I mentioned in a previous post about some of my favorite bourbon people I would be doing a series based on photographs I’ve taken across bourbon country.  This post is all about some of my favorite bourbon places, as captured out in the field.  This is by no means an all-inclusive list.  These are just photographs of some of the many awesome places I’ve been in Kentucky over the last two years.

The Old Taylor Distillery, for which I coined the hash tag #BourbonPhoenix, is a magical place that was almost lost to time.  It closed down decades ago and was left to ruin until the bourbon boom came along and investors saw potential there.  Now the place is under renovation and the historical site will be saved for future generations.  The distillery is expected to begin distillation within the next month or so and will open to the public in April of 2016.  Master Distillery MariAnne Barnes has great plans for the future of this beautiful and historic site!

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is a place that feels like home.  They have some of the best events, many of which are kid-friendly.  As a bonus I always run into bourbon community friends there, including the amazing Freddie Johnson.  Taking the kids to the Easter Egg Hunt in the spring has become a yearly tradition.  It’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon any time of the year.  It’s also a great place to learn more about the area’s rich history.

Woodford Reserve Distillery is another historic site that was almost lost to time.  The Old Oscar Pepper Distillery is a place where sanitation in the distilling business was pioneered.  Brown-Forman saved this site from ruin and turned it into a home for its Woodford Reserve brand.  It’s also one of the most beautiful places in bourbon country, nestled in rolling hills among thoroughbred horse farms.

The Bourbon Review Shindig at Taylor Made Farm combines all the things that make Kentucky great into one awesome party.  Live music, bourbon, and horses all set the stage for this beautiful party in a barn adorned by twinkling lights.  Nothing says Kentucky quite like a shrimp and grits bar!

Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl and Jordan McFarland