Planning A Perfect Trip To The Kentucky Bourbon Trail



Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely love and believe will add value to you. Your support means the world—thank you for being part of this journey!

Everyone knows the big names along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail — Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and the iconic Buffalo Trace (even if it’s not technically part of the official trail). They’re the headliners for a reason: steeped in history, beautifully run, and beloved by bourbon fans around the world.

But while the big names get the glory, the hidden gem distilleries are where the real spirit of Kentucky shines. These small-batch, family-owned operations are where tradition meets innovation, and where you’re more likely to be greeted by the master distiller than a tour guide. If you’re searching for a bourbon experience that feels more like a conversation on a front porch than a polished production, this is where you’ll find it.

At Road & Table, I always make time for the must-sees, but I plan journeys around the off-the-beaten-path bourbon experiences — the tucked-away distilleries pouring stories as rich as their whiskey. Because while the crowds gather at the big-name attractions, it’s often the quieter corners that serve up the most memorable moments.

Planning a bourbon adventure? 🍽️🥃
Browse the foodie, bourbon, and one-of-a-kind experiences along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that will add even more flavor to your glass. Explore experiences →

Here are the lesser-known distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that every true bourbon lover should add to their map.

5 Hidden Gem Distilleries to Add to Your Route

Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey – Louisville, KY

Overview: Buzzard’s Roost is redefining what small-batch bourbon can be. Founded by industry veteran Jason Brauner (one of the masterminds behind Louisville’s bourbon bar scene), this distillery is all about finishing innovation. Instead of traditional barrel aging, Buzzard’s Roost takes meticulously chosen barrels and re-toasts them to create unique layers of flavor — proof that creativity and craftsmanship can coexist beautifully in bourbon.

Signature Pour: Try the Char #1 Rye or Toasted Barrel Bourbon — both are smooth, complex, and perfectly showcase the brand’s signature re-barreling technique.

Experience: Located in downtown Louisville, their tasting room offers an intimate, guided experience that dives into the science of re-barreling and the art of blending. Don’t miss their “Flavor Experience” — it’s one of the most educational tastings on the Trail.

Road & Table Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, then walk to one of Louisville’s nearby bourbon-inspired restaurants for dinner.

Pairs Well With: A cozy night in, comparing tasting notes with your Whiskey Tasting Journal – a sleek notebook to jot down notes from each pour.— Light a candle, pour two drams, and see how your palate evolves with each sip.

Barrel House Distilling Co. – Lexington, KY

Overview: Housed inside the old James E. Pepper Distillery District, Barrel House is where old meets new in the best possible way. This small distillery started as a passion project between friends who wanted to bring distilling back to Lexington’s historic heart — and it’s now one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Signature Pour: RockCastle Bourbon — a smooth, wheated bourbon made entirely with Kentucky-grown grains. Their Devil John Moonshine also has local legend written all over it.

Experience: The tour is down-to-earth and personal, often led by one of the founders themselves. You’ll hear stories of Lexington’s bourbon past while standing in the same industrial brick buildings that once helped shape it.

Road & Table Tip: After your tasting, explore the Distillery District — grab a bite at Elkhorn Tavern or wander the nearby shops. It’s one of the few stops where you can truly sip, stroll, and stay awhile.

Pairs Well With: A home tasting flight of small-batch bourbons using Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stave Flight Board – handcrafted from reclaimed bourbon barrels, and don't forget a local charcuterie or sharp Kentucky cheddar.

Chicken Cock Whiskey – Lexington, KY

Overview: Once one of the most famous pre-Prohibition brands, Chicken Cock has been beautifully resurrected in Kentucky, bringing back a piece of bourbon history that nearly disappeared. Known as “The Famous Old Brand,” it was once served at The Cotton Club in Harlem and is now making a name again through its small-batch releases crafted with care and storytelling flair.

Signature Pour: The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rye are both fantastic, but the Beer Barrel Select — finished in collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company — is a standout.

Experience: While Chicken Cock doesn’t have a large-scale visitor center (their brand experience is hosted through collaborations like Bardstown Bourbon Company), their guided tastings and pop-up events offer deep insight into one of bourbon’s most fascinating comeback stories.

Road & Table Tip: If you’re visiting Bardstown Bourbon Company, ask if the Chicken Cock collab pours are available — they often feature limited releases. Grab a bottle to take home; it’s a conversation starter and collector’s gem.

Pairs Well With: Jazz playlist, a Vintage-Style Whiskey Decanter Set – nods to the brand’s Prohibition-era roots. + an old-fashioned made with Chicken Cock Rye — the perfect toast to bourbon history reborn.

Bluegrass Distillers – Midway, KY

Overview: Bluegrass Distillers began as a true farm-to-bottle dream. Founded by friends who wanted to create bourbon using Kentucky-grown, non-GMO grains, the distillery recently expanded to a historic farm property outside Lexington — where they now grow their own heirloom corn and continue crafting small-batch spirits by hand.

Signature Pour: Blue Corn Bourbon — earthy, rich, and slightly sweet, made from their signature blue corn grown locally in Kentucky.

Experience: The new Midway location offers a charming, countryside tasting experience where you can sip bourbon steps away from the fields that produced it. Small groups, genuine hospitality, and a sense of connection make it feel deeply personal.

Road & Table Tip: Visit during golden hour — the views over the farmland are stunning. It’s one of those stops that feels like pure Kentucky magic.

Pairs Well With: A fresh-mint julep made with Copper Bar Spoon & Mixing Set – to elevate your farm-to-glass cocktails. Enjoy it outdoors as the sun sets — simple, pure, and Kentucky through and through.

Wilderness Trail Distillery – Danville, KY

Overview: Founded by two fermentation scientists, Wilderness Trail brings precision and passion together in every barrel. It’s one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing craft distilleries — yet it’s managed to stay grounded in its small-town charm. Their grain-to-glass philosophy and commitment to scientific consistency make their bourbon both refined and authentic.

Signature Pour: Small Batch Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon — a wheated masterpiece with balance, sweetness, and depth.

Experience: The tour blends science and soul — showcasing their unique sweet mash process and cutting-edge equipment while maintaining that intimate, welcoming feel. You’ll walk away smarter and maybe a little more in love with the craft.

Road & Table Tip: Pair your visit with dinner at Copper & Oak in downtown Danville. Their bourbon-inspired menu and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect end to a tasting day.

Pairs Well With: An evening of bourbon tinkering — pour, taste, and test how time changes flavor. It’s a nod to Wilderness Trail’s meticulous approach to the craft, right from your own kitchen or bar. Try a Bourbon Aging Barrel Kit – a fun way to experiment with your own small-batch aging at home, inspired by Wilderness Trail’s fermentation-first philosophy.

General Tips & Suggestions:

While exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you can also experience other attractions that Kentucky offers. You can take scenic drives through the horse farms and bluegrass hills of Kentucky, and enjoy some classic Kentucky dishes along the way. Don’t miss out on Bourbon-infused dishes, BBQ, and Hot Browns!

Be sure to remember these tips when planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

1. Check each distillery’s website to see if they require reservations, except walk-ins, and if they are 21+ only if you are traveling with minors.
2. Spread your visits across multiple days. Don’t try to visit too many distilleries in one day. They add up in price, and you want to drink responsibly.
3. Plan extra in your budget to bring home some fantastic bottles of your favorite finds.
4. Check to see what local events are happening while you are visiting. You might get lucky and get to experience some great food & Bourbon tastings and maybe even some limited edition releases. 
5. Before you set out for your adventure be sure to purchase a Bourbon Trail Passport! The passport is a 150-page Guide booklet that contains information on distillery experiences throughout Kentucky. Participants can collect stamps and “unlock exclusive benefits” at participating distilleries.

If you’re ready to sip your way through Kentucky, don’t miss our companion post: Planning a Perfect Trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail — it’s filled with insider tips, must-visit stops, where to stay and everything you need to make your bourbon adventure unforgettable.

Prefer something fully customized? I’ll plan every pour, plate, and pause — all you need to do is raise your glass.

My Bespoke Itinerary Services take the stress, guesswork, and hours of research off your plate — no more juggling maps, tasting schedules, or trying to figure out which distilleries are actually worth the detour. Every route, restaurant, and recommendation is handpicked to fit your travel style, timing, and taste.

Whether you want to blend bourbon tastings with scenic drives, stay in charming inns instead of chain hotels, or add in culinary experiences that celebrate Kentucky’s flavor, I’ll design a trip that feels seamless, authentic, and entirely your own.

Because travel — like good bourbon — is best when it’s crafted just for you.