First Bourbon Tour? A Beginner’s Guide

What to expect on your first bourbon tour: A beginner’s guide

A first bourbon distillery tour runs about 60 to 90 minutes: a guided walk through milling, fermenting, distilling and the barrel warehouse, then a tasting of a few small pours and a stop at the gift shop. You must be 21 to consume alcohol, closed-toe shoes are required, and most tours need a reservation. Plan on three distilleries for a first day.

For the full walk-through of a first Kentucky trip, see our first-timer’s guide to Kentucky bourbon tours.

Preparing for Your first Bourbon Tour

When planning for your first bourbon distillery tour, it is important to be prepared in order to fully enjoy the experience. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your upcoming tour:

• Research the Distillery: Before your tour, take some time to research the distillery you will be visiting. Look into their history, production process, and any distinctive aspects that make them stand out. This will not only enhance your understanding and appreciation of the spirits but also make you feel more connected to the distillery.
• Make Reservations: Most bourbon distilleries require reservations for tours and tastings, so be sure to book ahead of time. On a BourbonTown Tours private tour, distillery tickets are included, and we book distillery tickets once your tour is confirmed.
• Dress Comfortably: Bourbon distilleries can be large facilities with lots of walking involved, so it is important to dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes. Avoid high heels or uncomfortable footwear as they may hinder your ability to fully enjoy the tour.
• Arrive Early: It is suggested that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This allows enough time for check-in and any necessary paperwork before starting the tour.
• Bring ID: you must be 21 to consume alcohol, and distilleries check ID before you taste.
• Consider Transportation: If you plan on participating in tastings during the tour, it may be wise to arrange transportation beforehand as drinking and driving should always be avoided.
• Eat Beforehand: It is recommended that you eat a meal before arriving at the distillery as alcohol can affect individuals differently when consumed on an empty stomach.
• Don’t Forget Your Camera: Most bourbon distilleries have stunning architecture and picturesque views, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the moments. Some distilleries restrict photography during parts of the tour.

With these tips, you will be ready for your first bourbon distillery tour. Remember to also have an open mind and ask questions as you learn about the history and production process of this beloved spirit.

The Tour Experience

Each tour is different, but here are some things you can expect on your first bourbon distillery tour:

• History Lesson: Most distilleries have been around for decades and some even for centuries. Most tours start with the distillery's history and its place in the bourbon industry. You’ll hear stories about how the founders started their business, challenges they faced, and how they overcame them to become successful. It’s a great way to appreciate the hard work and passion that goes into making every bottle of bourbon.

• Production Process: One of the highlights of any bourbon distillery tour is getting an up-close look at how this beloved spirit is made. You will be taken through each step of the production process, from milling grains to fermenting and distilling, giving you a better understanding of what goes into creating this complex drink. Some tours even allow visitors to taste different stages of production to get a sense of how flavors develop throughout the process.

• Barrel Warehouse: Bourbon gets its distinctive flavor from aging in charred oak barrels, so it’s no surprise that most tours include a visit to their barrel warehouse. This is where thousands of barrels are stored for years until they reach their desired flavor profile. Walking through these warehouses filled with rows upon rows of stacked barrels will leave you in awe.

• Tasting Room: The moment everyone has been waiting for: tasting. After learning about the history and production process behind bourbon, it’s time to put your palate to work and sample some delicious varieties.

• Souvenirs: No tour is complete without a stop at the gift shop. Distilleries usually have well-stocked gift shops with a variety of bourbon-related items, from t-shirts and hats to bourbon-flavored candies and sauces. You can also purchase bottles of bourbon to take home as a souvenir or gift for friends and family.

A bourbon distillery tour is an educational and enjoyable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this iconic American spirit. So, be sure to add it to your bucket list.

The Tasting Experience

One of the most anticipated parts of any bourbon distillery tour is undoubtedly the tasting experience. After learning about the history and production process of bourbon, visitors are eager to finally taste this renowned spirit for themselves. However, if it’s your first time on a distillery tour, you may not know what to expect from the tasting portion of the experience. Here is how a tasting runs.

Each distillery runs its tasting its own way. Some may offer a guided tasting with an expert who will walk you through each sample and provide detailed information on flavor profiles and production methods. Others may allow visitors to explore and taste at their own pace with a provided list or menu of available samples.

Regardless of how the tastings are organized, there are a few key things to keep in mind during your first bourbon tasting. Pace yourself. Bourbon is a strong spirit with high alcohol content, so take your time sipping and enjoying each sample rather than rushing through them all at once.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The experts leading your tour and conducting your tastings are there to educate and guide you in discovering new flavors and aromas. Ask about specific ingredients or techniques used in each batch, or for food pairing ideas.

Another important aspect of bourbon tastings is understanding how different factors can affect its flavor profile. For example, aging plays a significant role in developing distinct flavors in bourbon as well as using different types of grains such as corn, wheat or rye. You may also learn about differences between single barrel vs small batch bourbons or how adding water can enhance certain flavors.

Don’t forget to use all five senses when tasting bourbon. Take note of its color, aroma, and mouthfeel in addition to the taste. Each aspect contributes to the overall experience and can help you develop a deeper appreciation for this distinctive spirit.

With a bit of knowledge and an open mind, the tasting experience on your first bourbon distillery tour is sure to be an enjoyable and educational one. So sit back, relax, and savor every sip as you indulge in some of the finest bourbons around. Cheers.

Tips for a Great Tour Experience

Going on a bourbon distillery tour can be an exciting and educational experience for any whiskey lover. However, to ensure that you have the best time possible, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Plan ahead: Before your tour, do some research on the distilleries you will be visiting. Look into their history, production process, and any special events or tastings they may offer. This will help you make the most of your time and decide which distilleries matter most to you.
• Dress comfortably: Distillery tours often involve a lot of walking and standing, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. You may also want to dress in layers as temperatures inside the distilleries can vary.
• Arrive early: It’s always a good idea to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This will give you some extra time to check-in, use the restroom, or grab a snack before starting the tour.
• Stay hydrated: Bourbon tastings can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water. On a BourbonTown Tours private day, water is stocked in every vehicle.
• Don’t rush through tastings: Take your time when savoring each sample during tastings and pay attention to the subtle flavors and aromas present in each one.
• Ask questions: Distillery tours are about history and production as much as tasting. Ask your guide anything. They are usually very knowledgeable and happy to share their expertise.
• Pace yourself: With multiple distillery visits in one day, it’s important not to overindulge in tastings too quickly as this could ruin your experience or even make you sick.
• Be respectful: Remember that these distilleries are places of work and production, so be mindful of your behavior and avoid disrupting the tour for others.
• Take notes: If you want to remember which bourbon you enjoyed the most or any interesting facts learned during the tour, take some notes or pictures along the way.
• Have fun: The day is meant to be enjoyed. Bourbon distillery tours are meant to be a fun and enjoyable experience, so relax and enjoy the ride.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your first bourbon distillery tour is a memorable one. Book your tour and enjoy the pours.

What we tell first-timers before the first stop

Three distilleries is the right number for a first tour. Three leaves time for each tasting, a sit-down lunch and the gift shops without rushing anyone. Custom tours typically run three stops, and we can add or subtract on your planning call. Lunch falls between stops 1 and 2 or between 2 and 3, depending on the itinerary. We book and confirm the table, and the meal goes on your tab. Pickup time varies by itinerary. Water is stocked in every vehicle. If Maker's Mark is on the list, allow two hours: the checkout lines and the wax dipping stretch the stop, not the tour. On a Sunday, plan two stops with a sit-down lunch, or three with a box lunch.

Plan the day

• Where to eat in bourbon country
• Things to do besides the distilleries
• A bourbon tour checklist, before, during and after
• Kentucky distillery guide, the best distilleries to visit
• The most beautiful bourbon distilleries
• What a VIP bourbon day includes

Frequently asked questions