Kentucky Trip - May 2018

Though I live only 30 miles from Kentucky, I don't know if I am going to be very helpful. I got into whisky less than a year before my first child was born, and so have not had the freedom to really explore bars and distilleries in the area. Buffalo Trace is the only distillery I have been to. I was very disappointed with the tour there, but being in the rickhouse and smelling the angel's share was awesome.

I have more experience with liquor stores and bottle availability in the area, especially Louisville. How many bottles are looking to purchase? If you can take back alot, then I would suggest getting a bunch of Heaven Hill 6yr Bottled in Bond. I love this stuff, it is a Kentucky exclusive, and only costs around $11. You are very unlikely to find rare or limited edition bourbons in the area as the locals are very bourbon savvy, and tourists create high demand. The best bottles available are store pick single barrels. Some stores will even let you try before you buy, which is great. My personal favorite store in Louisville is Westport Whiskey and Wine. Their store picks are just fantastic. They usually have between 5-10 different selections at a given time, and they sell through stuff quickly. Check their website for current availability. They also have a nice tasting room/bar in the store. Another nice store is Liquor Barn. These are basically alcohol super stores. Huge selection, but less knowledgeable and unique. Finally, if you are in the Cincinnati area, The Party Source is an amazing store.

@talexander When are you going? I'm down the road in Nashville. We have two great distilleries here in Nelson-Greenbrier and Corsair.

@gfc Thank you! Yes, I'll definitely check out Westport at least.

@casualtorture We'll be staying in Frankfort, Bardstown and Louisville, sticking pretty much to those areas.

@talexander well darn

An additional note on Buffalo Trace: I don't want to give the impression that I think you should avoid going to the distillery. It is a beautiful place. I would discourage you from taking the standard tour, it was really bad. If at all possible choose one of the other tours, I have heard the hard hat tours and the eh Taylor tours are great.

@gfc No worries, thanks - we have someone in the industry hooking us up with something - if that falls through, we'll see what tour we end up doing. Not sure yet!