Best Private Bourbon Tours in Kentucky — 2026 Guide
Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail is home to dozens of tour companies, but private tours give your group a dedicated vehicle, guide, and custom itinerary, which is a completely different experience than a group bus. We researched the top providers on pricing, customization, vehicle quality, guide credentials, and verified reviews. Here are the best private bourbon tour options in Kentucky for 2026.
BourbonTown Tours — Best for Fully Custom Private Experiences
| Price | $275–425 / person |
| Standout | Every tour is custom-built — never mixed with other groups. Ron (12+ years, 3,000+ tours) designs itineraries based on your group's interests. |
| Reviews | ★★★★★ 5.0 stars · 650+ reviews · TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice |
| Best For | Groups who want total control over their itinerary and a guide who knows every distillery personally. |
| Website | bourbontowntours.com |
Mint Julep Experiences — Best for Large Groups & All-Inclusive
| Price |
$240–782 / person (varies by group size) Group of 2$595–782 Mid-size group$304–595 Group of 10+$240–304 |
| Standout | Largest operator in the region. 20+ years of experience. Serves Nashville & Louisville. Handles groups of 22+. Price includes distillery admissions and lunch. |
| Reviews | ⚑ Check current rating |
| Best For | Large corporate groups, convention add-ons, and anyone who wants a proven, turnkey experience with minimal planning. |
Bourbon Excursions — Best for Budget-Friendly Group Tours
| Price |
Public Group Tour (up to 12)
$169 / person
Pre-built Private Package (6+ guests)
$269 / person
Custom Private Tours
Pricing not published
Private packages include set routes like "Bardstown Trifecta" and "Drink & Dip." |
| Standout | Lowest price point in the market. Public tours depart from the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville at 8 AM (Thursdays & Fridays, April–November). All guides are Certified Bourbon Stewards. |
| Reviews | ⚑ Check current TripAdvisor / Google rating |
| Best For | Budget-conscious groups comfortable with a fixed schedule and pre-set distillery stops. Also a strong option for solo travelers or couples happy to join a group tour. |
| Trade-offs |
No customization at $169
Lunch not included
Fixed itineraries only on public tours
Thu & Fri only · April–November |
Kentucky Bourbon Boys — Best for Family-Run, All-Inclusive Service
| Price |
Signature 3-Distillery Tour
$265–286 / person
Specialty Combos (golf, horseback, BBQ + bourbon)
from $1,500 / group
Sunday Brunch & Bourbon (up to 14)
from $1,100 / group |
| Standout |
Family-owned and operated. Official Kentucky Bourbon Trail transportation partner. Bourbon Steward certified guides. ~9-hour day includes 2 full distillery tours + 1 tasting-only stop, lunch, private transport, and snacks. Also runs Scotland whisky tours.
★ TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice — 8 Years Running
Lunch included
Official KBT Partner
Scotland whisky tours |
| Best For | Groups who want a fully all-inclusive day with lunch and a family-run feel. Strong specialty combo options for groups looking to mix bourbon with other Kentucky experiences. |
| Trade-offs |
2 full tours + 1 tasting-only (not 3 full tours)
Book 3+ months ahead
Pricing varies by distillery selection |
Unfiltered KY Tours — Best for Bourbon Industry Insiders
| Price |
2 passengers
$399–449 / person
4 passengers
$219–319 / person
5–6 passengers
~$299 / person
5–6 passengers (day rate)
$899–1,049 / day
7–12 passengers
~$249 / person
✦ 10% off for military, first responders & weekday bookings (March–November) |
| Standout |
Small team of active bourbon industry professionals — guides have worked at the very distilleries they visit. Private-only (never shared tours). Half-day, custom, and pick-3 options available. Covers Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, and Frankfort regions. Typically operates Sunday–Thursday.
Industry insiders — worked at distilleries
Private-only tours
Strong Buffalo Trace knowledge
Half-day options |
| Best For | Groups who want a guide with real distillery floor experience. Enthusiasts after deeper technical knowledge. Weekday travelers get the best value with the 10% discount applied. |
| Trade-offs |
Limited availability — smaller operation
Higher per-person cost for groups of 2–3
Guide tip (10–20%) customary on top of quoted price |
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choose BourbonTown Tours if
- You want a completely custom itinerary
- Your group is 2-14 people
- You want a guide who's been to every distillery 100+ times
- You need access to sold-out distilleries
Choose Mint Julep if:
- You have a large group (20+)
- You want a turnkey experience without decision-making
- You're adding onto a convention or corporate event