cowdery Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 Although whiskey has been one of Kentucky’s main products since the 18th century, local boosters have only recently recognized its tourism potential. The latest is the Urban Bourbon Trail being promoted by the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau.Like the Kentucky Bourbon Trail it includes a passport program. Get a stamp from every destination and win a free T-shirt. (They don't say T-shirt, they say "special gift.")Although there are two whiskey distilleries in Louisville, operated by Brown-Forman and Heaven Hill respectively, neither one gives public tours. Instead, the Urban Bourbon Trail points you to eight Louisville watering holes that feature Kentucky whiskey. Five of them are in hotels. I recommend the Old Seelbach Bar for its historic elegance and Proof on Main for its modern flair. Both have first class restaurants too. Just a few doors north of the Seelbach is the Maker’s Mark Lounge, which features a wide range of whiskeys and other spirits, not just its eponymous bourbon. It is a very good restaurant too, but I generally choose appetizers at the bar.Of the eight Urban Bourbon Trail destinations, only Bourbon’s Bistro is outside of downtown, on Frankfort Ave. It is the Louisville joint most dedicated to bourbon whiskey, not just as a beverage but also as an ingredient in creative cooking. The bar and restaurant is in an 1877 building in a nice neighborhood, so have a little walk afterwards. The Urban Bourbon Trail web site is JustAddBourbon.com, and includes links to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which covers the distillery tours.While I commend Louisville and the Commonwealth for finally recognizing the tourism potential, I have two complaints. One is with the Louisville folks, for running a few too many themes up the flagpole. They've got "Urban Bourbon" and "Just Add Bourbon" and "Bourbon Country," all going at once.My other complaint is one of parochialism. To me, America's "Whiskey Country" covers Kentucky and Tennessee, and maybe even Virginia because of Virginia Gentleman and Mount Vernon. Even if one dismisses Virginia, it's hard to dismiss Tennessee since Jack Daniel's is the most popular American straight whiskey in the world and the most popular whiskey country tourist attraction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spun_cookie Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 It is a fun trip. We hit 7 in one afternoon/evening and Bourbon Bistro the next night for dinner.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.H.Cutter Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 We just got back from Frankfort and Bardstown last weekend. We did 5 of the 7 distillery tours. I had a great time and got to sample some great Bourbon. I also collect antique bottles and learned a few things at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. Best: Markers Mark2nd: Buffalo Trace (Hard Hat Tour)3rd: Heaven Hill & Jim Beam4th: Woodford Reserve ( It would have been third but I got introuble when I stuck my face in the Pot still and they seemed alittle snootie) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts