By Shana Lee
The Truth Travel Correspondent
As a traveler with a deep love for food, culture and memorable getaways, I’ve been fortunate to experience some truly special destinations. But this year, celebrating National Bourbon Day in Bardstown, Kentucky — the Bourbon Capital of the World — was an experience I won’t soon forget.
I arrived early Friday morning, checking into the beautiful Trail Hotel, Bardstown’s first bourbon-themed boutique hotel. The attention to detail was immediately clear — from bourbon-inspired art in the guest rooms to the hotel’s hidden speakeasy tucked behind a discreet entrance. The Trail Hotel quickly became more than just a place to stay — it was part of the entire bourbon experience.
Within a few hours, my transportation for the weekend arrived — Kentucky Bourbon Boys, a private tour company specializing in fully customized bourbon trail experiences. My drivers, Tim and Mark, went far beyond simply getting me from point A to B. They shared local stories, bourbon history and personal insights that brought Bardstown’s rich bourbon culture to life. Their warm hospitality and professionalism made my weekend all the more memorable.
The weekend kicked off with the Bourbon Capital Mash Up at the brand-new Bespoke in Bond event space in downtown Bardstown. Nine Bourbon Capital Alliance partner distilleries came together to pour exclusive and vintage selections, paired with small bites prepared by local chefs. As a VIP guest, I had the rare opportunity to taste pre-fire Heaven Hill, vintage Maker’s Mark, Barton 1792, Beam, and even a few “dusty pours” — the kind of whiskey most people only read about.
On Saturday morning, I headed to Preservation Distillery for their Bourbon & Brunch event. Sipping a bourbon espresso martini alongside crispy chicken & waffles felt like the perfect way to start the day. The highlight was meeting Preservation’s founder, Marci Palatella, who guided us through a formal tasting of the distillery’s coveted Vintage Barrel Collection. Each pour told its own story, showcasing the art and patience behind fine bourbon-making.
Later that afternoon, I made a stop at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, housed inside the historic Spalding Hall. The museum’s collection of antique stills, vintage advertisements, presidential whiskey artifacts, and Prohibition-era memorabilia paints a fascinating picture of America’s long love affair with bourbon. Walking through these exhibits added even more depth to the weekend’s tastings.
Saturday evening brought one of the most festive events of the weekend: Maker’s Mark’s Totally Bourbon Bash at the Brindiamo Penthouse. The event marked several occasions — National Bourbon Week, Bill Samuels Jr.’s birthday, and Maker’s Mark’s famous Wall Street Journal feature from the 1980s. Among the night’s highlights was an exclusive tasting of the upcoming 2025 Star Hill Farm American Wheat Whisky, a new release blending two unique wheat mashbills. Retro cocktails, including a tropical bourbon piña colada, added a fun and unexpected twist.
To cap off the day, I returned to The Trail Hotel’s speakeasy, a dimly lit, Prohibition-style lounge with vintage decor, live jazz, and a well-curated selection of vintage bourbon. With an Old Fashioned in hand, I found myself reflecting on just how special this weekend had been.
Bardstown’s legacy as the Bourbon Capital of the World is well earned. The town’s connection to bourbon dates back to the late 1700s, and many of the world’s most recognized brands still call Bardstown home today. Events like National Bourbon Week celebrate not just the spirit itself, but the craftsmanship, community, and history that make Kentucky bourbon a cultural icon.
As I packed my bags to leave, I couldn’t help but feel grateful — not only for the incredible bourbon I tasted, but for the people I met, the stories I heard and the deep sense of pride this town carries for its rich bourbon heritage.
Bardstown, I’ll definitely be back.