Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Stop #2

Kenucky's infamous bourbon trail is a great way to see the beautiful rolling countryside and experience six local bourbon distilleries. Each distillery offers unique experiences, scenery, and, of course, many unique bourbons. If you're unfamiliar with the bourbon trail. It's the name for the group of six local (but famous) bourbon distilleries in the area.

Second stop: Jim Beam


http://www.cocktailtimes.com/distillery/001_1.jpg


It may be surprising that the world's best selling bourbon comes from a distillery in quaint Clermont, Kentucky.  Unlike Woodford Reserve, the Jim Beam distillery produces millions of bottles every year with worldwide distribution, with production rates on par with Tennessee's Jack Daniels whiskey.  This expansive distillery produces several variations of Jim Beam: white label (original), black label (double-aged and one of my favorites), rye, Red Stag (cherry-infused), 7-year, and green label (charcoal filtered).  In addition, they also make a handful of finer small batch bourbons: Booker's, Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Baker's (each with their own intricacies).  But, naturally those are a bit pricier.  


As with many distillery tours, you'll get to walk through the dark and aromatic barrel houses  where the barrels of distilled liquor are aged.  Also, you'll be guided through the Stillhouse Exhibit where the original copper distiller from the 1800s sits.  Most importantly, you'll conclude the tour with a tasting of a variety of bourbons.  I suggest tasting one of the small batch brands, notably Booker's.


In 2012, they will begin a more in depth tour through the complicated distilling processes for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look, so plan your visit soon!

26 comments:

  1. I enjoy their prices as much as the taste, all hail the beam!

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  2. mmm experience 6 local distilleries lol

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  3. Used to be a huge fan of Mr Beam...not so much these days :-/

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  4. Dont see much of Jim any more either, or Jack for that matter. Cider is my poison these days.

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  5. Apple cider and Jim Beam makes a very worth combination, try it.

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  6. Excellent post man! Was a really interesting read! thanks for sharing!

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  7. Very interesting read. Though Beam isn't exactly my favorite...

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  8. I usually like whiskey, but Jim Beam is my least favourite

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  9. Thanks for sharing this information, I was watching a documentary about how they produced jack daniels it was rly intresting, and so was ur post thanks again =) Ill be back for more information

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  10. Just started following. I was in Kentucky last year and really enjoyed it. Stayed in Bowling Green while visiting Mammoth NP. On a later trip I passed through Lexington, but it was later in the evening and we just passed through on the interstate. I think the general consensus was that we wanted to go back and scope out some more of the state.

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  11. Congratulation with 100 Followers!

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  12. i'm going to be driving through kentucky pretty soon for a roadtrip, followed for tips!

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  13. I LOE reading about small towns and other states! Thanks for the excellent post!

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  14. blue horse = sweet i like the setup here

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  15. the blue horse disturbes me somehow... wahtever... nice blog! :3

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  16. I think I saw something about this factory on Modern Marvels. Very cool stuff.

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  17. This is one of my favorites of bourbon, and I love bourbon. I can't wait to visit this plant! Great post!

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