Exploring Distillery Cats on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Sure, National bourbon Day is great, but who needs a made-up holiday to inspire you to head to Kentucky distilleries when there are all these adorable distillery cats to meet? These fierce feline hunters have a long history of guarding bourbon barrels and grains from pesky mice and birds. Not only do they serve a practical purpose, but distillery cats also add a charming touch to the bourbon experience.
Meet the Distillery Cats
From Frankfort to Danville, and even in Louisville, there are many distillery cats making the Kentucky bourbon Trail even more enjoyable. You’ll often find these delightful companions lounging in sunny spots on top of bourbon barrels or prowling for pets from visitors.
- MJ and Benny at J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
- Pluto at Whiskey Thief Distilling
- Whisky Jean Samuels at Maker’s Mark
- Rye at Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
- Cooper at Wilderness Trail Distillery
- Roger at Old Pogue Distillery
- Char at Preservation Distillery Farm
- Rich Key at Castle & Key Distillery
- Thumper at Neely Family Distillery
- Tipsy at Bluegrass Distillers
The Role of Distillery Cats
Distillery cats play an essential role in maintaining the quality and safety of the grains used in Bourbon production. These cats are natural hunters, and their presence helps protect the precious grains from rodents and birds. This practice of employing cats dates back to the early days of distilling when these furry guardians were indispensable.
Where to Find Distillery Cats
If you’re planning a visit to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, be sure to keep an eye out for these cute and hardworking distillery cats:
| Distillery | Cat |
|---|---|
| J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery | MJ and Benny |
| Whiskey Thief Distilling | Pluto |
| Maker’s Mark | Whisky Jean Samuels |
| Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. | Rye |
| Wilderness Trail Distillery | Cooper |
| Old Pogue Distillery | Roger |
| Preservation Distillery Farm | Char |
| Castle & Key Distillery | Rich Key |
| Neely Family Distillery | Thumper |
| Bluegrass Distillers | Tipsy |
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just a fan of adorable cats, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers a unique experience. You’ll get to explore historic distilleries and meet the charming distillery cats that call these places home. Make sure to bring your camera; you might just capture a perfect shot of a distillery cat lounging on a bourbon barrel!
So, why wait for National Bourbon Day? Start planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail today and discover all the delightful distillery cats that add a special touch to the bourbon-making tradition.
