Cruising the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

In Kentucky, bourbon isn't just a drink – it’s part of the state's culture and history. The Kentucky Distillers' Association created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999 to showcase bourbon's heritage.

As you hit the road to discover America's only native spirit, you'll get to know the major bourbon brands, sample classic Kentucky cuisine, learn a bit of history and enjoy miles of scenic rolling hills and bluegrass fields along the drive.

Experience More Than Just Bourbon

Because the distilleries on the trail are located throughout the state, you'll need three or four days to visit them all. If you want to tour additional distilleries that aren't on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail, then you’ll need to plan even more time.

"Taking the Kentucky Bourbon Trail route allows you to see all of Kentucky," says bourbon expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling book author Fred Minnick. "It's beautiful country that still has a lot of untouched natural scenery," he adds. And, because Kentucky bourbon always has to go into new charred barrels, you'll see those as part of the landscape too.

If you’re not a bourbon drinker, this tour still has something to offer you. Many distilleries are on old farms that have changed very little since the 1850s, so walking through the scenic grounds is like taking a trip back in time.

Navigating the Trail Route

Several tour companies offer structured itineraries to help you discover Bourbon Country, but driving leaves room for leisure, personalization and spontaneity during your trip. Expect most of your driving to be on rural roads with low traffic, although you will make your way through a few cities, such as Louisville.

If you aren't familiar with the tour route and end up getting lost, don't be afraid to ask for directions. Locals are accustomed to giving visitors a steer, given the nearly one million annual bourbon tour takers.

Touring the Distilleries

Some of the most iconic stops along the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail include Angel's Envy, Maker's Mark, Bulleit Frontier, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Town Branch, Evan Williams, Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. Many of the distilleries along the tour hearken back to the 1800s, but they are also major brands – meaning busy, working businesses.

"You're seeing employees and owners in fully working distilleries making whiskey," says Minnick. You'll tour the facility, look into the distillery's history, and get to touch, feel and see historic buildings.

Make sure you pick up a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Passport so you can collect stamps from each distillery along the tour and pick up a complimentary souvenir after your 10th tour.

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Venturing off the Trail

It's easy to expand your route to include sites that aren't on the official tour map, lengthening your journey into a whiskey enthusiast's dream. Discover the growing craft distillery industry by visiting up-and-comers like the Barrel House Distilling Co. in Lexington or Corsair Distillery in Bowling Green. You can spend days in downtown Louisville, following the Urban Bourbon Trail, which has plenty of well stocked bars – some with over 100 types of bourbon, such as the historic Old Seelbach Bar.

Staying Safe

At the end of each distillery tour you'll get just a sip of bourbon instead of a full shot. "Kentucky distilleries take drinking responsibly seriously," says Minnick. "You'll see signs everywhere for cabs, and distillery and bar workers are formally taught how much to pour." Nevertheless, you do need a designated driver for each day of your tour, and you should identify places where you can get a safe ride should you need one.

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Dining Along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

One of the best ways to sample Kentucky bourbon is alongside the state's excellent food. Dining is a major part of the bourbon experience and you'll run across some of the state's finest food in unexpected places.

"You'll find some of the best country ham in gas stations or small stores along the back roads on route to distilleries," Minnick explains. There are plenty of upscale offerings too. Here are a few Kentucky must-eats and where to get them.

• Three-course southern-style breakfast (featuring bourbon granola) at the Chateau Bourbon bed and breakfast in Prospect
• Burgoo (spicy stew with a side of cornbread) at the Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown
• Hot brown sandwich (open-face turkey sandwich topped with bacon and Mornay sauce) at its birthplace, The Brown Hotel in Louisville
• Country ham and Swiss sandwich with house-made bourbon mustard at Wallace Station in Versailles
• World-famous bourbon truffles at Art Eatables in Louisville

What are your favorite stops on – or off – the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? Share them with us on Twitter. Hertz encourages you to be responsible. Don’t Drink and Drive.