Some stories take time. Like this one. Pour yourself a drink and wait for the details.
Eleven years ago I signed up as a Maker’s Mark Ambassador and had my dogs names, Remington and Dashiell, inscribed on the barrelhead. While Remmy and Dashy have both crossed the rainbow bridge, my liquor wasn’t ready until last October. My friends from California were traveling across country and we decided that it would be great fun to head to Kentucky to pick up my booze in person. So we did!
First let me say that Kentucky in October is a feast for the eyes. Beautiful countryside with the changing of the leaves. Rolling hills and nicely groomed farms make for a relaxing drive.
Maker’s Mark was not easy to find, but make the effort. I promise that it is worth it. The tour is fun, informative and worth the admission. Of course you get to taste at the end.
Being an ambassador, I let them know ahead of time that I was coming and they got my liquor ready for me. They really thought through the whole concept and make it fun for you. I got the opportunity to label my own bottles pulled from my barrel. Then I was allowed to dip my bottles in their signature red wax seal. It doesn’t get much better!
I lived large and bought two bottles….I mean when would I get a chance to do this again? I still haven’t cracked the seals on either of these bottles yet, but they are keeping their spot in my liquor cabinet and waiting patiently for their day in the sun (or in my glass)!
Now the adventure last October was a quick, one day turn around trip. When the Californians said they were coming to terrorize me again I quickly said that I wanted to go back to Kentucky and spend a couple of days.
Unlike Napa, the distilleries aren’t just off of a main road and a few miles apart. To hit them all and not drive in circles a bit of planning is in order. I suggest staying in Bardstown as it is central to the trail. We first stopped at Jim Beam on my way east to Bardstown.
We were disappointed in two things. Their stated hours are until 5:30 but that is for the gift shop. Their tastings and tours end at 3:30pm. So, we missed out on that. The place is lovely and very well known but they are more than proud of their goodies. A golf shirt clocked in at 70 bucks! Sorry but I am advertising your product and that level of pricing is just naughty in my book.
We then headed to Bardstown for the night. Next morning we we drove to the farthest point…the Alltech Town Branch Brewery in Lexington. This place is outstanding! We did a tour here and it was worth it. They are small and still do things the old school way but that isn’t a bad thing. Our guide was very well versed in the ins and outs of the business. I NEVER drink beer but I actually was happy to taste some of the Kentucky Ale and I was pleasantly surprised. All of their products were very well done and the distillery was a wonderful blend of classic and modern architecture. My suggestion is to tour ONE place….they all make bourbon pretty much the same way. Tastings are independent of tours, so just taste and check out the beautiful grounds of the rest of the distilleries.
Next was Woodford. Pretty place in a serene setting but the staff are a bit snooty. It was nice to get a taste and a bourbon ball along with a souvenir shot glass. We drove on to Buffalo Trace. This place is HUGE! Lots of historic buildings.
We did a tasting here that was personalized as there were only three of us tasting. I fell in love with the bourbon cream and had to bring home a bottle. Root beer and orange soda are just amazing with this! A very down home feel to the staff and we hated to leave but it was time to move on.
Wild Turkey was the next distillery on the list. They have a fantastic new building adjacent to the Kentucky River. Love how it looked like a rack house on the exterior but was simply stunning on the interior. The views from upstairs are not to be missed. Our tasting hosts were enchanting and spot on with their recommendations. We really enjoyed our visit here. Don’t miss the photo opportunity to ride the “barrel turkeys” on the grounds outside of the visitor center. To preserve the sanctity of my friendship of the Californians, I’ll not post them here!
Final stop was Four Roses. While I am not familiar with this brand, we toasted to their 125th anniversary so they must be doing something right! Their grounds and buildings were gorgeous and I wish that I had taken some photos.
The only place that we missed was Heaven Hill…we simply ran out of room and time….but look out Kentucky. We will be back!
On the grounds of Wild Turkey
Disclaimer: The majority of this posting originally appeared as a TripAdvisor review….written by me. The words are all mine, just repackaged a bit.