As February rolls around, the need for a birthday getaway becomes undeniable. Fresh from an incredible 11-day expedition in the west and still basking in the holiday spirit, we decided it was time to set our sights on a destination within driving distance. The chosen gem: Louisville, KY. A city we had yet to explore, boasting a tempting bourbon trail—an irresistible combination, wouldn't you agree? It seemed like the perfect choice, offering us the best of both worlds.
Logistics
Travel: Drove Charlotte > Louisville.
Lodging: We booked the Holistay #1 on AirBnB and it was perfect for two people. It's one house that has been broken into 3 private apartments. Great location - could easily walk to nearby shops and easily driver or Uber to the riverfront.
Days: We left Friday at the end of work and arrived around midnight and came back on Monday morning.
My Top Recommendations
Brunch
BBB (Big Bad Breakfast) - we sat at the bar for quicker service - food was great! I got the "coffee" drinks and while I didn't care for them the food made up for it.
Distillery
Dinner
Our day began with a thrilling adventure as we ventured to the Louisville Mega Cavern for an extraordinary ziplining experience within the depths of a cave. While I had previously enjoyed ziplining amidst lush forests, the exhilaration of soaring through an underground cavern was equally awe-inspiring. With our spirits soaring, we then made our way to BBB (Big Bad Breakfast) for a delectable morning meal—a spot I wholeheartedly recommend.
Energized and ready for more exploration, we ventured downtown and immersed ourselves in the rich baseball history at the Slugger Museum. Following our enlightening visit, we decided to grab a few drinks at Barrels and Billets.
Our chosen distillery was Angels Envy, where we were treated to an incredibly interactive and entertaining tour. Despite not being an avid bourbon drinker, I discovered the art of "chewing" and unraveling the nuanced flavors hidden within each sip. As we strolled back to our car, fate led us to Doc Crow's, where we eagerly sat at the bar and savored a delightful dinner before bidding Louisville farewell and returning home for the night.
The following day, we embarked on a scenic drive towards the illustrious Maker's Mark distillery. Prior to delving into the world of bourbon, we made a wise pit stop in Bardstown for a breakfast, ensuring our stomachs were adequately prepared for the bourbon that awaited us. Upon arriving at the sprawling and secluded Maker's Mark distillery (I'll provide a comparison of the tours later), we were in awe of its grandeur.
After immersing ourselves in the distillery experience, we made our way back to the vibrant heart of the city. Meandering through the streets near our AirBnB, we stumbled upon the delightful Vintage Banana, adding a touch of vintage discovery to our day. Craving a view of the water, we decided to cross the Big Four Bridge, leading us to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where we savored a meal before retracing our steps.
Returning to downtown, we wandered its lively streets, taking in the spirited atmosphere and indulging in a few refreshing libations along the way. With not many options, we eventually concluded the evening around 10 pm and made our way back to the cozy comforts of our apartment.
The next day we drove home making two stops. Loving the water and all, we had to stop at Cumberland Falls and then we stopped in Knoxville and grabbed lunch before heading home.
Bourbon Trail
I had the pleasure of exploring just a fraction of the multitude of bourbon distilleries on the trail, yet both experiences were absolutely remarkable!
Angel's Envy: Despite its modest size, this distillery boasts an impressively sophisticated production process. Our tour guide, who was bidding farewell to pursue a career in New York's theater scene, truly belonged on stage. His captivating storytelling and extensive knowledge left us spellbound (and laughing). During the tasting session, we were treated to two exceptional bourbon varieties, each sampled in six different ways—exploring the nuances of ice versus no ice and the delightful pairing of chocolate. Surprisingly, I found myself genuinely enjoying bourbon after mastering the art of "chewing" it properly.
Maker's Mark: A true classic, nestled in the midst of an expansive and secluded landscape, Maker's Mark exudes a rich history. Our tour guide, while less theatrical, possessed an intimate connection to the family business and expertly conveyed the inner workings of the distillery. The campus itself was a sight to behold, with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil ambiance. As for the tastings, we were treated to a selection of four delightful varieties. Sadly, my personal favorite was not available for purchase, which left me slightly disheartened. However, the highlight of this tour was the unique opportunity to personally dip a bottle of Maker's Mark into the iconic wax seal, creating a cherished memento to take home.
While I only scratched the surface of the bourbon trail, these two distilleries left an indelible impression.
Allow me to share my assessment:
In terms of overall experience, Maker's Mark stood out as a clear winner. From its captivating history to the breathtaking surroundings, the distillery left an indelible impression.
However, when it comes to the bourbon itself, Angel's Envy takes the crown. Despite being a self-professed non-bourbon drinker, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavors and the newfound appreciation I gained through their tasting experience.
Of course, it's important to note that these judgments are based on my personal preferences and perspective as a self-proclaimed non-bourbon drinking enthusiast. Taste is subjective, and each individual's palate holds its own unique preferences and biases. Which distillery should I try the next time I make it to KY?