The Tennessee Whiskey Trail currently has more than 30 whisky distilleries located throughout Tennessee. These distilleries span across the state, from the Smoky Mountains region in the east, to Memphis in the west.
The Trail includes beloved brands such as Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel, Prichard’s, and Orangevale. Each distillery offers a unique experience and the opportunity to sample several varieties of whisky, including various special releases and cask-strength releases.
Many of the distilleries are family-owned, allowing tourists to experience the real heart and soul of the Tennessee whiskey business. The distilleries include destinations near many of Tennessee’s top tourist spots, from the historic homes of Franklin and Lynchburg to the bluegrass sounds of Nashville and the unique Smoky Mountain region.
Whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience or just a way to taste some of the finest whiskey Tennessee has to offer, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail has something to offer.
Do you need reservations for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?
No, reservations are not necessary to take part in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The distilleries are open to visitors every day of the week. However, we do recommend that you check with each distillery beforehand to determine their hours of operation and to learn what else you need to prepare for your visit.
Each distillery has their own set of requirements for visitation, such as limits on how many people can visit at one time, age requirements, and even specific dress codes. Furthermore, if you plan to take a designated driver with you, you’ll need to make sure that driver meets the age requirements for each location.
Reservations are usually not required, but are recommended for certain exclusive experiences, such as gu dues and behind-the-scenes tours. To learn more about each of the distilleries, and to easily make a reservation for your visit, you can visit the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail website.
What is the most popular Tennessee whiskey?
Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey is by far the most popular Tennessee whiskey in the world. Jack Daniels was founded way back in 1866 in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and its signature style of whiskey-making—charcoal mellowing—has remained unchanged for the past 150 years.
Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey is renowned for its smooth, mellow flavor thanks to the unique charcoal-mellowing process it undergoes during production. Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey is the most popular and recognizable Tennessee whiskey in the world, and can easily be found in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores throughout the United States and beyond.
What is the oldest whiskey in Tennessee?
The oldest whiskey in Tennessee is George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, which dates back to the late 1800s. Founded by George A. Dickel, it was the state’s first registered distillery in 1864 and the oldest distiller of quality Tennessee whisky, a smoother, mellower style of whisky than traditional bourbon.
Today, George Dickel Tennessee Whisky is still made according to Dickel’s original recipe and is said to be Dickel’s personal smooth taste. George Dickel Tennessee Whisky uses pure, limestone-filtered, local water to steep its rich and mellow grain.
The whiskey is then double-distilled in pot stills and charcoal mellowed for a smoother finish. Its mellow flavor and aroma with hints of oak and smokiness make it a classic and timeless record of the Tennessee whisky industry.
What whiskey is only available in Tennessee?
The best-known exclusively Tennessee whiskey varieties are George Dickel, Jack Daniel’s, and Prichard’s.
George Dickel is made in a distinctively mellow charcoal-mellowed style, which is required by law in Tennessee. This process gives the whiskey an oaky flavor and aroma, as well as an unmistakable level of smoothness.
Jack Daniel’s is an iconic whiskey brand rooted in Lynchburg, Tennessee. This whiskey is created in the specific charcoal-mellowed style mandated in the state and carries a unique depth of flavor with its black licorice and sweet caramel notes.
Prichard’s is a craft whiskey brand based out of Kelso, Tennessee. Its whiskeys are made in small batches, allowing the distillery to create unique recipes derived from both traditional and modern flavor profiles.
These Tennessee-only whiskeys offer distinctly regional flavors that can’t be found anywhere else. Each one has its own special profile, so fans of whiskey should consider giving each one a try!
What brands does Tennessee distilling make?
Tennessee Distilling Co. produces a selection of award-winning, small-batch spirits made with natural ingredients sourced from the state of Tennessee. Their signature spirits include moonshine, bourbon whiskey, gin, rum, brandy, and vodka, as well as flavored liquors such as apple or peach moonshine and honey-flavored spirits.
Every spirit they craft is made with the help of Tennessee’s natural spring water and is aged in oak barrels, giving each one its distinctive flavor and mellow finish. Tennessee Distilling Co. also makes a unique selection of moonshine cocktails, infused with seasonal fruit flavors and other complementary ingredients.
How far is Kentucky Bourbon Trail from Nashville?
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is located about 180 miles (290 kilometers) southwest of Nashville, Tennessee. Depending on the mode of transportation, estimated travel time to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail could range from three to four hours.
Lexington, the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, is the closest large city to Nashville located along the trail and is approximately a three hour and 45 minute drive away. Louisville, the ending point of the trail, is also an approximate three hour and 45 minute drive away.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a fascinating experience that takes guests on a journey through the history, craftsmanship and flavors of Kentucky’s signature spirit. The trail is a great way to experience Kentucky’s distinctive brand of whiskey, with the opportunity to explore eight of the most iconic distilleries in the world.
Each of these distilleries offer a unique look into their distillation process, with ever changing tours, tastings and special events that you can visit.
Whether you are traveling for the culture, food, drinks, or history, the experience of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must do road trip for all. With a wide range of attractions, from world-famous distilleries to charming small towns, this trail is sure to take you on an unforgettable journey.
What is the time to do the Bourbon Trail?
The time it takes to do the Bourbon Trail depends on several factors, such as the number of stops you plan to make, how much time you wish to spend at each stop and any breaks for meals or lodging. Generally speaking, you can plan to spend around two days to complete the full Trail, which covers the roughly 100-mile route from Louisville to the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country, otherwise known as the Bardstown-Lawrenceburg region.
Assuming you want to visit all the distilleries and spend a few hours at each one, you should allow a full day for the drive, with stops and extended visits at distilleries along the way. You may also wish to plan overnight lodging as well as meals at some of the distilleries you visit.
The time frame can be modified to fit whatever your schedule and needs may be, so if two days sounds like too much or too little, you should be able to adjust accordingly.
Can you visit Maker’s Mark without a tour?
Yes, you can visit Maker’s Mark without a tour! You can visit the Maker’s Mark Distillery located in Loretto, Kentucky and enjoy a self-guided tour of their historic distillery and visitor center. The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the distillery grounds, learn about the history of Maker’s Mark, and experience how the whisky is made from start to finish.
Maker’s Mark also offers a Bourbon Barrel Garden and Bourbon Balcony which offer a variety of interactive experiences for guests. The Maker’s Mark Gift Shop and Courier Bar is also available for visitors to pick up souvenirs.
The Maker’s Mark Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with the last tour beginning at 4pm and offers a variety of other tastings and experiences including guided tours and tastings.
Why is Buffalo Trace not on Bourbon Trail?
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is not included on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail because its distilleries operate in a unique way that is not compatible with the other Bourbon distilleries in the area.
Buffalo Trace maintains a single distillery production site, which is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. This is different from the other distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which often utilize a series of production sites located elsewhere in Kentucky.
Additionally, the Buffalo Trace Distillery specializes in producing a variety of Bourbons and whiskeys with varying degrees of aging, while the other distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail typically focus on different types of Bourbon or whiskey to facilitate educational tastings.
Lastly, the Buffalo Trace Distillery does not actively participate in any of the official promotions or marketing efforts associated with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
What do you wear to a distillery tour?
It is important to wear something comfortable and appropriate when attending a distillery tour as you will be doing a lot of walking and may be exposed to different types of weather. Depending on the time of year, a good outfit might include comfortable jeans or khakis, a t-shirt or a lightweight shirt, and a jacket or sweater for the cooler temperatures.
It is best to wear close-toe shoes such as sneakers or sandals. Additionally, if you plan to taste the product or spend a lot of time outdoors, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen can all be useful. Casual and comfortable attire is the best way to approach a distillery tour and you want to make sure that you are dressed appropriately to be respectful of the establishment.
Can I buy Pappy Van Winkle at the distillery?
No, you cannot buy Pappy Van Winkle directly from the distillery. Pappy Van Winkle is a highly sought-after bourbon and is extremely rare. It is sold only through a select group of authorized retailers.
The Van Winkle family has partnered with a handful of spirit retailers, fine dining establishments, and clubs to allow them to carry their products. To find an authorized retailer near you, please visit the Van Winkle website and use their store locator.
What does the Bourbon Trail consist of?
The Bourbon Trail is an historic path through the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. It is made up of over 20 of Kentucky’s most popular craft distilleries, where folks can tour and taste Kentucky’s artisanal bourbons, ryes, and moonshines.
Along the trail, visitors can experience the fascinating process of distilling an American favorite, learn more about the history of bourbon and rye whiskey, and sample some of the finest craft whiskeys in the country.
The distilleries also offer other activities, including introductory courses, distillery tours, virtual tastings, cocktails, and gift shops. The Bourbon Trail is an ideal way to explore and experience the unique flavor of Kentucky’s craft whiskeys.
What distillery makes Pappy Van Winkle?
The Buffalo Trace Distillery makes Pappy Van Winkle, a popular brand of whiskey. The company dates back to 1792 when it was first established in Frankfort, Kentucky. Buffalo Trace creates whiskey using traditional methods, aging and bottling in small batches to ensure quality.
Pappy Van Winkle is their most prized whiskey, made from corn, barley, and rye and aged for up to 23 years in charred oak barrels before bottling. The whiskey is known for its full-bodied flavor and complex notes of caramel, spice, and toffee.
It has won numerous awards and is a favorite of whiskey connoisseurs the world over.