The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Picture this: A gorgeous spring afternoon, not a cloud in the sky, dogwoods in bloom all around.  You're driving through rural Kentucky with the windows down while the sun kisses your cheeks.  What could be more perfect, right?  Try adding bourbon.

Another bucket list item came to fruition this weekend as I ventured out with my buddy to the Maker's Mark Distillery.  There are 6 distilleries near Louisville but we chose Maker's because it's the most delicious-- known for its smooth taste and sweetness instead of its bite.  Maker's is also the most well branded with its characteristic red wax top made famous by Mrs. Margie Samuels (the brains behind the man of the operation). The tour takes you through making the mash, distilling the bourbon, the print shop, warehouse storage, and finally to a tasting of Maker's and their specialty 46 bourbon.  You can even dip your own bottle of Maker's in their red wax!

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon, and not all bourbon is Kentucky bourbon.  Though 95% of the world's bourbon supply comes from the Bluegrass State because of its changing seasons and water sources that make it perfect for distilling the finest.

You can't live in Kentucky without learning about two things... One is horse racing, the other is bourbon.  Check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (it's $FREE!)and any of the distilleries in the area: Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, and Jim Beam.