As we celebrate the Bourbon Manor‘s 200th year, we hope you’ll join us at our historic Kentucky Bed and Breakfast for the best bourbon tours in Bardstown KY. If you’re a bourbon collector or just a fan, our charming small town is a must-visit to fill up your liquor cabinet and expand your home bar. Known as the birthplace of bourbon, Bardstown’s roots run deep in this industry, and you’ll find a fantastic collection of local distilleries for tastings and tours.
One of the most popular and highly recommended bourbon tours in Bardstown KY is the Bourbon Experience at Heaven Hill Distillery. First, you’ll marvel at the amount and size of Rickhouses lining the massive property—pictures don’t do these giant structures justice! Inside, you’ll be whisked away into a barrel-shaped viewing room for a quick video. You’ll be brought into the tasting room with a knowledgeable bourbon ambassador for a tasting and in-depth history lesson on the company. Finish up in the gift shop and a museum tour filled with memorabilia and exciting information on the brands they produce.
An essential part of enjoying these immersive bourbon tours in Bardstown KY is having comfortable lodging to return to, and our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to stay. Our ten guest accommodations and shared spaces offer guests the ideal combination of historic charm with modern amenities. We’ll treat you to a Southern-style home-cooked breakfast each morning of your stay, the best way to start your day before hitting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Check out our upcoming availability and reserve your room today!
The 5 Best Bourbon Tours in Bardstown KY
While there’s no shortage of fantastic choices for bourbon tours in Bardstown KY, we do have our tried and true favorites! Depending on how much time you’ve set aside to explore and if the distilleries are your primary focus, we suggest keeping it to two or three places daily.
Here are our top five bourbon tours in Bardstown and just outside of town to check out:
- Heaven Hill Distillery: This esteemed distillery, recognized as Whisky Magazine’s “Distiller of the Year” for 2023, has been imparting knowledge on the basics of whisky since 1935. Known for its top-notch brands, such as Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny, guests can learn about the history and process of whisky-making through informative tours and tastings at the Bourbon Heritage Center. The center also boasts beautiful tasting rooms, exhibits focused on whisky, and a gift shop featuring bourbon-themed souvenirs.
- Willett Distillery: The picturesque Willett Distillery is a must for one of the most in-depth bourbon tours in Bardstown KY. Located about ten minutes from our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast, you’ll learn the complete history of Thompson Willett, who began distilling in 1936. Book your distillery and production tour to ensure you get a spot! They also have the Bar at Willett for a fancy bourbon craft cocktail and lovely small plates.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company: A bourbon lover’s paradise, you’ll find a long list of experiences all in one place at this award-winning local distillery. The modern space sets the perfect backdrop for learning about this intricate historical process. They offer three bourbon tours in Bardstown KY, including “Shaken & Stirred,” an immersive cocktail class that’s the perfect follow-up to touring the state-of-the-art facility.
- Jim Beam Distillery: If you’ve experienced the tours and tastings at this popular and long-time distiller, it might look a bit different on your next visit. Last year they completely renovated this bourbon campus, and now it could even be described as Disneyland for bourbon lovers. Don’t miss a classic Southern meal at the on-site Kitchen Table Restaurant.
- Maker’s Mark: You may recognize the world-renowned red wax-topped bourbon bottle, and adding this distillery to your list is highly recommended. Although it’s a bit further out in the countryside, it’s just a half-hour drive from our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast. The picturesque surroundings and fascinating history make it an excellent destination and make sure to take advantage of the chance to dip your own bottle in hot wax.
For more recommendations, directions, or help with reservations for bourbon tours in Bardstown KY, feel free to ask your Innkeeper and staff at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast during your stay.
The Most Elegant Lodging at our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast
Our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast is the only place to stay to best enjoy the local bourbon tours in Bardstown KY. First, you’ll notice that our ten guest accommodations are all named after classic bourbon cocktails (which you can order in our lobby bar) and an extensive library of local and even hard-to-find bourbons.
Our property is divided into a few historic structures; the main Manor House has seven guest rooms and is home to our dining room (where you’ll enjoy breakfast each morning), our on-site spa room, and a gym on the lower level. The Federal House Guest Cottage houses our other three lodging options. These spacious bedrooms, gathering room, kitchen area, and deck overlooking the private back lawn make for a lovely home away from home for small groups or friends traveling together.
We offer our guests of our Kentucky Bed and Breakfast a long list of add-on packages, but the most popular option for bourbon enthusiasts is the “Bourbon Tour & Tasting Package,” with a comprehensive itinerary for a self-guided tour. This add-on also includes fun details like two bourbon shots on us, keepsake rocks glasses, chocolates, and much more! We can’t wait to host you for the best bourbon tours in Bardstown KY; book your room today!
