Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®: The Ultimate Trip Planner
Owwww, Bourbon. The rich, amber liquid that tells tales of Southern warmth and hospitality. Ever thought about the magic behind your glass of Bourbon? Doing several tours will make your stay in Kentucky a lifetime memory. I promise. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®
Introduction to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail Craft Tour
There’s no denying the historical and cultural significance of Bourbon in Kentucky. But what’s this fuss about the Craft Tour? all the info is here: https://kybourbontrail.com/distilleries/kentucky-bourbon-trail-craft-tour/
The Craft Tour is the up and coming new Talent – not only will you be seeing what the new ‘young guns’ have up their sleeve, but maybe one of the best reasons to do the Craft Tours – is availability. You will be able to get in – without the typical ‘3 months booked’ answer you will get when you call the more well-known.
The Birth of Bourbon: A Brief History
Did you know Bourbon dates back to the 18th century? Imagine sipping a drink with roots as deep as the nation! When you sip bourbon – or have the obligatory “Old Fashioned” cocktail, its like you are hanging out with Grandpa – and him telling you stories – or sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows with your best friends.
Where to stay
I would be remiss to not tell you Cummins Ferry RV Park + Campground is right in the Heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We love people, we love Bourbon and we’d love to have you stay with us. Click here to check availability for your stay and book online: https://www.campspot.com/book/cumminsferry
SHORT AD ALERT: 😀 Looking for a unique RV Park experience and a Campground in Kentucky that understands customer service? CFRV is surely your best pick with Kentucky Riverside sites, swimming, fishing, 9 hole disc golf, 2+ miles of east hiking, walking, biking trails. Food trucks and Live music on weekends and holiday events. Bring your family and friends and buddy-camp and let’s make Kentucky camping experiences that last a lifetime.
Daily, weekly and monthly rates available – book online: https://www.campspot.com/book/cumminsferry
Cummins Ferry RV Park + Campground – let’s explore, experience, and celebrate the natural beauty of Kentucky camping together.
Why the Craft Tour Matters
While mainstream distilleries have all kinds of charm, the Craft Tour dives deep into the artisanal world of Bourbon. It’s where tradition meets innovation – and these ‘new guys’ are really improving on this craft – yet keeping tradition.
Planning Your Visit
Ready to set out on this spirited adventure? Here’s your guide to making the most of a great time to begin with:
Best Times to Visit
Fall? Spring? When is the best time to capture Kentucky in its Bourbon glory? The answer is Yes — yes, spring and fall are some of the prettiest times in Kentucky, but anytime is gorgeous here — and remember, less people in the colder months, more gifts, souvenirs and bourbon inventory for you to buy gifts and less waiting in line.
Key Distilleries on the Tour
From hidden gems to iconic spots, each distillery tells a unique tale. Truth is, they are all great – because they are so unique – and everyone has a story to tell. Which was your favorite? Tell us on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CumminsFerryRVCampground
Duration of your Tours
Weekend getaway or week-long immersion? How long should you soak in the Bourbon vibes?
There are other Distilleries as well, but 18 KBT® Bourbon distilleries as well as all 23 KBT Craft Bourbon Tour distilleries are members of Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Experience
Here’s how to ensure your Bourbon journey is nothing short of memorable!
Kentucky Bourbon Trail even recommends not more than 2 or 3 tours per day – and a couple weeks to really do it hard core.
Traveling by Car vs. Guided Tours
Self-drive gives freedom, but guided tours offer insights. Which one’s for you? The guided Tours on the bus are super fun and convenient — leave the designated driving to them! Here is the closest Bus tour – who will pick you up and drop you off at our Campstore: https://www.facebook.com/CentralKyTours
Essential Items to Pack
Beyond your spirit for spirits, what must you bring along?
The Bourbon Tasting Experience
It’s not just about drinking; it’s about understanding the history, the silly prohibition laws and how our crafty ancestors got around them.
Guided Tastings vs. Self-Guided
Our recommendation is always to choose a guided tour – hands down. You will learn quite a bit about the area, the history and of course, some cool tips and tricks to make you sound like a Bourbon EXPERT to your friends.
The Art of Tasting Bourbon
From the swirl, sniff, to the sip, here’s how to savor like a pro — Pro Tip: do not shove your schnazz in a glass like you would wine. Mouth open and to the side for the best bourbon sniff.
Common Bourbon Terminologies
Mashbill? Angel’s Share? Can Spirits outside of Kentucky still be allowed to be called Bourbon? Decode the lingo to elevate your Bourbon vernacular and sound like a pro when you get home.
Beyond Bourbon: Other Attractions
Kentucky isn’t just about Bourbon. Soak in the countryside, stop and take pictures, pet a horse, grab some local food.
Local Delicacies to Try
Bourbon chocolates are some of our very favorites – and there is also Bourbon Pudding at nearly every restaurant in the area. Don’t miss it. Yum!
Your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® isn’t just about spirits, it’s about capturing the spirit of Kentucky. Dive deep, savor slowly, and take some of your favorite Bourbons home — it is the best gift for someone who has everything.
FAQs
Is there an age restriction for the tour? Yes, you must be 21 or older to participate in the tastings.
Can I purchase Bourbon directly from the distilleries? Absolutely! Many distilleries offer exclusive releases you can buy.
What’s the difference between Bourbon and Whiskey? All Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Bourbon. The distinction lies in the production process and region.
How many distilleries are on the Craft Tour? The number can vary, but there are typically over 23 artisanal distilleries to explore.
Is there a dress code for the tour? No formal dress code, but comfortable attire and shoes are recommended for touring.
CFRV has:
– Food Truck + Bands every Saturday night 5-8pm March-November
– 2+ miles of easy Hiking / Walking Trails
– Boat Launch
– 20×40 Stainless Pool
– 9 hole Disc golf course
– 300′ Fishing Dock on the River
– Fire pit with grate at every RV site
– Communal fire pits by the waterfall
– Kayak Rentals
– Pavilion for gatherings
– every site has 20A, 30A + 50A service
– Pro Darts
– Lots of people bring golf carts and bikes
– and we are ‘friendly’ pet-friendly
We are located just south of Lexington, KY @ 2558 Cummins Ferry Rd Salvisa, KY (Pro-Tip, NEVER take McAfee Rd with a rig). Call ahead to make sure we have your favorite site reserved for you 859-865-2003 See y’all soon! <3
Closest distilleries from our Campground in Kentucky CFRV:
FOUR ROSES
1224 Bonds Mill Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
502-839-2655
WILD TURKEY
1417 Versailles Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
502-839-2182
WILDERNESS TRAIL DISTILLERY
4095 Lebanon Rd, Danville, KY 40422
859-402-8707
WOODFORD RESERVE
7785 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
859-879-1812
CASTLE & KEY DISTILLERY
4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
502-395-9070
WHISKEY THIEF DISTILLING CO.
283 Crab Orchard Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 552-1001
BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY
113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601
502-696-5926
JAMES E. PEPPER DISTILLERY
1228 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504
859-309-3230
Pro Tip: next to the best NY Style Pizza, this side of NY – Goodfellas
BARREL HOUSE DISTILLING CO.
1200 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504
859-259-0159
RD1 SPIRITS
1170 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508
859-407-2827
TOWN BRANCH
401 Cross St, Lexington, KY 40508
859-255-2337
FRESH BOURBON
377 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
859-327-2127
BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS
501 W 6th St, Lexington, KY 40508
859-217-2377
HARTFIELD & CO.
320 Pleasant St, Paris, KY 40361
859-474-0345
BULLEIT
3464 Benson Pike, Shelbyville, KY, USA
(502) 647-5799
JEPTHA CREED DISTILLERY
500 Gordon Ln, Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-487-5007
