Whisky lovers will enjoy taking a trip to where their favorite drink is made. Fortunately, they do not have to travel out of the US. With a bit of research, you can discover some of the most exotic whisky joints in the country. This list compiles some of the best places you can go to alone or with like-minded friends. You can be sure that this will be worth your time.
Maker’s Mark, Loretto, Kentucky
Someone would say that Kentucky appears to be the home of whisky making, and rightly entirely so. Starting off this list is the Maker’s Mark, who has been in the business of making excellent smooth whisky for centuries. History has it that their existence in the business goes back to 1805, which explains their rich heritage. However, despite their long-standing presence, it was not until three generations ago that the Maker’s Mark brand became a big thing in the US.
Take a tour of this rich distillery, and you will discover that the family is concerned with quality marks more than the bottom-line. For them, whisky making is a thing of pride and cannot be shortchanged for profits. Their label still uses the vintage print that has remained the standing mark of excellence. While you have to pay for an hour’s tour, it is worth it.
After all, you will taste Mark’s bourbons. If you want to see more and have some private tour of the behind-the-scenes, you will have to pay a little extra for the privilege. Remember to keep the group small for this one since the family prefers it that way. While at it, request for private sampling and testing, which you won’t regret.
Bird Dog Whiskey in Kentucky
Also joining the list of Kentucky’s finest is the famous Bird dog whiskey. Most whiskey lovers know about this fine blend of aged white oak barrel Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey with unique natural flavors that help create a smooth and easy-to-drink whiskey. For over eight decades, their existence in the industry is proof that the company is on the right track. Find out details about tour bookings and schedule a visit. It will be nice to sample some of the finest whiskey around at the production grounds.
George Dickel, Tullahoma, Tennessee
There is something unique about old distilleries that seem to attract most whiskey lovers. One may say that it is the experience that comes with whiskey-making that cannot be ignored. George Dickel is also one of the whiskey distilleries you do not want to miss. Your trip will certainly be worth it. Do not be fooled by the distillery’s small size because from it comes some of the finest and smoothest whiskey you will ever drink. If you want to learn about how whiskey distillation happened over a century ago, then this is the place to visit. It feels more like a fairy tale, only this time it is real.
What’s more, if you have been eyeing the extremely ultra-rare George Dickel 17-Year Reserve expression, which is the oldest Tennessee whiskey ever bottled, then you should prioritize visiting the place. At an affordable rate of $75, this special bottle will be yours for keeps. It would be an excellent idea to bring along a few friends who enjoy the fine drinks too.
Wild Turkey, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
By now, you probably notice the trend with these whiskey makers. They all appear to be family-owned, which is why they are exceptionally good in terms of quality. Most families into whiskey distillation do it with a sense of pride and a need to maintain their legacy. As such, they cannot compromise quality just to achieve the bottom lines.
Wild Turkey is no different as the Russel family continues to retain their original recipe. This consistency and dependability have worked for them since the brand has grown tremendously, with more people accepting their whiskey. The structure of the distillery is also magnificent and was opened for the public in 2014. Visits are free, but a guided tour will cost you ten bucks for a standard one. You can also plan for private tastings at an extra cost, especially if you went as a group. Whatever option you choose, the trip will be worth it.
Jack Daniel’s, Lynchburg, Tennessee
If you are a whiskey lover, then Jack Daniels is not a strange name to you. Known in almost all parts of the world, Jack Daniels is situated in Tennessee. Over the years, the brand has grown to become the king of American whiskies because of how consistent they have been in making aged whiskeys in barrels. This old-school style of whiskey distillation ensures that the end product is perfect, hence the assured market.
You can visit the center any day except on public holidays. Just make sure you are there when the grounds open for the free visitors. For an intimate tour, you will have to pay a few bucks to get a supervised tour and enjoy a few tasting sessions. Either way, it will still be memorable having visited the famous Jack Daniels grounds.
Final Thoughts
When great whiskey and wines are crafted, the end consumer may not understand what it takes to get the smooth drink to them. Taking tours to distilleries is always an eye-opening experience. Take the trip soon.
