Planning Your Kentucky Bourbon Trail Adventure in 6 Easy Steps

The sun is shining, bourbon is calling, and we get it - you want to go out and explore the numerous whiskey distilleries peppered across our beautiful state of Kentucky. After booking your visit here at The Samuels House, you'll want to hit the ground running in planning all the fun. In light of pre- & post-COVID changes & restrictions, here's what you should know for planning purposes to maximize your Kentucky bourbon adventure! 

STEP 1: BOOK TOURS IN ADVANCE!

Since group capacities are still smaller than normal, tours fill up quickly. Booking your tours in advance is an absolute must. Walk-ins most likely will NOT find space on a tour, so be sure to check online or reach out directly to the distillery you want to visit. And keep in mind that many distilleries are avoiding production areas, so offerings may include other experiences like advanced tastings, cocktail classes, etc. Use our Digital Guest Guidebook (linked in your confirmation email) for super-easy planning, or visit the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail website as a starting point!

STEP 2: CALL THE WELCOME CENTER

The folks at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® Welcome Center at the Frazier Museum can help you map out your trip in advance - just give them a ring. When in Louisville, plan to tour their Spirit of Kentucky Bourbon Exhibition to receive a free Kentucky^®Bourbon tasting glass!

STEP 3: PLAN YOUR TRANSPORTATION

Safe rides are key! If you're planning to explore outside of urban areas, ride-sharing services are extremely unreliable. We recommend either bringing a designated driver or booking with a trusted transportation service. If you do the latter, they will book all of your experiences for you - so easy!

STEP 4: PACK THE ESSENTIALS

Don't forget your ID as all distilleries check them before tours and tastings. Also, while Kentucky is not currently under a mask mandate, some distilleries are still requiring masks to be worn inside. If you show your vaccine card, many distilleries will allow you to go mask-free during the tour. Either way, they want to show you a great time and appreciate your compliance!

STEP 5: PACE YOURSELF

You may find that your alcohol tolerance is not what it once was! Make sure to eat plenty of high-protein foods, drink lots of water, and be mindful of how much you're consuming. Think you know your body? Take the DrinkIQ quiz to find out.

STEP 6: HAVE FUN, AND BE KIND!

Our distilleries, restaurants, and community strive daily to deliver fun and memorable experiences to our guests. We ask that you treat the hospitality staff with grace and respect. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we all navigate the ever-changing landscape of the COVID pandemic. Besides, who can NOT manage a smile with a Kentucky Bourbon in hand?!