Writer Liza Weisstuch of Budget Travel says, “Each year, hundreds of thousands whiskey-lovers flock to Kentucky to indulge in the embarrassment of riches that is America’s bourbon heritage. While there is an official Bourbon Trail of distilleries as well as an “Urban Bourbon Trail” that guides you through Louisville’s various whiskey bars, you’re left on your own to explore them. For a full immersion, Louisville-based Mint Julep Tours offers more than just visits. You can customize your tour to include anything from a visit to a local cooperage to watch barrels get raised and charred, a bourbon/chocolate truffle pairing at chocolatier Art Eatables, a mixology class at Copper & Kings, a popular brandy distillery, a trip to Ashford Stud farm to visit with a Triple Crown-winning racehorse, and a stop at a distillery where you can pull whiskey straight from the barrel. They’ll take you from stop to stop (typically three to four in a day) in a posh SUV.”
