Bourbon Country
The Scots have their scotch; Italians, their wine; Russians, their vodka.
In America, we’ve got our bourbon. Known as “America’s Native Spirit”, it’s the only alcohol that is a distinctive product of the United States.
Some 95 percent of this corn-based, caramel colored sipping icon is distilled, aged and bottled right in Kentucky’s bourbon country. It’s big business for the Bluegrass State — and a good reason for a Road Trips Foodie to gas up the car and go.
There isn’t just one bourbon trail, of course: there are two.
The legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail meanders through the heart of bourbon country so you can stop in six of the state’s distilleries including Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam and Woodford Reserve. You’ll see the bourbon making process, view the facilities and sample the stuff on an after-tour bourbon tasting.
Headed back to the city? Once you’re done with your tour of bourbon country, the Urban Bourbon Trail in Louisville should be your next stop. The trail consists of “the world’s best bourbon bars”, all of which must serve at least 50 different kinds of bourbon and hold at least one bourbon-related event each month. Many even specialize in bourbon-related food dishes.
For more information on visiting Kentucky, go online.
(Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism)
