Experience A Warm Kentucky Hug

What’s a Kentucky Hug? Well, it’s that lingering after-effect from tasting bourbons or whiskey – that lingering warmth that you feel in your upper body surrounding you like a good ‘ole hug! Join us next June as we venture to East to hit the famed Kentucky Bourbon trail and seek out that perfect “Warm Kentucky Hug.”

They say every Bourbon is a Whiskey, but not every Whiskey is a Bourbon…how is that? It’s all in the process of distilling and aging. Bourbon is kind of like whiskey’s “sweet spot” since corn is a sweet grain. The more corn, the sweeter the whiskey. And to be called bourbon, it must be at least 51 percent corn. Plus, bourbon, by law, must be aged in a brand-new, charred white oak barrel to earn that bourbon whiskey label.

Why does Kentucky claim to have the “superior” bourbons? Approximately 95% of all bourbon is produced in Kentucky as of 2018 and at that time had more than 8.1 million barrels of bourbon aging – which would provide 2 barrels per person living in Kentucky! They lay claim that it’s the water. The water in Kentucky is hard – meaning, it has a high pH and a high proportion of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. These elements are optimal for distilling. The yeast in bourbon adores those minerals and aid in the fermentation process creating distinctive, crisp, Kentucky bourbon.

While there are 37 distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and would take weeks to visit them all, we’ve handpicked 7 along the “Signature” trail for your enjoyment! We’ll be stopping for tours/tastings at Maker’s Mark Distillery, Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Four Roses Distillery, Woodford Reserve Distillery, Buffalo Trace Distillery, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, and of course no tour to Kentucky would be complete without a visit to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse.

This tour truly encompasses the Spirit of Kentucky – the history, the craft and the culture. There’s something for everyone – tours, tastings, free time in downtown Louisville, a riverboat dinner cruise aboard the Mary M. Miller and even a show at the Derby Dinner Playhouse. This tour is scheduled for June 8-12, 2023 and at only $1475 per person double membership price, it’s sure to fill fast. So grab some friends and get those reservations in early! You can call us at 319-753-2864 ext. 162 or book online by visiting us at www.TrailwaysTravel.com.