Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour

If you’re headed to Kentucky’s bourbon capital and craving an experience that combines excellent drinks with local stories, the Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour might just be your ideal adventure. Offered at $139, this roughly 3-hour guided walk takes you through Bardstown’s vibrant downtown, visiting a carefully curated lineup of bars, tasting rooms, and breweries. With just a handful of participants—up to 8—you’ll enjoy an intimate atmosphere where guides share their knowledge, and tastings are both generous and thoughtfully selected.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances premium bourbon tastings with craft beers and cocktails, offering a well-rounded look at the local libation scene. It’s a fantastic way to get a sense of Bardstown’s spirit culture, especially if you’re a fan of tasting exclusive whiskeys in a friendly, relaxed setting. That said, the tour is somewhat structured around tastings and light bites, so those looking for a full-fledged food experience might want to plan for additional dining afterward. Perfect for curious travelers, spirit connoisseurs, or anyone wanting a taste of Kentucky’s famous bourbon heritage, this tour promises both fun and education in equal measure.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Sizes: With a maximum of 8 travelers, you get personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
• Diverse Tastings: From exclusive whiskey flights to craft beers, each stop offers something different and flavorful.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Josh, praised for their friendliness and insight, enhance the experience with local stories and tips.
• Authentic Locations: You visit a mix of historic bars, modern tasting rooms, and local favorites, providing a genuine Bardstown feel.
• Light Bites & Custom Cocktails: Paired snacks and a special tour-made cocktail add a memorable culinary touch.
• Flexible & Convenient: The tour lasts just about 3 hours, starting at 3:00 pm, with parking available nearby and options to stay for dinner.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at Evergreen Liquors located at 127 N 3rd St. This spot sets the tone by offering a flight of four specially curated pours from Bardstown’s local distilleries. The choice of Evergreen Liquors as the starting point is interesting because it acts as a mini introduction to the local whiskey scene, showcasing some of the best regional options right off the bat.

The guide, whose expertise and friendliness get rave reviews (one reviewer mentioned how knowledgeable and welcoming Josh was), helps set a warm tone and prepares you for the walk ahead. You’ll get a quick rundown of what makes Bardstown’s spirits special, which enriches the tasting experience at each subsequent stop.

First Stops: Tasting Flights & Cocktails

The tour features a sequence of stops designed to showcase Bardstown’s rich distilling culture. At Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium, you get to enjoy a custom cocktail crafted specifically for tour guests, paired with a light snack. This personalized touch is a highlight for many, allowing you to enjoy a drink made with local flair and ingredients, elevating the typical cocktail experience.

Next, at Chicken Cock Whiskey Tasting Room, visitors can indulge in an exclusive flight of Chicken Cock whiskeys, not available elsewhere. This exclusivity was a big hit, with one guest noting that the whiskey flights felt tailored and special, providing a glimpse into Bardstown’s smaller but significant distilleries.

Iconic Bars and Modern Tastings

Moving on, the Volstead Bourbon Lounge offers a refreshing Bourbon Slushie or a bold shot called the Game Changer, allowing you to sample different styles of bourbon in a laid-back bar setting. This stop exemplifies how Bardstown balances traditional whiskey culture with modern twists, making the experience appealing to both purists and adventurous drinkers.

Guests have also appreciated the relaxed pairing of a shot with a cold beer at Mr. Tubs Fine Cocktail Lounge. It’s small moments like these—simple but thoughtfully curated—that make the tour memorable.

The Final Stops: Breweries and Light Bites

The last two stops are at Scout & Scholar Brewery, where you can enjoy a warm pretzel alongside a flight of their best beers. Being the finale, this stop nicely rounds out the experience by broadening the focus from bourbon to craft beer, a testament to Bardstown’s diverse drinking scene.

The tour concludes at Scout & Scholar Brewing Co. at 112 W Flaget St., where attendees often stay afterward to enjoy dinner or more drinks. Parking is straightforward, with options across Flaget Ave, making it easy to extend your evening if you wish.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

What makes this walking tour stand out is how it mixes historic and contemporary locations. The guides are locals—like Josh—who know Bardstown inside-out, sharing stories and recommendations beyond just drinks. Multiple reviewers mention how their guides’ knowledge and friendliness made the tour feel more like a visit with friends than a typical commercial activity.

Guests were particularly pleased with the exclusive whiskey tastings and the personalized attention, which is a direct benefit of the limited group size. One reviewer even received a “swag” bag of goodies, adding a fun souvenir touch to the experience.

Value for Money

At $139, this tour offers a lot in terms of both value and experience. You get a comprehensive mix of tastings—premium whiskeys, craft beers, and a specialty cocktail—alongside insightful commentary and a convivial atmosphere. The included tastings and snacks are a big plus, especially considering that many tastings alone can cost $10–$20 each at individual venues.

It’s a wine-and-spirits tour that’s not just about drinking but understanding the stories, craftsmanship, and culture behind each sip. Plus, with the chance to stay for dinner, you can turn this afternoon outing into a full evening of local indulgence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, keen travelers wanting a taste of Bardstown’s bourbon scene, or those seeking a relaxed yet engaging way to explore local bars and breweries. It’s also suitable for small groups or couples who enjoy intimate, guided experiences. Because the tour is limited to 8 guests, it offers a more personalized approach than larger group outings.

However, if you prefer a food-heavy experience or are looking for a full day of touring, you might consider supplementing this with additional dining plans afterward. The tour itself focuses on drinks and light bites, making it perfect for a relaxed, social afternoon.

Final Thoughts

The Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour offers a balanced, well-paced introduction to Kentucky’s famous spirits scene. You’ll love the expert guides, the variety of exclusive tastings, and the chance to learn about Bardstown’s unique history and culture through its drinks. The intimate size and thoughtfully chosen stops elevate it beyond just a tasting experience—it’s a way to connect with the local spirit community and taste what makes Bardstown special.

While the focus is on drinks, the stories and personalities behind each stop provide a richer understanding of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. It’s a superb choice for those who want a relaxed, engaging, and delicious glimpse into the heart of bourbon country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all alcohol drinkers?
Yes, the tour is designed to cater to a variety of tastes, from whiskey connoisseurs to craft beer lovers. Most participants find plenty to enjoy regardless of their preference.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 3:00 pm, which allows for a leisurely pace with time to chat, taste, and enjoy each stop.

Can I stay for dinner after the tour?
Absolutely. The tour concludes at Scout & Scholar Brewing Co., and guests are encouraged to stay on for dinner, making it a perfect way to extend the experience.

Is parking easy to find?
Yes, parking is available on Flaget Ave across from Scout & Scholar. This convenient option makes it simple to plan your evening afterward.

Are the tastings included in the price?
Yes, the ticket covers all tastings, including specialty cocktails, exclusive whiskey flights, a craft beer flight, and a pour of Elijah Craig, plus light bites.

What is the group size?
Limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized, friendly atmosphere.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility provides peace of mind should your plans change.

To sum it up, the Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour is a thoughtfully curated experience that offers genuine insight into Kentucky’s famed whiskey culture. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic, social, and enjoyable look at Bardstown’s vibrant drinking scene, complemented by knowledgeable guides and exclusive tastings. Whether you’re a bourbon newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, this tour provides a memorable taste of what makes Bardstown a true spirits destination.