Where the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Distilleries Are Located

The distilleries that make up the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are spread across the state, with the heaviest concentration in the area around Bardstown and Frankfort. Bardstown, about 40 miles south of Louisville, is home to Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, and Woodford Reserve — four of the largest and most visited facilities. Frankfort, the state capital, sits about 30 miles northeast and hosts Buffalo Trace and Four Roses. A few distilleries lie further out: Wilderness Trail is in Danville, about 30 miles south of Frankfort, and New Riff is in Lawrenceburg, roughly 20 miles northeast of Frankfort.

The trail itself is not a physical path you walk. It is a membership program run by the Kentucky Distillers' Association that groups these distilleries together for marketing purposes. You do not need to join or pay a membership fee to visit any individual distillery — each one operates its own tour schedule and charges its own tour price. The "trail" is straightforward a way to think about visiting multiple distilleries in one trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The major bourbon distilleries open to the public are Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Wilderness Trail, and New Riff, each with different tour schedules and price points.
  • Most distilleries charge between $10 and $25 per person for a basic tour, with premium or tasting tours running higher, and you book directly with each distillery rather than through a central office.
  • Tours typically last one to two hours and include a walk through production areas, a barrel warehouse, and a tasting room where you sample bourbon or other spirits.
  • Each distillery has its own rules about age requirements, photography, and what you can bring into the facility, so check their website or call ahead before you visit.

Maker's Mark in Loretto

Maker's Mark is one of the most recognizable bourbon brands and operates a visitor center in Loretto, about 50 miles south of Louisville. The distillery offers guided tours that walk you through the production process, from grain to barrel, and include a stop in the barrel warehouse where you can see bourbon aging in charred oak. At the end of most tours, you dip your bottle in the signature red wax seal — a hands-on moment that makes the visit memorable.

Tours run most days of the week and typically last around 75 minutes. Admission prices vary depending on the tour type; a standard tour is less expensive than a premium tasting tour. The distillery also has a gift shop and a restaurant on-site. Maker's Mark requires visitors to be at least 21 years old to participate in tastings, though younger visitors can join the tour itself. You can book tours on their website or by phone.

Jim Beam in Clermont

Jim Beam operates one of the largest bourbon production facilities in the world, located in Clermont, about 35 miles south of Louisville. The visitor center offers tours that show the mashing, fermenting, and distilling process, and many tours include a visit to the barrel warehouse. The tour ends with a tasting in the Jim Beam tasting room, where you sample bourbon and other spirits produced at the facility.

Tours are offered daily and typically run 45 minutes to an hour. The basic tour is reasonably priced, and the distillery offers premium tours with extended tastings at a higher cost. Jim Beam also has a gift shop and a small café. Like most distilleries, they require visitors to be 21 or older to taste spirits, though non-drinkers can join the tour. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and you can book through their website.

Woodford Reserve in Versailles

Woodford Reserve sits on a historic estate in Versailles, about 15 miles west of Frankfort, and is known for its small-batch bourbon and distinctive copper pot stills. The distillery offers guided tours that include a walk through the production facility, a visit to the barrel warehouse, and a tasting in the visitor center. The grounds themselves are scenic, with manicured lawns and a creek running through the property.

Tours run daily and last approximately 90 minutes. Woodford Reserve offers several tour options at different price points, including a basic tour and a premium tasting experience. The visitor center has a gift shop and a café with light food. The distillery requires visitors to be 21 or older for tastings. You can book tours online or by calling ahead.

Buffalo Trace in Frankfort

Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States and is located in Frankfort. The distillery produces multiple bourbon brands, including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Pappy Van Winkle. Tours walk you through the production process, the barrel warehouse, and the bottling line, and end with a tasting of Buffalo Trace bourbon.

Tours are offered daily and typically last around 90 minutes. The basic tour is modestly priced, and the distillery offers premium tours with extended tastings and access to special releases. Buffalo Trace has a gift shop and a tasting room. Visitors must be 21 or older to taste spirits. Tours can be booked on their website or by phone, and walk-ins are sometimes accommodated depending on availability.

Four Roses in Lawrenceburg

Four Roses operates a visitor center in Lawrenceburg, about 20 miles northeast of Frankfort, and is known for its Spanish Mission-style architecture and floral gardens. The distillery offers guided tours that include the production facility, the barrel warehouse, and a tasting room. The grounds are particularly attractive and make for good photos.

Tours run most days and last around 90 minutes. Four Roses offers a basic tour at a moderate price and premium tasting tours at a higher cost. The visitor center has a gift shop and a café. Visitors must be 21 or older to taste spirits. You can book tours through their website or by calling ahead.

Wilderness Trail and New Riff

Wilderness Trail is a newer distillery in Danville, about 30 miles south of Frankfort, and has become popular with visitors interested in seeing a more modern production facility. Tours show the full production process and include a tasting. New Riff, located in Lawrenceburg, is a smaller operation that also offers tours and tastings and is known for its wheated bourbon.

Both distilleries offer tours at moderate prices and typically run 60 to 90 minutes. Wilderness Trail and New Riff are less crowded than the larger operations, which can be appealing if you prefer a smaller group experience. Both require visitors to be 21 or older for tastings. You can book tours through their websites or by phone.

What to Expect During a Distillery Tour

Most bourbon distillery tours follow a similar structure. You begin in a visitor center or tasting room where a guide explains the history of the distillery and the bourbon-making process. You then walk through the production facility, where you see the mashing equipment, fermentation tanks, and copper stills. The guide explains what happens at each stage and answers questions.

After the production area, you typically visit the barrel warehouse, where bourbon ages in charred oak barrels. The warehouse is often a large building filled with thousands of barrels stacked several stories high. The guide explains how long bourbon ages, what happens during aging, and why the barrel matters to the final product. At the end of the tour, you return to the tasting room, where you sample bourbon and sometimes other spirits produced at the facility. The guide walks you through the tasting, explaining the flavor notes and how to taste bourbon properly.

Tours usually last between 60 and 120 minutes depending on the distillery and the tour type. Most distilleries do not allow photography in the production areas, though they may allow it in the barrel warehouse and tasting room — ask your guide. Comfortable shoes are recommended because you will be walking on concrete floors and up and down stairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be 21 to take a distillery tour?

You do not need to be 21 to take the tour itself, but you must be 21 to participate in the tasting at the end. Some distilleries allow younger visitors to join the tour and skip the tasting; others do not allow anyone under 21 on the property. Check with the specific distillery before you visit if you have questions about age restrictions.

How much does a distillery tour cost?

Basic tours typically cost between $10 and $25 per person. Premium or extended tasting tours run higher, sometimes $40 to $60 or more. Some distilleries offer discounts for groups or advance bookings. Prices vary by distillery, so check their website for current rates.

Can I visit multiple distilleries in one day?

Yes, but plan carefully. Most tours last 60 to 90 minutes, and you will want time to travel between distilleries and eat lunch. A realistic plan is two distilleries per day if they are close together, or one if they are far apart. Bardstown has four distilleries within a small area, making it easier to visit multiple in one day.

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. Some distilleries accept walk-ins depending on availability, but you risk arriving and finding no tours available. Most distilleries allow you to book online or by phone.

What should I wear to a distillery tour?

Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk on concrete and stairs. The production facility and barrel warehouse can be cool, so bring a light jacket. Avoid strong perfume or cologne because it can interfere with tasting bourbon. Most distilleries do not have strict dress codes for tours.