Bourbon Tour - Kentucky

Free flight vouchers presented themselves to us.  So my job was to find somewhere to go.... I got it!

    Our anniversary was coming up and we do enjoy a good bourbon.  So off we go to Louisville, KY for a Bourbon Tour.   

One of our first visits was to Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles.  

They've been making Kentucky Straight Bourbon here since 1812.  It was a little learnin' a little tastin' 

And I'd say we can vouch for the fact that they are great at what they do! 

This one we happened to stumble upon (figuratively not literally) - Castle and Key in Frankfort, KY.  They've restored the historic Taylor Distillery dating back to the early 1900's.  Including an elaborate sunken garden and a botanical walking trail.  Great spot to visit if you're in the neighborhood.  If you need a bite to eat before imbibing head down the road to The Stave on the bank of Glenn's Creek for some good ol' Kentucky inspired dishes.  You know you're in Kentucky when every restaurant has a 4 page Bourbon list on their menu!  

Old Friends Equine was a delightful stop.  Located in Georgetown, KY this non profit farm takes in retired racehorses and allows them to live out their days in green pastures surrounded by loving friends.  

Yes, some were Kentucky Derby winners but others were there without such dynamic merits to their names.  All were treated with kindness and grace.  A place that feels good to your soul.

Barrels, barrels everywhere... a few other stops on our little tour were Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam.

At both places we were able to take a behind the scenes tour  

learning how bourbon is made, stored and

...tasted.  Got to be sure it's good to go!

We did nothing wrong - at least that's our story and we're sticking to it.  Our last couple of nights were staying at the Old Jailers Inn in Bardstown, KY  Got a tour of the old jail that housed prisoners until 1987.  

The back jail dates to 1874 and is completely surrounded by a stone wall.  It made for a lovely outside breakfast area - but back in the day would have felt a little differently.  

enjoy,

k