A Taste of the Bourbon Trail

Autumn is the perfect time for a road trip, and the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky is a great reason to make your weekend getaway plans to Shelby County – ShelbyKY. 

If you missed Bourbon Heritage month and the Bourbon Festival in September, don’t worry! You can still follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to some of the most famous and popular distilleries, many of which have bourbon tours and tastings.

Bulleit Distilling Co.

A great place to start your Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour is in Shelbyville, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World. Not only is Shelby County famous for Kentucky equestrian events and farms, but Shelbyville is also home to award-winning Bulleit Distilling Company. For more than 30 years, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has distilled and aged a distinctive high-rye bourbon known for its bold spicy smooth taste.

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is also known for its focus on sustainability, not only in distilling Bulleit Bourbon, but also in fostering a mission to support bartenders during our recent difficult times with the launch of Local Bar Sunday during the pandemic, an effort to keep local bars open and pouring. 

Jeptha Creed Distillery

Nearby, at Jeptha Creed Distillery, mother/daughter duo Joyce and Autumn Nethery adhere to a strict ground-to-glass distilling concept.  Whenever possible they use locally produced ingredients not only with their excellent rye bourbon,  including a Straight 4-Grain Kentucky Bourbon,  but also with other Kentucky craft spirits such as award-winning vodka distilled from 100% Heirloom Bloody Butcher corn, and moonshines infused with fresh ingredients to create unique flavors like lemonade, sweet apple pie, fiery cinnamon, and even a local honey harvested from bees on the family farm — perfect for tasting on a cool autumn afternoon.

While at Jeptha Creed, you’ll want to visit the barrel barns for a unique bourbon tasting experience, straight from the barrel.  Or stop by the bar for a sampler, pour or maybe a bourbon cocktail. The Creed Café offers snacks, small bites or pizza.

Where to stay in ShelbyKY

While you are planning your Kentucky Bourbon Trail trip and deciding where to stay on the Bourbon Trail, there are a variety of places to stay in Shelbyville and Shelby County. From charming bed & breakfast inns to a selection of brand-recognized hotels to cozy cottages, cabins and farmhouses, you’ll find a comfortable and affordable homebase for your Kentucky Bourbon Trail getaway. You’ll be convenient to both the Bulliet Distilling Company and Jeptha Creed Distillery and other Kentucky Bourbon Trail tours, and its just a short drive to Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center at the Frazier History Museum, where you will find trail maps and other trip-planning resources.