A Bourbon Lover's Leap Year Birthday Journey on Kentucky's Bourbon Trail
As bourbon enthusiasts, we often dream of embarking on a pilgrimage through the heart of Kentucky, exploring the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship behind some of the world's finest spirits. For my 40th birthday party, falling on the rare Leap Year date of February 29, 2024, I decided to turn this dream into a reality. With an ambitious itinerary in hand, I set out to visit some of the most renowned bourbon distilleries in the Bluegrass State, and what an unforgettable journey it turned out to be!
Our adventure actually began on Feb 28th at Old Forester, the longest continuously operating bourbon distillery in Louisville. Stepping into their historic Whiskey Row facility on Main St., we were greeted with the sweet aroma of aging bourbon and immersed ourselves in over a century of tradition and innovation. From the cooperage to the bottling line, every step of the process was a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Old Forester.
Next on our list was a tasting at Kentucky Peerless, a family-owned distillery with a legacy spanning five generations. Here, we witnessed -and tasted- firsthand the dedication to quality and attention to detail that has made Peerless a staple in the bourbon world. From grain to bottle, their commitment to small-batch and single barrel production ensures a level of excellence that is truly unparalleled.
We joined a tasting group and we able to have a guided sample of four of their offerings: Small Batch Bourbon, Small Batch Rye, Single Barrel Bourbon: Barrel-aged Cola (a distillery exclusive), and Single Barrel Rye: Sugar Crisp. Walked away with a couple of new bottles, but my favorite was the distillery exclusive Single Barrel Bourbon: Barrel-Aged Cola.
Our journey continued to Michter's, a distillery known for its uncompromising pursuit of perfection. As we toured their state-of-the-art facility, it became evident why Michter's is held in such high regard among bourbon aficionados. With a focus on aging and maturation techniques, they produce some of the most sought-after spirits in the industry.
“My Leap Year birthday only comes every four years, what better way to celebrate than hitting the Bourbon Trail.”
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience offered a glimpse into the storied history of Kentucky's native spirit, paying homage to the man credited with bringing bourbon to the masses. From interactive exhibits to guided tastings, this immersive journey through time was both educational and entertaining.
At Bardstown Bourbon Company, we witnessed innovation in action as they push the boundaries of traditional distilling techniques. From custom blending to collaborative partnerships, Bardstown Bourbon Company is at the forefront of the craft distilling renaissance. We visited the new bottle shop in downtown Louisville to taste some of their newer releases and choose a couple of bottles to bring home.
After a full day of exploration in Louisville we headed east to Frankfort where we stayed for the night. After checking into our hotel, we decided to have dinner at The Stave, just about halfway between Castle & Key and Woodford Reserve. Some might call it a hidden gem, but that doesn’t do it justice, it was phenomenal! I had the blackened catfish and grits with braised collards and my wife had the smoked bologna sandwich, we were both blown away at the flavor packed into these dishes. Highly recommend!
Our 1st Leap Day stop was Buffalo Trace, where we marveled at the sheer scale of operations and the historic warehouses that house some of the world's most coveted barrels. From Blanton's to Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace is home to a remarkable lineup of bourbons that have earned cult status among enthusiasts. We grabbed some bottles or whiskey, but we couldn’t leave without getting my wife a couple of cases of Freddie’s Root Beer, it’s her favorite!
Next, we made our way through the winding picturesque countryside to Woodford Reserve, one of my favorite brands. Unfortunately, there were no available tours, so we wandered the grounds for a bit, grabbed a couple drinks in the tasting room, and kept making our way west.
Wild Turkey's rugged charm and bold flavors left a lasting impression as we drove into their sprawling distillery nestled along the banks of the Kentucky River. Their main visitors’ center is still closed for renovations, but you can still visit their temporary gift shop and tasting bar. As my wife and I were making our way back to the truck, we ran into a familiar face. It was the owner of a well-known liquor store brand in central Indiana. He invited us to join him for a couple barrel picks, of course we made time. We tasted six barrels and picked two, I can’t wait for them to be bottled and released, they were awesome. With a legacy dating back to the 1800s, Wild Turkey is a testament to the enduring spirit of America's native liquor.
As we drove into Bardstown, we had some time before our lunch reservation, so we stopped into Lux Row, where we met our friends who were joining us for the remainder of the trip. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and endless blue skies, Lux Row encapsulated the beauty and charm of Kentucky's bourbon country.
A quick drive down the road took us to Willett Distillery, a small, family-owned operation offered a refreshing contrast to the larger distilleries we had visited. Here is where we made our reservation for lunch. If you haven’t eaten at The Bar at Willett, you’re missing out. We started with their acclaimed Egg Salad sandwich, which I know may not be at the top of people’s list, but it’s definitely worth stepping outside of your comfort zone. We also had the chicken thighs that were fried and drizzled with a Calabrian chili honey and lime zest, perfect with a nicely aged bourbon, which they have plenty to choose from.
Next, we did the You Do Bourbon experience at Heaven Hill, about a half mile up the road from Willett. Heaven Hill's vast portfolio of spirits showcases the diversity and depth of Kentucky's bourbon heritage. From small-batch gems to iconic brands like Elijah Craig and Larceny, Heaven Hill has been shaping the bourbon landscape for generations. During the You Do Bourbon experience you are ushered through a tasting of four of Heaven Hill’s expressions: Heaven Hill Select Stock, Bernheim Barrel Proof, Larceny Barrel Proof, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. After tasting each selection, you can choose one and bottle it yourself, then purchase it in the gift shop. I chose the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and my wife chose the Larceny Barrel Proof. Before we left, to my surprise, my friend Megan asked the gift store clerk if there were any special bottles available for purchase since it was Leap Day and my 40th birthday. They brought out a bottle of William Heavenhill 17-year bourbon that I purchased. Huge shout out to Megan for asking!
Finally, our journey concluded at Maker's Mark, we explored the art of handcrafted bourbon, from the iconic red wax seal to the signature wheated mash bill. The gift store offered the 2024 Distillery Exclusive Wood Finished Series, which comes in at 110.1 proof. To cap off the day, we stopped at the tasting bar and enjoyed a dram of Maker’s Mark’s Celler Aged, a 2023 release that blends 11- and 12- year bourbons bottled at cask strength. Surrounded by rolling hills and stunning landscapes, Maker's Mark epitomizes the rustic charm of Kentucky's bourbon country.
As I reflect on my Leap Year birthday celebration, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Kentucky's bourbon heritage. From historic landmarks to modern marvels, each distillery offered a unique glimpse into the art and science of bourbon-making, leaving an indelible mark on my palate and my heart. Cheers to the next 40 years of adventures and discoveries in the world of bourbon!