Dustin Gandoff
An Overview: Whiskey Row Walking Tour
We’re talking about Main Street, specifically, the famed ‘Whiskey Row’. Stretching along West Main Street in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, it’s an iconic pocket of American history that has been a grand stage for whiskey-making and trading. Formally three-block stretch of whiskey distilleries, warehouses, and whiskey trading businesses back in the 19th Century, it nowadays hosts a mix of modern attractions and historical sites. This guide will take you through the perfect Whiskey Row Walking Tour, blending history, and bourbon tasting for the ultimate experience.
Starting Your Tour
Kick off the tour at the heart of Louisville, where Whiskey Row begins. The Old Forester Distillery is one of the must-visit venues. This is where you’ll get your first taste of Louisville’s booming bourbon scene!
Old Forester Distillery
The Old Forester Distillery is the oldest continuous distiller of America’s native spirit, bourbon and it happens to be the only one which has been operable before, during, and after prohibition. The distillery tour shows the process of bourbon-making in detail, right from the fermentation to barrel-making. Needless to say, the tour wraps up with a tasting.
The Stops Along the Way
As you walk down Main Street, you’ll come across a number of whiskey distilleries, each offering a unique flavor of Kentucky’s spirit. But Whiskey Row isn’t just about bourbon. It was also a hub for the tobacco industry, and has been instrumental in the Civil War and the Great Depression.
Historical Stops: Evan Williams and Rabbit Hole Distillery
Visit Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a multi-million-dollar artisanal distillery, which brings history and tradition to life. It highlights the life of Evan Williams, Louisville’s first commercial distiller, and is a delight for history buffs. Afterwards, head over to the Rabbit Hole Distillery, a revolutionary addition to Whiskey Row that has completely modernized bourbon production methods.
Mixology Experiences
Beyond the traditional bourbon tastings, Louisville offers a unique ‘Bourbon Mixology Tour’. Here you’ll get a chance to learn from experienced mixologists how to create bourbon cocktails and you can create and taste your own!
The End of the Tour: Angel’s Envy
The Angel’s Envy Distillery, located at the other end of the Whiskey Row, is known for its remarkable architecture, beautiful copper stills, and barrel room. The tour guides you through the entire process of distillation and maturation, after which you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of their world-class bourbons. It’s a grand finale to your Whiskey Row journey!
Pit Stops to Refuel
To make your walk along Whiskey Row even more pleasurable, you can refuel at the various restaurants in path. From seafood at Doc Crow’s to the tempting BBQ at Feast BBQ, these Louisville gems ensure that you won’t go hungry on your walk.
Wrap Up
Whiskey Row offers more than just bourbon tasting. It’s a walk through the history of American whiskey, an opportunity to learn the art of distillation, and a journey about tasting the spirit of Louisville. A blend of bourbon and history, anyone who’s stepping foot in Louisville can’t afford to miss.
