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Discover Bourbon Trail Activities in Louisville During PGA 2024

Discover Bourbon Trail Activities in Louisville During PGA 2024

Discover the Best Bourbon Trail Activities in Louisville

Introduction to Bourbon Trail Activities

The bourbon is plentiful in Louisville, Ky., the home of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Congress’ declaration of bourbon whiskey as “America’s native spirit,” and Kentucky, the host state of this week’s PGA Championship, is where nearly all of it is made. If you’re in town for the championship, diving into the bourbon trail activities in Louisville is a must.

What Makes Bourbon, Bourbon

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. To be considered bourbon, the spirit must meet specific criteria:

  • Made in the United States
  • Mash must contain at least 51 percent corn
  • Stored in new charred-oak barrels
  • No additives
  • Distilled at 160 proof or less and aged until it’s no more than 125 proof

Exploring Downtown Louisville: Bourbon City

Downtown Louisville, 18 miles west of Valhalla, is known as Bourbon City. It’s the only city in the world with more than 10 distillery experiences, a bourbon cocktail and culinary trail, even bourbon-themed accommodations and shopping. Don’t miss out on visiting Doc Crow’s, a renowned restaurant and bar on historic Whiskey Row.

Visitor’s Guide to Doc Crow’s

Doc Crow’s offers a “Bourbon Bible” with over 3,100 varieties of whiskey and 900 bourbons. For first-timers, the staff can guide you through their rich selection. According to James Wardley, the front-of-house manager, the best way to taste bourbon is neat, then adding water drops to discover the unique flavor profiles.

Classic Bourbon Cocktails

Dan Callaway, vice president at Bardstown Bourbon Company, suggests starting with a simple Bardstown Bourbon Company whiskey sour. All you need is bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar. For a quicker option, bourbon with ginger beer on ice is ideal.

Ultimate Bourbon Experience

In the world of bourbon, there’s always something new. Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, for instance, is a hot commodity. With its rarity, a 23-year bottle runs around $300 in stores but can go as high as $6,000 online. Its unique flavor profile includes caramel, apples, cherries, oak, tobacco, and chocolate.

Bourbon Proof Price (store) Price (online)
Pappy Van Winkle 23-year 95.6 $300 $6,000
Bardstown Fusion Series #5 98.9 $60 $100
Buffalo Trace 90 $30 $50

Bourbon Pairings

Pair your bourbon with caramel toffee popcorn or a rich beer-cheese dip. According to Callaway, bourbon has a naturally rounder, sweeter profile that’s perfect for pairing with various foods.

Conclusion

Bourbon trail activities in Louisville are a delightful blend of history, culture, and taste. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newbie discovering the joys of bourbon, Louisville offers an experience like no other. Dive in and enjoy every sip!

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Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith is a renowned bourbon connoisseur and author, whose passion for the amber spirit has taken him on a journey through America's distilleries, discovering the rich history and complex flavors that define bourbon. With more than a decade of first-hand experience and research, Dylan's expertise is unmatched, offering insights into the art of bourbon tasting, production, and collecting. His writings not only enlighten enthusiasts but also guide newcomers through the intricacies of this celebrated American whisky, making him a revered voice in the bourbon community.