Wondering what to expect when touring a genuine bourbon distillery? We asked three experts along Kentucky’s authentic bourbon road trip for insights. Whether you’ll be visiting a distillery for the first or umpteenth time, these tips can help you prepare for the best possible experience.



Be Prepared

Burgess offers a pre-tour checklist:

 Bring a camera to take photos and videos, in line with the distillery’s policies.

 Dress for the weather since many distillery tours explore the site indoors and outdoors.

 Wear comfortable shoes because distillery tours often involve lots of walking. Closed-toe shoes may be required, depending on the distillery and/or tour specifics. 

 Stay hydrated.

Stay Safe

Follow instructions from your tour guide as well as warnings on posted signs. Don’t wander into unauthorized areas. When tasting bourbon, drink responsibly. If you’re going to indulge, it’s best to rely on a designated driver or hired tour guide. “Be responsible. We want to see you again in the future,” says Waggoner.

Ask Questions

Don’t be shy! “Any question is welcome,” says Waggoner. “It’s a sign you care, you’re invested, and we’re connecting on some level. The fact that someone doesn’t tune out and really wants to know something is the best compliment I can get.” 

“I’ve found that when you get so many people from different facets of life and career, you get so many different perspectives and types of questions,” says Hollifield. “Whatever your specialty or priority is, don’t hesitate to ask. We may get a question about engineering, another about chemistry, another about tasting. Different things resonate. Just keep in mind that tour guides aren’t production specialists and may not be able to answer some questions in depth.” 

“It’s pretty common among tour guides that they love to talk and answer questions,” says Burgess. “That’s why we do it! Most of us have a burning passion for bourbon and are happy to discuss what we love.” 

Distillery tours commonly cover the following topics:

 Distillery and brand history

 Products made (many bourbon distilleries also produce other spirits)

 Bourbon definitions and requirements

 Ingredients and sources

 Mash bill

 Distilling stages and equipment

 Barrel specifications

 Proof of distillate

 Aging 

 Production (including how many barrels are filled and/or emptied in a day) 

Be Considerate

Most people at a distillery are friendly and happy to be there. Don’t ruin the mood. 

 Be respectful of everyone involved in the tour and at the distillery.

 Remember nobody likes a know-it-all. 

 Even though you may not like a particular bourbon, respect that people took time to make the handcrafted product and that others may love it.

Find Differences

Touring multiple distilleries will reveal bold and nuanced differences between producers. 

“You’ll find out each distillery’s superpower,” says Waggoner. “Every distillery has its own specialty. We have the same type of company with many variations within it. The differences within the industry surprise a lot of people.” 

“From production processes to architecture, each distillery has something special that sets it apart,” says Hollifield. 

Here’s a peek at just a few differences among three distilleries…

• Second Sight Spirits is an artisan distillery with a one-of-a-kind still based on a big Zoltar machine. Part of the Kentucky Bourbon Craft Tour, its focus is on presenting local products in innovative ways.

• Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the U.S. It was just one of six distilleries that was legally allowed to operate throughout Prohibition. It has the nation’s largest inventory of older aging barrels. 

• Heaven Hill is the second-largest holder of American whiskey in the U.S. Founded in 1935, it is still family owned and operated. Tastings showcase a wide variety of mash bills. The visitor center houses a complimentary museum. 

Taste Spirits

Aromas wafting around a distillery will whet your anticipation to sample its spirits. Tours typically end with a tasting of products in a line-up that the tour guide will lead you through. It’s an opportunity to discover how and why bourbons taste different from one another and what makes each one special. 

Expand Your Focus

Experience bourbon beyond the distillery for a real taste of Kentucky. Visit bars, restaurants, shops, museums, farms, and more. “It’s a natural instinct to line up a bunch of distillery tours in a row,” says Waggoner. “But if you go to too many distilleries, it starts to sound like you’re just being talked at. Go find those hidden gems. Bourbon pairs well with food, friends, and places.” 

Have Fun

Relax, there’s no pop quiz at the end of a distillery tour. 

You never know who you’ll meet on a tour. People from all over the world come to Kentucky to see how America’s Native Spirit is made.