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!