“This place is like the Napa Valley of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.“ That’s the comment I made to my wife when we sat down for lunch during our first visit a few years ago. It turns out that’s what they had in mind when they built it.¹
For starters, this place is immense. The rickhouses stretch out for what seems like miles. The main building features large open spaces and tall glass walls. The finishes are top-notch with natural wood and stone mixed in at just the right places. A floor to ceiling glass and stone fireplace separates the bar and dining areas. The mid-century modern furniture is surprisingly comfortable – if you’re familiar with the style, you know that’s not always the case.
And the people are top-notch too. From the moment you walk in the door, you feel welcomed by the well-trained and enthusiastic staff.
The Tour
Our tour guide, Leslie, is certainly all of that. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they’ve modified their tours considerably, which mostly means you can’t enter any place where bourbon-making is in process. So yes, it’s different, but you still get an inside look at the operation and a worth-while experience.
The tour starts in a classroom, with glass windows that offer expansive views of the production area. Best of all, it kicks off with a tasting – a little unique because most tours hold the tasting until the end. As you sample four unique spirits, you’ll learn about Bardstown Bourbon Company’s collaborative approach with well-known brands, including Jefferson’s, High West, Bella Meade, and Calumet, to create 40 unique mash bills. To put that in perspective, some well-known brands have just one.
Leslie kept it engaging throughout. We were in the classroom for maybe 30 minutes, but it didn’t seem long at all.
From there, we made the short trek to the rickhouse tasting room to sample directly from a barrel, where one of our fellow tourers tapped the barrel with a whiskey thief. Of course, everyone gets a barrel-drawn sample.
A whiskey thief is a tool that distillers (and tour guides in this case) use to extract whiskey from an aging barrel for sampling or quality control. Usually, it’s made of copper, a little more than an inch in diameter, and a couple of feet long.
The tour ends back at the distillery where you are free to buy an extra flight or choose from various finely crafted cocktails from the tasting bar, browse the well-stocked gift shop, or grab a bite at the southern-style Kitchen and Bar.
The Restaurant at the End of the Tour¹
I usually skip the extra tasting and gift shop and head straight for the Kitchen and Bar. The atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed. And they make an outstanding Old Fashioned.
They recently added a brunch menu on weekends. I am a big fan of Shrimp and Grits, so I ordered that. They make theirs with Kentucky ham, red-eye gravy, and scallions. It’s my new favorite. I also had the Poutine, although I certainly didn’t need the extra food. It was outstanding as well.
Server, Evelyn, was personable and attentive. Servers have a more difficult job these days with added restrictions, and she does her’s well. She also helped me stage my food photos and even posed for one herself.
Although a little on the expensive side – my bill, which included two entrees and an old fashioned, totaled $40.66, before the tip. Still, it’s a great value, especially if you’re you’re looking for something a little extra in your Bourbon Trail experience. For two people, expect to spend around $65 – $70, all-in.
Five Reasons This is a Must Stop on The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
- Great Tours and Guides – Despite COVID-19 restrictions, they manage to put on a fun, lively, and informative tour. And the guides are enthusiastic, well trained, and knowledgeable.
- You Might Learn Something New – It never occurred to me, for example, that some major brands have just one mash bill. I think I knew it; I just never thought about it.
- You’ll Feel a Little Special – From the moment you pass through the front entryway, you know this place is a cut above many of the others. And, who doesn’t want to feel a little special?
- The Kitchen and Bar – Enjoy unique twists on southern-style food in an upscale, relaxed setting. Please note, the restaurant often requires reservations, particularly on the weekends, so plan accordingly.
- It’s Open – Many of the distilleries in the area remain closed due to COVID-19, but it’s worth the trip to Bardstown for this place alone.
Bardstown Bourbon Company offers a variety of tours and experiences. I plan to schedule my next trip around one of their cocktail crafting classes. Book your experience by clicking here.
¹ You’ll find this description on their website, but I’m sure I thought of it independently.
² With a nod to Douglas Adams’ The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
