Public vs. Custom Bourbon Tours: Which Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experience is Right for You?

Discover the key differences between ticketed public tours and private bourbon adventures before planning your trip

Every year, millions of bourbon enthusiasts travel from across the globe to Kentucky to experience the birthplace of America’s native spirit and cross “visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®” off their bucket list. When mapping out how to make the most of this trip, one important choice comes into play: selecting between a Public Bourbon Tour and a Custom Bourbon Tour.

Mint Julep Experiences has guided guests along the trail for nearly two decades, and both options deliver unforgettable memories. Understanding the differences between them will help determine which aligns best with your budget, group, and goals for the journey.

What is a Public Bourbon Tour?

First, let’s talk about Public Bourbon Tours. These Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences are open to anyone, with tickets available for purchase online. Each public tour follows a set itinerary, usually featuring two to three distilleries. This format creates a convenient, no-hassle way to explore the trail without the need for extensive planning

Not every provider of public tours delivers the same value. Some bourbon tour companies may only cover tastings (without full guided tours), require guests to pay for lunch separately, or use vehicles that lack comfort for a full day of travel. Comparing what’s included is essential when evaluating public tour options.

When booking a Public Bourbon Tour with Mint Julep Experiences, guests receive distillery admissions, guided tastings, round-trip transportation, and a locally prepared lunch—all included in the ticket price. Mint Julep Experiences currently offers several signature public tours for every taste, including the Saturday Public Tour to Kismet Thoroughbred Farm (around $209 per person), Saturday Bourbon Tour (around $209 per person), and many more curated ticketed tours throughout the year.

Public Bourbon Tours are best suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who enjoy a social setting, want to meet other bourbon lovers, and are looking for the most budget-friendly way to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

For guests hoping to hand-pick their distilleries or arrange for larger groups, a Custom Bourbon Tour may be a better fit

What is a Custom Bourbon Tour?

Custom Bourbon Tours are designed for bourbon enthusiasts who want a fully tailored experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. These private tours allow for personalized itineraries, private transportation, and exclusive access to distilleries and activities not available to the general public.

Guests on a Custom Bourbon Tour with Mint Julep Experiences can enjoy:

- Straight-from-the-barrel tastings

- Cocktail mixology classes

- Creative beer or bourbon flights

- Cooking demonstrations

- Horse farm tours paired with bourbon experiences

- Single Barrel Select opportunities

- Specialty tastings unavailable through standard booking

These tours move at your pace, allowing flexibility and access to experiences that elevate a bourbon trip from memorable to truly exceptional.

Custom tours are ideal for:

- Large groups and corporate outings

- Families and close-knit groups who want private time together

- Milestone celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or bachelor/bachelorette parties

- Serious bourbon aficionados seeking premium tastings and behind-the-scenes access

Expert tip: Custom tours require more advance planning to secure premium experiences. Booking several weeks or months ahead ensures the best availability. Tell us about your upcoming trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and one of our experience coordinators will contact you with a free quote!

Side-by-Side: Bourbon Tour Differences

Choosing between a Public or Custom Bourbon Tour often comes down to a few key considerations. Both options provide memorable ways to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail but the right fit depends on factors such as cost, group size, flexibility, and the type of experience you’re hoping to create. Understanding these differences makes it easier to decide which tour style aligns best with your trip goals.

Cost

- Public Tours = budget-friendly

- Custom Tours = premium pricing for exclusivity

Flexibility & Customization

- Public Tours = fixed itineraries

- Custom Tours = fully personalized schedules and distillery selections on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and beyond

Group Size & Social Experience

- Public Tours = social vibe, meet new bourbon lovers
- Custom Tours = intimate, private group setting

Unique Experiences

- Public Tours = curated tastings and tours

- Custom Tours = exclusive behind-the-scenes and customizable experiences

Whether you’re raising a glass with new friends on a public tour or curating a private holiday party or milestone celebration with a custom experience, Mint Julep Experiences makes it easy to enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® your way. The key is choosing the tour style that best fits your budget, group, and vision for the perfect bourbon adventure.

So, Which Bourbon Tour Fits You Best?

Deciding between a Public or Custom Bourbon Tour often comes down to your travel style and priorities. Each option serves a different type of bourbon lover—whether that’s someone looking for a laid-back, social day of tastings or a group seeking a tailored, premium experience. By matching the tour style to your group’s needs, you’ll ensure the best possible experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Public Bourbon Tours are best suited for:

- Solo travelers or couples – Great for individuals or pairs looking for an easy, social option.

- Small, social groups – Friends who want to meet other bourbon lovers and share the experience.

- Budget-conscious visitors – Perfect for travelers wanting an all-inclusive experience at a lower cost.

- Guests deciding closer to arrival – Easy to book last-minute without needing custom arrangements.

- First-time visitors – Ideal for those new to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail who want a guided introduction.

- Weekend travelers – Convenient for those in town for a short stay and seeking a ready-made itinerary.

Custom Bourbon Tours are best suited for:

- Large groups and families – Tailored schedules and private transportation make it easier to accommodate everyone.

- Corporate or team-building events – Unique outings designed for bonding, networking, or entertaining clients.

- Holiday parties for companies – A festive way to reward employees or impress clients, with private tastings, catered meals, and seasonal add-ons that turn the Bourbon Trail into a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration.

- Bourbon connoisseurs – Access to rare tastings, single-barrel selections, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.

- Special celebrations – Birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette parties, milestone trips, or even Father’s Day or Mother’s Day celebrations.

- Luxury travelers – Guests who want a premium, private experience with top-tier service and flexibility.

- Repeat visitors – Ideal for those who’ve done public tours before and now want a more customized adventure.

By matching the right tour style to your group’s needs, you’ll ensure that every sip of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® journey is as enjoyable as the bourbon itself.

Tips: Making the Right Choice on the Bourbon Trail

With so many options available, narrowing down the best way to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail can feel overwhelming. A few simple considerations can help make the decision easier, ensuring your tour matches your budget, group size, and travel style. By thinking through these factors ahead of time, you’ll set the stage for a smoother trip and a more enjoyable bourbon adventure.

- Budget & Group Size:

Budget is often the biggest factor when deciding between a Public or Custom Bourbon Tour. Public tours tend to be more affordable and are best for smaller groups who want a convenient, all-inclusive experience without overspending. Larger groups or those celebrating special occasions may find that a custom tour, while requiring a bigger investment, delivers greater value in exclusivity, comfort, and flexibility on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

- Schedule Flexibility:

Public tours run on a fixed schedule, which works well for travelers who prefer a structured day without having to plan the details themselves. However, this also means you’ll need to follow the set itinerary, regardless of your personal distillery preferences. Custom tours allow complete control over timing and destinations, giving you the freedom to design a day around your group’s pace and interests on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

- Social Atmosphere:

Public tours create a lively, social environment where bourbon lovers from around the world come together. This is a great option if you enjoy meeting new people and don’t mind sharing the experience with others. Custom tours, on the other hand, keep the focus entirely on your group, offering a private and more intimate atmosphere.

- Distillery Preferences:

If there are specific distilleries or experiences at the top of your list, a custom tour is the surest way to make them part of your day. Public tours offer a curated lineup but don’t allow substitutions or changes to the set schedule. For bourbon enthusiasts chasing rare tastings or behind-the-scenes access, a custom itinerary provides opportunities on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that simply aren’t available on standard public routes. 

Expert tip: If your group has a mix of first-time bourbon fans and seasoned sippers, a custom tour balances unique access with flexibility for everyone’s tastes.

For more guidance on planning a smooth and memorable trip, check out our blog: How to Plan Your First Trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Ready to Book Your Experience?

Both Public and Custom Bourbon Tours provide an exciting way to discover Kentucky’s legendary distilleries, rich history, and authentic flavors. Public tours are best for those seeking a social, budget-friendly option, while custom tours offer unmatched exclusivity and flexibility.

Whether joining a pre-ticketed outing or designing a private adventure that’s completely your own, Mint Julep Experiences ensures every detail is handled—from transportation to tastings—so your only task is to savor the journey.

👉 Book your Bourbon Trail Tour Today

Build your own bourbon experience

request a custom tour

request a custom tour