Private Pick-3 Bourbon Trail Tour | Lexington Region

Discovering Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail with a Private Pick-3 Tour in Lexington

If you’re dreaming of exploring Kentucky’s legendary bourbon scene, this private Pick-3 Bourbon Trail tour offers a personalized way to do it. We’ve come across a lot of bourbon experiences, but this one really catches the eye for its flexibility, intimacy, and focus on quality. It’s perfect if you’re after a tailored day, away from big crowds, with all the comforts of private transport and expert guidance.

What we really like about this tour? First, the fact that it’s entirely private means no sharing a bus with strangers—just your group and a friendly driver. Second, the ability to choose your three distilleries from a list of top spots lets you customize your experience, focusing on what interests you most. One thing to consider is that the tour lasts about 9 hours, so it’s a full day of fun, but you’ll want to be prepared for a long, relaxed day of tasting and sightseeing.

This experience seems best suited for those who enjoy tasting spirits, appreciate local history, and prefer a more personalized, flexible approach to bourbon touring. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or a small group of enthusiasts looking for an authentic, guided journey—this might be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Private & personalized: No shared buses, just your group with a knowledgeable driver.
• Flexible distillery choices: Pick from a curated list of top Kentucky spots.
• Includes tastings: Enjoy guided tastings at two distilleries, plus a base tour at a third.
• All-day experience: Lasts roughly 9 hours—perfect for serious enthusiasts or those wanting a full immersion.
• Hassle-free booking & pickup: Easy arrangements including hotel or Airbnb pickup.
• Cost vs. value: At $479 per person, you’re paying for a tailored, intimate experience with the extras like bottled water and snacks included.

The Full Experience Breakdown

This tour offers a chance to explore some of Kentucky’s most iconic distilleries, but what really makes it stand out is its customizability. You get to select 5-6 distilleries ranked in order of importance, and the tour operator will handle the booking of two distillery visits with tastings and one guided tasting-only experience. This means you can tailor your day to focus on the brands that interest you most—whether it’s historic names like Buffalo Trace or more boutique operations.

The itinerary

The tour kicks off with pick-up from your hotel or Airbnb, eliminating the hassle of figuring out transportation. From there, your private vehicle will whisk you away on a day of bourbon discovery. With a knowledgeable driver and guide, you can relax and soak in the scenery, knowing you’re in good hands.

Stop 1: Woodford Reserve Distillery
This stop often features an optional tour, which includes a standard tour and tasting. Visitors love Woodford Reserve for its historic charm and scenic grounds, and you’ll get around 1 hour 30 minutes here. The admission is included, so this is a straightforward start to your bourbon adventure.

Stop 2: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Another optional stop, Buffalo Trace is renowned for its rich history and variety of bourbons. Many reviews praise the tour as incredibly informative, with Pat_F calling it “great” and highlighting Niki, their guide, as “amazing.” The 1 hour 30-minute visit gives you a good taste of one of Kentucky’s most famous names.

Stop 3: J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
If selected, this is a shorter stop—about 45 minutes—but it’s an opportunity to see a smaller operation and sample some unique offerings. It’s included in your package, making for a well-rounded day.

Other stops like Wild Turkey, James E. Pepper, or Castle & Key are also available depending on your preferences. The flexibility means you can prioritize a certain brand or experience. Most of these stops offer standard tours and tastings, giving you insights into the distillation process and tasting practices.

What to expect at each stop

At each distillery, you’ll typically start with a guided tour or a tasting experience, depending on what you choose. The emphasis is on education and enjoyment—expect to learn about bourbon-making, explore the facilities, and taste a variety of spirits. Some reviews mention how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making it engaging and informative rather than just a walk-through.

The lunch break is built into the day but isn’t included in the price. Expect to spend about $10-$30 per person on your meal, with plenty of options in the nearby towns or at the distilleries themselves. This downtime also allows you to discuss favorites or ask questions, adding to the personal nature of the tour.

Transport and group size

One of the biggest draws is that you’ll be traveling in a private vehicle with only your party. This creates an intimate, relaxed atmosphere and allows your driver to adapt to your preferred pace. The tour is designed for adults 21+ and is ideal for small groups—perfect for couples, friends, or small families who want a personalized experience. The driver also acts as your designated driver, so you can enjoy tastings without worry.

Pricing and value

At $479 per person, it might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the inclusion of transportation, guided tastings, and admission to three distilleries, it offers good value. For bourbon enthusiasts, the convenience of a tailored, skip-the-line experience in a private setting makes this a worthwhile splurge. The experience also removes the stress of planning logistics, which can be a real bonus if you’re visiting from out of town.

Reviews and impressions

Reviewers are enthusiastic, rating it a perfect 5 out of 5. Pat_F highlights the “small group” setting and the “amazing” guide, Niki, while Dean_S appreciated how Chuck, the driver, handled weather changes with flexibility. These comments suggest the experience is both comfortable and well-organized, with attentive hosts.

Who should consider this tour?

This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy bourbon or spirits, and prefer a more personal, flexible experience. It’s ideal for small groups seeking a private, educational outing with tastings at top distilleries. If you’re interested in a relaxed day exploring Kentucky’s bourbon culture without the crowds, this is a good pick. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more structured group tour, other options might suit you better.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
No, this tour is adults-only (21+), given the tastings involved.

Can I pick which distilleries I want to visit?
Yes, you select 5-6 distilleries in order of importance, and the tour coordinator will handle bookings based on availability.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes about 8 to 14 hours, roughly 9 hours on average, depending on stops and scheduling.

Are tastings included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy tastings or guided tasting experiences at two distilleries, plus a base-level tour at a third.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is paid out of pocket, estimated between $10-$30 per person.

What’s the transportation like?
You’ll be traveling in a private vehicle dedicated to your group—no shared buses.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 5 days ahead, but it’s best to confirm early for availability.

Can I customize the experience further?
You can choose which distilleries to visit, and your itinerary will be tailored accordingly.

What is included in the price?
Base-level tours or tastings at three distilleries, bottled water, parking fees, and snacks.

Final Thoughts

This private Pick-3 Bourbon Trail tour offers a compelling way to explore Kentucky’s whiskey heritage in a relaxed, customized setting. The ability to choose your stops, combined with private transport and knowledgeable guides, makes for a highly personalized experience that can be tailored to your interests. If you’re a bourbon fan or someone looking for a unique, intimate way to learn about Kentucky’s spirits, this could be just what you need.

While it’s on the pricier side, the convenience and quality of the experience seem to justify the cost—especially for those who value comfort, flexibility, and expert insights. Keep in mind, it’s best suited for adults who want to focus on tasting and learning without the hassle of group tours or crowded venues.

Overall, if your goal is to enjoy a full day of bourbon exploration with a friendly guide and a private vehicle at your disposal, this tour will likely meet and even exceed your expectations.