more than one in a day. Frankfort's distilleries are relatively close, but traffic can be a factor.
Hydrate! Tasting bourbon can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
If you're interested in specific bourbons, research what each distillery is known for beforehand to enhance your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the must-visit distilleries in Frankfort for Bourbon Trail tours?
A: Frankfort is home to some iconic stops. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a perennial favorite for its extensive history and production insights. Castle & Key Distillery offers a beautifully restored historic property and unique botanical elements in their approach. Four Roses Distillery, while technically in Lawrenceburg, is very close and a significant stop for many visiting the Frankfort area.
Q:Do I need to book Bourbon Trail tours in Frankfort in advance?
A: Absolutely. Popular distilleries, especially Buffalo Trace, often require advance reservations, sometimes weeks or months ahead, particularly during peak seasons. It's always best to book as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time.
Q:Are the tours suitable for non-bourbon drinkers?
A: Yes, many tours provide excellent historical and cultural context that can be fascinating even if you're not a seasoned bourbon drinker. The educational aspect of understanding the process and heritage is often a highlight.
Q:Can I bring children on Bourbon Trail tours?
A: While children are often allowed to accompany adults on tours, they cannot participate in the tastings. Some distilleries may have specific age restrictions for certain areas or tours, so it's wise to check their individual policies.
Q:What is the typical cost of a Frankfort Bourbon Trail tour?
A: The cost can vary significantly. Basic distillery tours and tastings might start around $25-$35, while more in-depth experiences, private tours, or those with premium tastings can range from $50 to $75 or more per person.
Q:What if I can't get a tour at Buffalo Trace?
A: Buffalo Trace is extremely popular. If you can't secure a tour, consider visiting their gift shop and grounds, which are usually accessible, or focus on other excellent distilleries nearby like Castle & Key. Many visitors find success by checking for last-minute cancellations online.
Q:Is transportation provided between distilleries?
A: Typically, tours focus on a single distillery or a specific cluster of distilleries. Transportation between multiple distilleries is usually not included unless you book a comprehensive private tour package that specifically arranges for a driver or shuttle service.
Q:What should I do if I have dietary restrictions for a tasting?
A: It's best to contact the distillery directly well in advance of your tour if you have dietary restrictions that might affect a tasting. While most tastings focus on the spirit itself, some may include pairings or snacks, and they can often accommodate certain needs if notified early.
Why Visit Frankfort?
Discover Kentucky's capital charm, offering a blend of history and scenic beauty along the Kentucky River.
Explore historic architecture and vibrant local culture in the heart of the Bluegrass State.
Enjoy a relaxed pace of life and friendly local interactions, making your visit memorable.
Immerse yourself in rich state history with significant landmarks and educational insights.
Experience authentic Kentucky hospitality through local eateries and community events.
Uncover the quiet charm of a working state capital, full of genuine Midwestern appeal.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Frankfort experiences a humid subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and cool to mild winters. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, characterized by moderate temperatures and lower humidity, making outdoor activities enjoyable.
Best Months
April through June and September through October are generally the best months to visit Frankfort. During these periods, you'll find comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring the historic sites and enjoying the outdoors, with fewer crowds than summer.
Peak Season
Summer, from June to August, is Frankfort's peak season. Expect warm to hot and humid weather, with daytime temperatures often in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. This is a busy time for tourism, with more visitors and potentially higher accommodation prices.
Off Season
Winter, from December to February, is the off-season in Frankfort. Temperatures are cooler, and while snow is possible, it's usually not heavy. This time offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds and lower prices, perfect for history buffs and those seeking a peaceful visit.
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Plan Your Frankfort Trip
Transportation Tips
Getting around Frankfort is quite manageable, with a car being the most convenient option for exploring its various attractions. The downtown area is walkable, allowing you to easily access shops and restaurants. For longer distances or to visit attractions like Buffalo Trace Distillery, ride-sharing services are available, though availability can vary. Public bus routes exist but are less comprehensive for tourist needs. Consider renting a car for maximum flexibility when getting around Frankfort, especially if you plan to explore beyond the immediate city center.
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Where to Stay
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