127 Yard Sale: The Bourbon Trail
We can’t do the 127 Yard Sale or Louisville for that matter without spending at least a day on The Bourbon Trail tasting, buying and traveling across the region of historic and new bourbon and other spirit makers. Older establishments as well as an emerging breed of distillers that are creating new frontiers epitomize the “Bourbon Love” that seems to have carried over into other parts of the country as well. Below are the stops that are great for people who want to explore as well as for those who cannot make it outside the city. P.S.: Several distilleries are slated to open in Louisville in 2017/18.
COPPER & KINGS
We visited this relatively new distillery in Louisville last year and their Apple Brandy was our drink of the show for Episode 22 of our podcast so it shouldn’t be a surprise that Copper and Kings is one of our favorites. We returned to this sleek and minimalist distillery where we found new glassware options, new brandies and travel-sized absinthe bottles! If you can’t make it outside of Louisville this is for sure a stop that is worth it alone for their affordable and delicious selections. *1121 E Washington St, Louisville, KY
BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY
This is our fourth year visiting Barton’s whose bourbon is a favorite. It’s amazing for the cost and you can’t get a bottle west of Mississippi. Even more elusive is their Bourbon Ball Cream which is very similar to the uber-yummy Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream except you can ONLY purchase this at the distillery. Needless to say, we stocked up. *300 Barton Rd, Bardstown, KY
WILLET
If you are from Southern California, Willet and some of their other selections at the distillery are available in your area but there are about two or three that are only available in Kentucky. If you are a bourbon collector this alone would make it worth the visit in addition to visiting their beautiful grounds. Willet is also conveniently located by other major distilleries. Expect an expansion in the next year! *1869 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, KY
LIQUOR BARN
This isn’t a distillery or even on the Bourbon Trail but this liquor store, located in the hip and trendy Bardstown area of Louisville has an impressive bourbon collection that we couldn’t help but add to our growing collection. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and the prices are fantastic. *1529 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY
LIMESTONE BRANCH DISTILLERY
We haven’t been back to Limestone since 2013 and were happy to see that the micro-distillery not only expanded their moonshine collection but (like Willet) they are expanding. Operated by one of the descendants of the Beam family, the location is small yet beautiful with a nice garden and friendly pets. It’s a great place to have a quiet moment and break open a bagged lunch on one of their picnic benches. *1280 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Lebanon, KY
PEERLESS DISTILLERY
Situated in Louisville off Main Street and close to Milkwood and Proof on Main/21C Gallery, Peerless like other distilleries is growing. Expect rye to hit their showroom next year and bourbon in 2020. For now you can purchase moonshine and infused versions. *120 N 10th St, Louisville, KY
