Bourbon Trail, or at least part of it.

  As previously stated, Bardstown is in the heart of the bourbon trail. TRAIL You can visit a lot of distilleries if you choose to do so. They all, or most, offer tours of the facilities and production areas. They of course have visitor centers and information on their products. Having toured distilleries previously, we saved ourselves money and did not do the tours.

 First stop was Jim Beam, LINK A long history with this distillery which they showcased. Like others they have more than one brand or flavor or version. A good place to learn about all of their offerings.

 The place was very busy but people watching is always fun. Remember it was derby week so the ladies were strutting and mint juleps flowing.

 The next stop was Heaven Hill. Largest family owned distillery in the country. They had the usual things but also something called the Bourbon Experience. More info HERE. A lot more detail and information about bourbon in general, not just their product. Very nice. They had a devastating fire that burned down most of their rick houses, buildings where bourbon is aged in oak barrels, and the distillery. rick houses are everywhere, each one containing thousands of barrels in various stages of aging.

 Our last stop was Makers Mark, HERE. It is located out in the middle of nowhere. When we decided to drive out we discovered we had left a tour guide back in trailer. Never fear we will just use map lady or GPS directions. Something I NEVER use except in rare situations. That dang thing took us down backroads so narrow it did not even have center stripe. After about an hour we said the hell with it and turned around. That was about the time I saw a toothless boy playing dueling banjoes on his banjo...

 We came the 20 plus miles back to trailer to get the directions and set off again. Turns out we were within half mile or so from our destination. Moral of the story is don't trust the dang GPS to pick the best route. The best part was the scenic setting of the facilities. And the beautiful homes, both large and small, along the way.

 That pretty much concludes our Bourbon Trail. Weather permitting, something very different tomorrow...

Maybe there is bourbon in those bags, maybe not. Ain't saying....

time to gather more rosebuds...