When it comes to American spirits, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of bourbon. This type of whiskey is honored as America’s “native spirit,” and can only be made stateside. While there are various stories about its genesis, one popular folk tale surrounds a former Baptist minister named Elijah Craig. It’s believed by some that Craig created the category that is now bourbon whiskey in the 1780s when he decided to age his corn whiskey in charred oak barrels.
As a refresher, to be referred to as bourbon, the whiskey must fit a specific set of parameters. First and foremost, it must be made with a mash bill of at least 51% corn (although many bourbons have a much higher percentage). The rest of the recipe can be made up of rye, wheat, barley, or other grains.
It must be distilled to no more than 160-proof and matured in new, charred oak barrels (though it can’t be added to the barrel at more than 125-proof). And while it must be made in the United States, that isn’t restricted to Kentucky (though about 95% of all bourbon is made in the Blue Grass State).
While some of the most well-known bourbon distilleries with bottles in every price range are located in Kentucky, many distilleries are crafting nuanced, complex, award-winning bourbons from Washington State to West Palm Beach.
To really get the full feel for what bourbon is, you should visit a distillery. These are a handful of the best spots from coast to coast for tours, tastings, and whiskey experiences.
Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, Kentucky
If you only visit one bourbon distillery, make it Buffalo Trace. This iconic Frankfort, Kentucky-based distillery makes some of the most popular bucket-list bourbons available, including Blanton’s, Weller, Eagle Rare, and Stagg. Visit this popular destination for tours, tastings, and unique expressions you’ll only find at the distillery. This is the one destination that every bourbon fan needs to visit at least one time.
Garrison Brothers in Hye, Texas
Garrison Brothers is one of the distilleries that have exploded in popularity in the last few decades and helped prove that outstanding bourbon isn’t only made in Kentucky. In fact, some of the best bourbon is being made in Texas right now. Located in Hye, Texas, Garrison Brothers is known for its award-winning whiskeys including Small Batch, Cowboy Bourbon, and a handful of popular limited releases. Visit the distillery for tastings, and tours, and a visit to the Whiskey Shack.
Cedar Ridge in Swisher, Iowa
If your only experience with Iowa is the movie Field of Dreams, that will change if you plan a trip to Cedar Ridge Distillery. Stop by the distillery for tours and tastings of whiskeys like its popular Cedar Ridge Straight Bourbon Whiskey. You’ll also find mouth-watering food like wood-fired pizzas, grilled sandwiches, and craft cocktails. On top of that, a visit during the summer months means there’s a good chance you’ll also be treated to live music.
Maker’s Mark in Loretto, Kentucky
There are myriad bourbon distilleries in Kentucky worth your time. But there are few as beautiful and iconic as Maker’s Mark. The campus of Star Hill Farm is sprawling and memorable and worth a stroll on its own. Not only does the brand make a handful of popular bourbons (like Maker’s Mark 101 or Maker’s Mark Cask Strength), but a visit to the distillery includes tours of the operation, tastings, and even dipping your own bottle in its well-known red wax.
Balcones in Waco, Texas
Garrison Brothers isn’t the only bourbon distillery worth your time in Texas. Balcones is another can’t-miss distillery. Located in Waco, Texas, the brand is well-known for its Texas Pot Still Bourbon and more. Take a trip to the distillery’s visitor center for bottle shop tours, distillery tours, tastings, and a visit to the gift shop to grab some swag. If you’re in Texas, it would behoove you to visit both of the popular Texas-based distilleries, as they are only about two hours away from each other.
Woodinville Whiskey in Woodinville, Washington
If you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest, take a road trip to Woodinville, Washington, to visit the popular Woodinville Whiskey Distillery. This award-winning brand is known for its Bourbon Whiskey, Bourbon Finished in Port Casks, and various limited-releases. Tastings and tours are available with reservations. You can even take a private tour with a “distiller’s pick” that includes a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery, a taste of whiskey directly from the barrel, and a bottle of bourbon to take home.
