7 Days on the American Whiskey Trail

How I become a passionate whiskey drinker in a week (or less)

More Articles by Kayleigh Kulp

Sep 26, 2011 @ 11:30 AM

Day Three: Kelso and Lynchburg, Tennessee

Depart for the tiny town of Kelso, Tenn., by 9:30 a.m. to visit Pritchard's Distillery, a craft rum producer. Take a tour with Phil and Connie Pritchard, whose distillery is built into a 1939 schoolhouse, before stopping for lunch at The Restaurant at Elk River (must-haves: peach tea with a dash of Pritchard's peach rum, French onion soup, and potato chips covered in blue cheese and balsamic reduction). Arrange a short canoe trip nearby with Elk River Adventures and Outfitters. Press a few miles further into Lynchburg to the Jack Daniels Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the U.S., for a nice contrast. Lay your head at Ledford Mill Bed and Breakfast nearby. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/olaf141)

Day Four: Louisville, Kentucky

Leave in the morning and continue four hours to downtown Louisville's contemporary boutique 21C Museum Hotel. Arrange for a short tour of it with the front desk. Then, take the time to visit Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, if there is a horse race happening, and indulge in a classic Mint Julep. Return to town to dine at Proof on Main to try Angel's Envy craft bourbon with a hearty bison burger.

Day Five: Louisville and Versaille, Kentucky

Depart for an hour's drive to Woodford Reserve Distillery, an 1838 estate where you'll try the official bourbon of the Belmont Stakes, which hints of maple, hickory, and sassafras and is finished in pinot noir barrels. Take advantage of the estate's chef-in-residence for lunch (must-haves: melt-in-your-mouth bourbon bread pudding and bourbon-marinated steak).

Visit the Brown-Forman Cooperage through Mint Julep Tours to see how Tennessee whiskey barrels are made and charred for aging. There's just one true cooper with 25 years’ experience. Later hit Fourth Street Live, an outdoor dining and shopping district downtown.

Day Six: Loretto, Bardstown and Clermont, Kentucky

Depart for the black- and red-branded Maker's Mark (est. 1953) distillery in Loretto. The bourbon's name — inspired by its signature wax seal — was created by Marjie Samuels, a descendant of Taylor Samuels, who owned the distillery more than 200 years ago. Head for Bardstown, which might as well be called Bourbon Town, U.S.A. and visit the Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum. Stop at one of the restaurants in town for lunch before heading to T. Jeremiah Beam House and Jim Beam Outpost for a tour and tasting. Here's a secret: ask about reserving the fully equipped, three-bedroom Knob Creek House, Jim Beam's nearby, lakeside guesthouse, when you book the tour. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/hankjames215)