Top Bourbon and Whiskey Distillery Destinations in Kentucky and Tennessee

By Jeff Lowe • December 13, 2025

Kentucky and Tennessee sit at the center of America’s whiskey story. Long before bourbon bars and tasting flights became trendy, these hills, rivers, and limestone springs quietly shaped how whiskey was made — and how it tasted. Over time, small frontier operations grew into legendary distilleries, many of which are still producing spirits today.

Traveling through this region isn’t just about sampling different bottles. It’s about stepping inside barrel warehouses stacked floor to ceiling, learning how climate and water affect flavor, and hearing how recipes were refined over generations. Some stops feel polished and modern, others deeply traditional, but all of them are tied closely to place.

Rather than a rigid itinerary, this guide focuses on key regions, highlighting the brands produced there, what you’ll see on a tour, and how to approach each stop. It’s meant to help you mix tastings, scenery, and history at a comfortable pace — and build a trip that feels personal, not rushed.

Louisville, Kentucky: Urban Bourbon and Historic Foundations

Louisville is often the gateway to bourbon country. It offers something rare in the whiskey world: multiple major brands located right in the city, making it easy to learn the basics without long drives.

Distillery tours here tend to focus heavily on history and education. You’ll hear about early Kentucky distilling, Prohibition, and how bourbon evolved into a regulated, protected spirit.

Major distilleries and brands in Louisville:

• Old Forester – one of the oldest continuously produced bourbon brands

• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience – historic storytelling tied to Louisville’s early days

• Angel’s Envy – known for finished bourbons aged in port wine barrels

• Michter’s – small-batch focus with an upscale tasting experience

Why start here:

• Walkable or short-drive distillery access

• Strong introductions to bourbon fundamentals

• Easy pairing with bourbon bars and restaurants

Visiting tips:

• Morning tours tend to be quieter

• Louisville works well as a one- or two-night base before heading south

Bardstown, Kentucky: The Heart of Classic Bourbon

Bardstown earns its reputation as the Bourbon Capital of the World through sheer density. Some of the most recognizable bourbon labels on the planet are produced just minutes from town.

Tours in this region emphasize scale — massive warehouses, long aging times, and consistency across generations. It’s where many travelers first grasp how much patience goes into bourbon.

Iconic distilleries and brands near Bardstown:

• Jim Beam – the world’s best-selling bourbon

• Heaven Hill – producers of Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Evan Williams

• Maker’s Mark – instantly recognizable for its red wax seal

• Barton 1792 – known for bold, high-proof bourbons

What you’ll experience here:

• Large-scale production and aging facilities

• Deep dives into barrel aging and proofing

• Strong emphasis on tradition and legacy

Planning tips:

• Bardstown works best for multiple nights

• Don’t try to visit too many distilleries in one day — distances add up

Frankfort and Versailles, Kentucky: Heritage, Precision, and Prestige

This region is home to some of the most sought-after bourbon brands in the world. Tours here often focus on craftsmanship, subtle flavor differences, and how small changes affect the final product.

Key distilleries and brands:

• Buffalo Trace (Frankfort) – produces Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Weller

• Woodford Reserve (Versailles) – known for copper pot stills and refined flavor profiles

Why this region stands out:

• Emphasis on mash bills, yeast strains, and aging locations

• Historic distillery campuses with scenic settings

• Tours that appeal to both beginners and enthusiasts

Visiting tips:

• Some tours book far in advance

• Allocate extra time — these experiences tend to run longer

Lexington Area, Kentucky: Bourbon Meets Innovation

Around Lexington, bourbon country opens up into rolling farmland and horse country. Distilleries here blend tradition with experimentation, often discussing how recipe variation influences taste.

Notable distilleries and brands nearby:

• Four Roses – famous for using ten distinct bourbon recipes

• Wild Turkey – bold, high-rye bourbons with deep aging heritage

• Town Branch – locally focused bourbon with small-batch production

What to expect:

• More technical discussions during tours

• Scenic drives between distilleries

• A mix of legacy brands and modern thinking

Helpful tip:

• Build in travel time — distilleries are spread out

Northern Kentucky: Small-Batch Bourbon and Modern Revival

Northern Kentucky plays a quieter but important role in bourbon’s modern revival. Distilleries here tend to be smaller and more experimental, offering a contrast to the major producers farther south.

Distilleries to know:

• New Riff – bottled-in-bond bourbon and rye with a modern approach

• Other small producers focusing on pre-Prohibition styles

Why include this region:

• Less crowded tours

• More conversational tastings

• Emphasis on transparency and experimentation

This is a great region for travelers who already know the big brands and want something different.

Nashville, Tennessee: Introducing Tennessee Whiskey

Nashville serves as a lively entry point into Tennessee whiskey. While similar to bourbon, Tennessee whiskey is defined by the Lincoln County Process — filtering the spirit through charcoal before aging.

Distilleries and brands near Nashville:

• Nelson’s Green Brier – historic Tennessee whiskey revival

• Corsair – experimental whiskeys with creative finishes

Why Nashville fits well:

• Easy access to Tennessee whiskey education

• Modern tasting rooms and urban energy

• A good stylistic contrast to Kentucky bourbon

Planning tip:

• Nashville works best as a flexible hub rather than a whiskey-only stop

Lynchburg, Tennessee: An American Icon

Lynchburg is inseparable from one name — and visiting makes it clear why. This small town is built around one of the most recognizable whiskey brands in the world.

Flagship distillery:

• Jack Daniel’s – producers of Old No. 7, Gentleman Jack, and single-barrel expressions

What makes this stop essential:

• Detailed explanation of charcoal mellowing

• Spring-fed water sources

• Strong focus on brand history and identity

Even casual whiskey drinkers often rank this among their most memorable tours.

Tullahoma and Shelbyville, Tennessee: Tennessee Whiskey, Reimagined

This region highlights how Tennessee whiskey extends beyond a single brand. Distilleries here show different interpretations of the same foundational process.

Key distilleries and brands:

• George Dickel (Tullahoma) – known for mineral-rich water and slow distillation

• Smaller craft producers offering limited releases

Why visit:

• Side-by-side comparisons of Tennessee whiskey styles

• Less commercial, more educational tours

• A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere

Southern Kentucky: Craft Bourbon and Local Identity

Southern Kentucky rounds out the experience with smaller producers and revived historic labels. These distilleries often focus on storytelling and hands-on production.

What you’ll typically find:

• Small-batch bourbons

• Personal, distiller-led tours

• A strong sense of local pride

This region adds depth and shows how bourbon continues to evolve.

Planning Tips for a Bourbon and Whiskey Trip

A little planning makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Book tours in advance, especially on weekends

• Limit tastings per day

• Choose central bases rather than moving nightly

• Mix major brands with smaller distilleries

Let the Brands Lead the Journey

Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey country is best explored by following both geography and labels. Regions help you plan the route, but brands bring each stop to life. From massive legacy distilleries to small craft operations, every visit adds another layer to the story.

Take your time. Ask questions. Let the back roads guide you. The flavors — and the history behind them — tend to linger long after the trip ends.