Private Barrel Selects
Customized experiences to the best destinations in Louisville
Custom Tours
Everything is preplanned from start to finish. Scheduling and admissions are taken care of so you can sit back and relax.
Single Barrel Select Program
Roll Out the Barrels for a Private SelectionSelecting your own premium barrel of bourbon or whiskey is a one-of-a-kind encounter that few have the opportunity to experience.
The Details
tour description
Selecting your own premium barrel of bourbon or whiskey is a one-of-a-kind encounter that few have the opportunity to experience. Our exclusively crafted partnership in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana allow everyone to participate in the process from beginning to end — thieving samples straight from the barrel to the hand labeling of your own bottle collection. Guests may choose from a Bourbon or Rye Whiskey barrel experience, discuss tasting techniques and conduct sensory evaluations of your premium selections. Swirl! Nose! Taste! Lightly dilute! Nose! Taste! Debate! Ponder!
What Is A Barrel Select Experience?
What Is A Barrel Select Experience?
A Private Barrel Select Experience is an exclusive opportunity for enthusiasts to engage in the unique process of selecting their own personalized barrel of bourbon. Participants embark on a guided journey through a distillery, where they learn about the intricacies of the distilling process and aging. During the experience, guests sample various barrels, evaluating their unique flavor profiles through sensory techniques such as nosing and tasting. Once a preferred barrel is chosen, it will be bottled and most distilleries will have you return 4-6 weeks later to pick them up while others, you can leave with the bottles that day. Participants can personalize their bottles with custom labels. This immersive experience not only offers a deeper appreciation of distilling craftsmanship but also provides a memorable and bespoke addition to any bourbon collection.
Barrels Available
Full Barrel = approx. 180 - 160 bottles
Half Barrel = approx. 100 - 80 bottles
Quarter Barrel = approx. 60 bottlesThe Barrel Select Experience — What To Expect
Selecting Your Barrel
Mint Julep will qualify and coordinate your request to find the best barrel experience for your group then connect you with our partners for your barrel payment and bottle logistics.
The selection experience differs from distillery to distillery but is typically a 2-5 hour experience. For a timely and intimate experience, a group of 4-6 people is recommended; however, accommodations can be made for larger group sizes depending on the distillery.
The Full Package — Transportation & Tour
When traveling with Mint Julep Experiences, luxury is the standard — from VIP transportation, access to exclusive experiences and maximizing itineraries, our Experience Coordinators arrange it all. In order for guests to enjoy their barrel pick experience fully and responsibly, this program reserves mandatory transportation services.
For a timely and intimate experience, a group of 4-6 people is recommended. However, accommodations can be made for larger group sizes depending on the distillery.
After your barrel selection, the distillery will bottle your whiskey and you will return to the distillery to pick them up. Typically, turnaround for bottles is 4-6 weeks depending on the distillery.
What's Included
- Start to finish coordination for your private barrel selection experience
- VIP transportation
- Premium brand barrels to choose from
- Hand-picked and personalized to your group’s tastes
- Bourbon thieving
- Hand-labeled bottles from your barrel select
- Custom labels for your bottles can be accommodated
Add-ons
When requesting this experience, if you’re interested in maximizing your full day experience or adding-on a second day of adventure — let us know if you’re interested in any of the below
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Additional distillery tour and tastings
- Hands-on mixology experiences
No time for arrangements?
Check out our Public Tours
By working with one of our experience coordinators, you will tap into our local knowledge and expertise to craft the perfect day.
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Southern Hospitality with a Twist of Mint
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Didn't find what you were looking for? Feel free to reach out to our team
What distilleries do you offer barrel selects at?
We partner with the following distilleries to bring our guests the incredible experience of selecting their own barrel!
Makers Mark, Jim Beam, Wilderness Trail, Starlight, MGP, Angel’s Envy, Lux Row, Limestone Branch, Pursuit Spirits, Log Still, Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co, Nashville Barrel Co, and Jack Daniel’s Distillery.How long after they pick a barrel will the bottles be ready to pick?
4-6 weeks depending on the distillery
Is shipping the bottles an option?
No, you must return to the distillery to pick them up. Typical turnaround times are 4-6 weeks depending on the distillery.
How large of a group is recommended?
Every distillery is different, typically, a group of 4-6 people is perfect, BUT we can accommodate a larger group if needed.
Are these barrels for the general public/consumers only?
This barrel select program is for general consumers only, they are Not-For-Resale. Bourbon/Whiskey clubs, individuals, corporations (gifts to employees, clients), and anyone else that won’t be re-selling any or all of the bottles can buy a barrel through the barrel select program.
When is this available? How can I book?
The barrel select program is available year-round, seven days a week. Most distilleries can accommodate this experience best Monday-Friday. If you’re interested in reserving a barrel pick for your group, please contact us directly for a quote and to begin planning.
