After a day in the countryside visiting the seven distilleries on the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail, its back to the big city for a stop on the URBAN Bourbon Trail. Louisville has been home to many distillers since Evan Williams marketed his first whiskey in the city in 1780. Until the 1920’s, a portion of Main Street was known as “Whiskey Row” when as many as 50 distilleries were active.
You can sample your favorite bourbons at some of the world’s best bourbon bars. Morning, noon or night, bourbon can be found in its natural environment…the Louisville bars and restaurants serving up America’s only native spirit in drinks and innovative dishes from mint julep pancakes to bourbon barrel smoked salmon.
The establishments on the Urban Bourbon Trail vary from historic hotel properties that once served Kentucky Whiskey to the likes of Al Capone and F. Scott Fitzgerald to cosmopolitan “scenes” where urban trend-setters are making retro drinks such as the Old-Fashioned and Manhattan in vogue again. Five are in downtown hotels, four have been internationally recognized and six are serving up bourbon-inspired dining. All offer bourbon flights, special bourbon cocktails including the official drink of the Kentucky Derby – the mint julep, and all have at least 50 different bourbon labels on the bar with trained staff that can explain the nuances and tasting notes in the varied offerings from Jim Beam Black to Woodford Reserve Sonoma-Cutrer Finish.
Urban Bourbon Trail Bars
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| For a modern Louisville experience, step into a fresh new space of contemporary design at Blu. Sample 50 Bourbons, Bourbon-infused appetizers and Bourbon flights in the heart of the city at the Downtown Marriott. |
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| An 1892 tavern, minutes from downtown near Distillery Commons. Once a neighborhood watering hole, now a comfortable, casual bistro. Bar includes a fine selection, including Pappy VanWinkle Family Reserve 15, 20 and 23-year-old. The menu represents a melting pot of international and regional American cuisine. |
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| Located just two miles from downtown Louisville on Historic Frankfort Avenue, Bourbons Bistro is the bourbon lover’s bar with a selection of 130 Bourbons as well as monthly Bourbon dinners. Named by Whisky Magazine as the “2006 American Icon of Whiskey” for restaurants and bars. |
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| Enjoy an Old-Fashioned cocktail in the lavish lobby bar of the Brown Hotel that Southern Living Magazine describes as “straight from a 1930’s movie set”. At this treasured 1923 landmark, the famous “Hot Brown” was created to satisfy the cravings of the late-night dance crowd. Sample one for yourself. |
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| Cozy up to a fire and the old world décor of wood, leather and horse-racing memorabilia in one of city’s oldest Bourbon bars. Located in the Galt House Hotel & Suites, Jockey Silks features 165 varieties of Bourbon – always generously poured. |
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| Located in the city’s vibrant Fourth Street Live! entertainment complex. The nearly 60 ft. long wood-topped bar features an entire wall of backlit Maker’s Mark bottles and a spectacular “wall of fire”. While it bears the Maker’s Mark name, Bourbons from all of Kentucky’s distilleries are available. |
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| Located in the hotel that served as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s inspiration for The Great Gatsby, The Old Seelbach Bar, has been restored to its authentic, early 1900’s décor. The expansive Bourbon bar has been described as “one of the finest stretches of mahogany in the country” by Gary Regan, author of The Book of Bourbon. |
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| Housed in five historic buildings, Proof on Main is part of the celebrated 21cMuseum Hotel. Proof’s large spirits collection is highlighted by an impressive selection of 50 of Kentucky’s finest Bourbons. Named one of the “Best New Restaurants of 2006” by Esquire Magazine. |
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| Eclectic and elegant, Z's Fusion specializes in Euro-Asian Fusion cuisine using the freshest local ingredients available. The bar stocks over 50 Bourbons, and several appetizers, entrees and a dessert feature the magic ingredient. For a truly unique Bourbon experience, try the Cherry Pipe Tobacco-infused Maker's Mark with vapor accompaniment. |
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Urban Bourbon Trail Passport
Where to get the Passport
Visitors Center – 4th and Jefferson, 502.379.6109
Each of the 9 Urban Bourbon Trail restaurants/bars
How does it work?
The program is free
There is no time limit for the completion (we don’t expect folks to finish in one night, or even one weekend)
The program is explained at the front of the Passport
Visit each location, make a purchase (drink/food), get the Passport stamped
The Passport cannot be reused, but you can pick-up a new passport and start another Bourbon Country adventure…
How do you redeem the Passport?
If you come to the Visitors Center you’ll get both a specially designed t-shirt and a premium giveaway
If you mail the Passport, we’ll mail you a specially designed t-shirt