Is it worth the trip if we can’t book tours

[MUWarriors]

I have a work conference in Nashville the second week of April and a fiend of mine and I were thinking of heading up to Louisville area on the way back to Illinois. We were thinking of being in the area Friday and Saturday (April 15 & 16).  It’s looking like we can’t get tours booked at this late date, but would it still be worth going to the Louisville/Bardstown distilleries just to shop and eat at some of the visitors centers?

 

just looking for some recommendations.  Thanks

[fishnbowljoe]

It’s always worth a look see. Ya’ just never know. For something different and delicious, there’s a chocolate shop in Louisville that’s pretty cool. Bourbon and chocolate candies.

 

https://www.arteatables.com

 

 

[geclbxf]

17 hours ago, fishnbowljoe said:

It’s always worth a look see. Ya’ just never know. For something different and delicious, there’s a chocolate shop in Louisville that’s pretty cool. Bourbon and chocolate candies.

 

https://www.arteatables.com

 

 

I know the bar is open at Michters, and I believe at Evan Williams too.  Still closed at OF at last check.   Angels Envy will generally pour you some older Cask Strength pours (they are not cheap).   Always a fun place to eat too - Repeal, the restaurant at 21-C, garage bar are all awesome yet different.

 

I second the art eatables chocolate shop too - or the Louisville Slugger museum.   Heck - check the AAA schedule too, not sure when they start.  Nice craft brewery connected to the stadium across from Angels Envy.

[River Hills]

Bardstown Bourbon Company has a great restaurant and bar.

[Skinsfan1311]

10 hours ago, geclbxf said:

I know the bar is open at Michters, and I believe at Evan Williams too.  Still closed at OF at last check.   Angels Envy will generally pour you some older Cask Strength pours (they are not cheap).   Always a fun place to eat too - Repeal, the restaurant at 21-C, garage bar are all awesome yet different.

 

I second the art eatables chocolate shop too - or the Louisville Slugger museum.   Heck - check the AAA schedule too, not sure when they start.  Nice craft brewery connected to the stadium across from Angels Envy.

This....

1 hour ago, River Hills said:

Bardstown Bourbon Company has a great restaurant and bar.

...and this.  The food is fantastic.

[geclbxf]

46 minutes ago, Skinsfan1311 said:

This....

...and this.  The food is fantastic.

Third!   If we are expanding the scope to Bardstown, the restaurant is fantastic at BBC, and they always have a single barrel that is awesome but expensive in the retail store.

Also Willet - you have to get the egg salad sandwich!!!

[Kjbarth]

Another option is to look for tours near Nashville. Nelsons Green Brier is in Nashville, offers a tasting and tour, and, if you like Belle Meade (their Reserve and Double Oak are excellent IMHO), you can get all the different expressions in their gift shop as well as the Nelsons Green Brier expressions.

 

Lynchburg (JD) and Tullahoma (Dickel) are around 60 - 90 mins from Nashville.

 

There are a couple other craft distillers in/near Nashville too. I just don't remember the names right now.

 

[PaulO]

I assume you are going up I 65 passing through Louisville regardless.  In that case, I sure would map out the bigger stores like Liquor Barn locations not far off your route.  Don't have your heart set on the now famous unicorn bottles anywhere.  You may find some great single barrel store picks, or bottom/mid shelf gems not sold in IL.  Keep an open mind.  There are those great restaurants and other attractions too.

[TunnelTiger]

On 3/27/2022 at 1:55 PM, MUWarriors said:

I have a work conference in Nashville the second week of April and a fiend of mine and I were thinking of heading up to Louisville area on the way back to Illinois. We were thinking of being in the area Friday and Saturday (April 15 & 16).  It’s looking like we can’t get tours booked at this late date, but would it still be worth going to the Louisville/Bardstown distilleries just to shop and eat at some of the visitors centers?

 

just looking for some recommendations.  Thanks

Were you able to make the trip?  If so hope your experience was exceptional.