Recently I attended a family reunion in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, so of course I took a bourbon detour. I passed through in Louisville, Kentucky knowing good and well that there would be a convent path to the Woodford Reserve Distillery.
Woodford Reserve's surrounding grand ranches and rolling green hills add to the beauty of the distillery. The scenic drive felt more appropriate for a horse and buggy, rather than my rented Kia.
According the Woodford Reserve tour website, you can join a daily tour for a guided education through the distillery that explains the history of bourbon, how the company uniquely hits all five sources of flavor, the bottling process, and much more. At the end of the tour, guests 21 and over can taste the house bourbon in the visitors' center. You can also stay for a bite at Glenn's Creek Cafe located on-site (see the menu here).
My take away from this trip was a bottle of the Double Oaked; with the hints of chocolate and a smooth finish it was a no brainer purchase. Another purchase I would recommend is a bottle of the Woodford Rye, a new release. This is rye done right. If you are on the fence about the past ryes you have tried, this will push you over the edge.
TOUR INFO
- Woodford Reserve Distillery is located at 7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles, Ky.
- The tour is offered seven days a week and costs $10 per person.
- Hours are Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.; and Sunday (March-December) at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
- Groups of 18 or more, should make a reservation by calling 859-879-1812.
Booze News Insider Josh Hart is an amateur reviewer, but a professional drinker. He has been sipping and learning about whiskeys for a more than a decade and hopes to help you sift through the basics, to find the best bottles for you.
