21+ only. Please drink responsibly. Independent tracker; not affiliated with any distillery, retailer or brand.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

A short, sourced primer. We do not list hours, tour prices or availability: those change often, so check the official directory before you go.

What it is

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a tourism program created in 1999 by the Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA), after years of informal tours, as a way for visitors to go behind the scenes at Kentucky distilleries.[1][2] It began with seven distilleries.[2][3]

In 2012 the KDA added the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® for smaller producers.[1] At the Trail's 25th anniversary the KDA announced that the main Trail would include all member distilleries, including those previously on the Craft Tour.[3]

Regions

The official directory groups stops into six regions: Northern, Louisville, Central, Lexington, Bardstown and Western.[4] Planning by region keeps driving distances short.

Plan your visit

  • Use the official distillery directory[4] for current stops, tour types and booking links.
  • Trail membership is separate from being a Kentucky distillery; confirm each stop on the official directory.
  • Designate a driver or book a licensed tour service. Tastings are for guests 21 and over.

Distilleries we track

Release history and news (not tour info) for these producers:

21+ only. Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive; plan a designated driver or a licensed tour service.

Sources

  1. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: About (KDA), accessed 2026-10-24
  2. Kentucky Distillers' Association: About, accessed 2026-10-24
  3. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: 25th anniversary announcement, accessed 2026-10-24
  4. Kentucky Bourbon Trail: official distillery directory, accessed 2026-10-24

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a registered mark of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. This independent page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the KDA.