Private Frankfort Bourbon Tour: (Groups of 2-11) Woodford & More

If you’re planning a trip to Louisville and have bourbon on your mind, this private bourbon tour promises a personalized, comprehensive experience that skips the crowds and shared buses. It’s tailored for groups of 2-11 people, offering a more intimate way to learn about Kentucky’s signature spirit while enjoying some incredible scenery and local history.

What we really like about this tour is the flexibility—you get to choose your preferred distilleries, making the experience feel custom-made. Plus, the private vehicle and expert driver mean you can focus on tasting and soaking in the sights without worrying about navigating or rushing. That said, one thing to consider is the price point of $479 per person — it’s a fair chunk of change, but when you factor in the private transport, tastings at three distilleries, and the hassle-free booking, it’s a premium experience aimed at bourbon lovers wanting convenience and depth.

This tour is ideal if you’re after a comprehensive bourbon day with a personal touch, especially if you value in-depth insights and picturesque views. It’s worth noting that it’s adult-only (21+), so families with kids might need to look elsewhere. Overall, if bourbon and Kentucky scenery are your priorities, this tour offers a memorable, tailored way to indulge.

Key Points

• Customizable distillery visits: You pick 5-6 distilleries, and the tour books 3 based on availability.
• Private transport: No shared buses, just your group in a private vehicle with a friendly driver.
• All-day experience: Expect around 8-10 hours of bourbon, history, and sights.
• Includes tastings at 3 distilleries: Plus a base-level tour or a cocktail at each, depending on your itinerary.
• Stunning views & historic sites: Destinations like Buffalo Trace and Castle & Key offer picturesque backdrops.
• Flexible options for different interests: From big brands to small craft distilleries, there’s variety.

An Honest Look at the Experience

When it comes to exploring Kentucky’s bourbon scene, a private tour like this really hits the spot for those wanting a relaxed, in-depth day without the chaos of larger group tours or shared buses. We love that it’s tailored to your preferences — you choose the distilleries you’re most interested in, and the team handles the rest, including booking the tastings and organizing the schedule. This kind of flexibility means you’re getting a personalized experience that aligns with what you want to learn and taste.

The private vehicle makes a big difference. Instead of being crammed into a tour bus with strangers, you get the comfort of your own space, and your driver acts almost like a local guide, sharing tidbits about the area along the way. According to reviews, the vehicle is described as clean, new, and well-maintained, which adds to the comfort of a long day.

What’s Included and How It Works

For $479 a person, the experience covers admission to three distilleries, along with tastings, a base-level tour, or even a cocktail at each spot depending on your choices. Water, snacks, and parking fees are covered, which helps keep things straightforward. Lunch, however, isn’t included — you’ll need to budget around $10-$30 for yourself on the day, depending on your appetite and preferences.

The tour runs from early morning to late afternoon, generally lasting 8 to 10 hours. This duration ensures you have plenty of time at each stop, plus some buffer for breaks and photos. Pickup is offered from your Louisville hotel or Airbnb, so you don’t have to worry about logistics — just relax and enjoy.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Buffalo Trace Distillery kicks things off with a full tour of this iconic operation. Known for its historic significance and large-scale production, Buffalo Trace’s campus provides an impressive backdrop for learning both about bourbon history and science. You’ll taste some of their products, and the tour itself is a deep dive into the distilling process. This stop is popular and tends to sell out, so booking early is recommended.

Next, you’ll head to Woodford Reserve, one of Kentucky’s most recognizable bourbon brands. The setting here is picturesque, with historic architecture and rolling fields. The tour offers a great combination of history, scenic views, and a tasting of their core products. It’s slightly scaled down compared to Buffalo Trace, but no less engaging or beautiful.

Castle & Key distillery offers a different vibe—its grounds are postcard-worthy, with lush gardens and a historic estate feel. The focus here is on the aesthetics and the newer production of gin, rye, and vodka. The tasting emphasizes these spirits, and the overall experience is more about the ambiance and craftsmanship than sheer size.

While Wild Turkey was initially included and praised for its stunning campus and whiskey tastings, it’s currently closed as of winter 2024, so the itinerary might change. The team offers alternatives like smaller distilleries if needed.

Other stops like Whiskey Thief, Four Roses, Glenns Creek, and J. Mattingly offer a mix of intimate experiences, from barrel tastings to rustic grounds and small-batch productions. These stops are optional, allowing you to customize the journey further, depending on your interests.

Authentic Experiences and the Value

A recurring theme in reviews is the quality of the tastings and stunning views. One reviewer described their driver as “excellent” and praised the vehicle’s condition, which hints at the level of professionalism and comfort you can expect.

The small group nature ensures you get more personalized attention and are not just another face in a crowd. Plus, the flexibility to choose distilleries means you can focus on brands or styles you love, whether that’s big-name classics or smaller craft producers.

Considerations and Downsides

The main consideration is the cost — $479 per person is a premium price, but it includes private transport, multiple tastings, and the convenience of a tailored itinerary. For bourbon enthusiasts or those seeking a relaxed, hassle-free experience, many find it worth the expense.

Another point is the lack of lunch included, so you’ll need to plan for that during your day. Also, because the tour is adults-only (21+), it’s not suitable for families with children.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for anyone looking for a luxurious, tailored day of bourbon tasting and sightseeing. It’s especially suited for small groups, couples, or friends who want to avoid crowded tours and enjoy personalized attention. If you’re a bourbon aficionado wanting to learn more about different brands and styles, this tour offers a great mix of education, tasting, and beautiful scenery.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more casual, self-guided approach, this might feel a bit steep. It’s also not ideal for families or those under 21, but for adult travelers craving a comprehensive, comfortable, and scenic bourbon adventure, it hits the mark.

FAQs

How many distilleries will we visit?
You’ll visit three distilleries, but your group chooses 5-6 options beforehand, and the tour books the three based on availability and your preferences.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll have a private vehicle for your group, which makes the day more relaxed and comfortable.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 8 to 10 hours, giving plenty of time at each stop and for breaks.

Are tastings included in the price?
Yes, tastings at three distilleries are included, along with a base-level tour or a cocktail at each, depending on your itinerary.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. You pick your top five or six distilleries, and the tour coordinates with you to create the schedule.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you should budget around $10-$30 for your meal on the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this is an adults-only experience (21+), primarily because of the tastings.

What if one of the distilleries is closed?
The tour provider will suggest suitable alternatives to keep your day full of interesting sights and tastes.

This private bourbon tour from Louisville offers a well-rounded, tailored way to experience Kentucky’s famous bourbon scene. The combination of private transport, customizable distillery visits, and scenic stops makes it a good pick for serious bourbon fans or those craving a more exclusive experience. While the price is on the higher side, many find the convenience and personalized touches justify the cost.

If you’re someone who values quality over quantity and wants a behind-the-scenes look at some of Kentucky’s best distilleries, this tour could be the highlight of your trip. It’s best suited for adults, bourbon enthusiasts, and small groups looking for a memorable, relaxed day filled with good drinks, great views, and local stories.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy Kentucky’s spirits in style, this tour delivers a balance of education, scenery, and taste — all wrapped up in a private, comfortable package.