A Friendly Look at the Distillery Tour at Second Sight Spirits with Spirits Tasting
If you’re planning a visit to Kentucky and want a taste of the local craft spirit scene, the Distillery Tour at Second Sight Spirits offers a surprisingly fun and informative experience. This isn’t your typical snoozy tour with dry facts; instead, it combines quirky storytelling, engaging visuals, and—most importantly—tastings that will likely leave you with a smile.
What really draws us to this experience is its casual, intimate vibe and the fact that it includes a tasting of some pretty interesting spirits—like their Oak Eye Kentucky Bourbon, hazelnutliqueur, and a few rums and moonshines. Plus, the tour has a charismatic, playful edge, thanks to a few fun features like the world’s Luckiest Bar Top and Fortuna, the fortune fish.
That said, it’s worth mentioning that this tour is more about the tasting and stories than a deep dive into distillation science. If you’re after a comprehensive, educational experience with lots of behind-the-scenes action, this might feel a bit light. But if you’re in the mood for a relaxed visit with good drinks and quirky tales, it’s a solid choice. Perfect for spirits enthusiasts, casual visitors wanting a memorable chat, or anyone curious about Kentucky’s craft distilling scene.
Key Points
- Price: At $18 per person, it’s a very accessible option for a quick, enjoyable experience.
- Duration: About 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it perfect for a short, engaging break.
- Experience: A private tour with a focus on fun storytelling and tastings, not heavy science.
- Highlights: The quirky bar top ride, the charm of Fortuna the fortune fish, and tasting a variety of spirits.
- Booking: Most travelers book about 8 days in advance, so plan ahead.
- Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, making it fairly inclusive.
What to Expect on the Tour
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Arrival and Welcome
We love how welcoming this tour begins. You arrive at their spot at 301 Elm St, Ludlow, KY, and are greeted with the option to enjoy a coffee or cocktail from their talented mixologists. This sets a relaxed tone right away, making you feel more like a guest than a tourist.
The Distillation Secrets
The tour kicks off with a peek into how their still was built and how it produces such tasty spirits. While it’s not a deep technical explanation, the hosts do share enough to satisfy curiosity about the process. They talk about their daily routines, how they keep spirits consistent, and share a few fun stories along the way. We appreciate that they pull back the curtain to show the production area, giving you a look at how the magic happens—though this isn’t a full-blown behind-the-scenes production tour.
The Lounge and Quirky Features
One of the memorable stops is their lounge, which features the world’s Luckiest Bar Top—a ride you really have to see to believe. It’s a fun, light-hearted feature that adds a playful touch to the experience. Also, Fortuna, the friendly fortune fish, is a highlight; she’s charismatic and makes for some good photo opportunities, even if her predictions are a bit hit or miss.
Tasting Time
Most guests rave about the tasting session. You get to sample their Oak Eye Kentucky Bourbon, along with a hazelnutliqueur that’s quite popular, plus various rums and moonshines. The reviewer from Tripadvisor mentioned that they bought several bottles to take home, which indicates the quality and appeal of their spirits.
According to the tour info and reviews, this is less about learning the molecular science of distillation and more about enjoying the spirits and hearing entertaining stories. One reviewer pointed out that “it’s not really a tour as much as a fun presentation and background story before the tasting,” which sets the right expectation.
Additional Details
You’ll finish back at the starting point, having enjoyed an engaging hour and change of stories, spirits, and quirky features. The whole experience is private, so your group gets the personalized touch, and the price is quite reasonable for what you get—especially considering the quality of the spirits and the unique setting.
The Value of This Experience
The $18 price tag for a private tasting and storytelling session makes this a great value. You’re not just buying a souvenir bottle; you’re getting a fun, memorable experience that combines good spirits with storytelling and unique features. For spirits lovers or those interested in Kentucky’s craft scene, it’s a worthwhile investment—especially if you want a relaxed, informal introduction to local distilling.
While it may not satisfy those craving a full-blown science lesson or extensive behind-the-scenes access, it does deliver on personality and taste. Plus, the fact that the tour is booked, on average, 8 days in advance speaks to its growing popularity among travelers seeking something different.
Who is This Tour Best For?
This experience is ideal for casual spirits enthusiasts who want to enjoy tasting and storytelling in a laid-back setting. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate quirky, fun features like Fortuna or the Luckiest Bar Top. It’s not suited for travelers seeking detailed distillation processes or extensive factory visits, but if you’re up for a lighthearted, engaging experience with good drinks, this fits the bill.
It’s also accessible for most travelers, with most participants able to join and service animals allowed. It’s a short but memorable stop that fits well into a broader Kentucky trip, especially if you want to add a bit of personality and flavor to your day.
Final Thoughts
The Distillery Tour at Second Sight Spirits offers a surprisingly charming, engaging experience for those curious about Kentucky’s craft spirits scene. It’s more about the fun stories and tastings than technical details, but that’s exactly what many visitors find appealing. The quirky features, combined with quality spirits at a reasonable price, make it a highlight for travelers looking for a relaxed, memorable stop.
If you’re after a lively, informal introduction to Kentucky distilling with plenty of tastings and some fun surprises, this tour might just be a perfect fit. It’s a relaxed way to spend an hour or so, leaving you with new stories, a few bottles, and a genuine sense of local craftsmanship.
Distillery Tour at Second Sight Spirits with Spirits Tasting
“I based most of the stars on the liquor and the tasting. Its not really a tour as much as a fun presentation and background story before the tastin…”
FAQ
Is this a guided tour?
Yes, it’s a private guided experience that includes storytelling and tastings, not an extensive behind-the-scenes factory visit.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a quick but satisfying experience.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers recommend booking about 8 days ahead to secure a spot.
What spirits are included in the tasting?
You’ll taste Oak Eye Kentucky Bourbon, hazelnutliqueur, some rums, and moonshines, with the possibility of enjoying a few cocktails.
Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes, many guests purchase bottles after the tasting—some buy several to share or gift.
Is this activity suitable for children?
The tour is primarily geared toward adults, but service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
Is there a minimum group size?
Since it’s a private tour, it’s tailored to your group, but no specific minimum is noted.
What’s the price per person?
$18, which is quite reasonable considering the experience and tastings included.
Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, alcohol tastings typically mean participants need to be of legal drinking age.
Is there any transportation involved?
No, you meet at the specified location, and the tour ends back where it started.
If you’re after a fun, lighthearted introduction to Kentucky’s spirits scene, with plenty of tasting and some quirky features, this tour hits the right notes. It’s relaxed, personable, and offers good value—the perfect way to add a little flavor to your trip.