WHISKIES OF THE U.S.
 MARCH 2026

A Journey Through the Heart of American Whiskey: Touring Distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee.

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Embarking on a whiskey tour through Kentucky and Tennessee is more than just a tasting adventure—it's a pilgrimage through the roots of American distilling culture. These two states, rich in history and tradition, are home to some of the most iconic whiskey and bourbon distilleries in the world. From small-batch artisanal producers to legendary names, the region offers a compelling and unforgettable journey.

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Your tour will begin in Louisville. Just outside the city, you’ll find Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort—one of the oldest continually operating distilleries in America. Their sprawling grounds and tales of Prohibition-era production offer a fascinating look into bourbon resilience.

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We will head to Bardstown, often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Here, you can explore Heaven Hill, known for its Elijah Craig and Larceny brands, and Willett Distillery, a family-run operation steeped in Southern hospitality. Also Maker’s Mark in Loretto, where the iconic red wax-dipped bottles are hand-sealed, and the guided tours give you a close-up view of every step in the craft.

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In Lawrenceburg, Wild Turkey offers a stunning visitor center. A stop at Woodford Reserve in Versailles, with its picturesque limestone buildings and copper pot stills, feels like stepping into a whiskey fairytale.

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Crossing into Tennessee, the air changes—sweeter, deeper, tinged with charcoal smoke. This is where Tennessee whiskey carves its own identity, particularly through the Lincoln County Process, a unique charcoal mellowing technique.

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In Lynchburg, the legendary Jack Daniel’s Distillery offers tours that are equal parts history lesson and sensory immersion. Though the town is dry, the distillery provides tastings in controlled settings, showcasing expressions from Old No. 7 to their rare single barrels.

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Just an hour away in Shelbyville, you'll find Uncle Nearest, a relatively new brand honoring Nathan "Nearest" Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distil. The Nearest Green Distillery is a celebration of legacy, craftsmanship, and long-overdue recognition in the whiskey world.

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In Nashville, the growing craft scene includes stops like Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, resurrecting a pre-prohibition brand with modern flair, and Corsair Distillery, known for pushing boundaries with smoked and experimental whiskeys.