Bourbon History Tour

Kentucky’s bourbon history is a captivating tale of early European influence, the significance of corn, and the impact of oak barrel aging. Set out on a scenic Kentucky River cruise to uncover this distinctly American spirit’s storied past. As you savor light refreshments and bourbon samples, you’ll explore the region’s distillation legacy – from the 18th century to the Prohibition-era bootlegging. Get ready to explore Daniel Boone’s legacy and discover why this tour offers a truly immersive experience.

Good To Know

• Explore the rich history of bourbon, a distinctly American spirit, through a private boat cruise along the Kentucky River.
• Discover the influence of early European settlers on bourbon distillation techniques and the significance of oak barrel aging.
• Explore the challenges faced by the bourbon industry during the Prohibition era, including the rise of bootlegging and secret speakeasies.
• Visit the Daniel Boone Burial Site and learn about the explorer’s role in the development of Kentucky and its bourbon heritage.
• Enjoy a selection of light refreshments, including bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and bourbon samples, enhancing the immersive bourbon history experience.

Kentucky River Cruise

As guests embark on the Bourbon History Tour, they’re treated to a private boat cruise along the tranquil Kentucky River.

Gliding across the water, they take in the scenic shoreline and pass by the Daniel Boone Burial site. The guide shares captivating tales of the region’s whiskey and bourbon history, including the infamous bootlegging activities during Prohibition.

Guests sip on light refreshments – bottled water, soda, and even a few alcoholic beverages – as they listen, immersed in the rich heritage of Kentucky’s signature spirit.

This unique on-the-water experience complements the tour’s deep dive into bourbon’s past.

Whiskey and Bourbon History

Although bourbon is now recognized as a distinctly American spirit, its origins can be traced back to the 18th century.

The tour explores the rich history of bourbon and whiskey in Kentucky, including:

• The influence of early European settlers in shaping the distillation techniques

• The role of corn as a primary ingredient and its impact on the flavor profile

• The significance of oak barrel aging in developing the characteristic caramel and vanilla notes

• The impact of Prohibition and the subsequent resurgence of the bourbon industry

• The modern-day renaissance of craft distilleries and their innovative approaches to bourbon production.

Prohibition-Era Bootlegging

During the Prohibition era of the 1920s, Kentucky’s bourbon industry faced a significant challenge. The federal ban on alcohol production and sales drove the bourbon trade underground. Enterprising distillers and whiskey enthusiasts became bootleggers, illegally producing and distributing bourbon. Some managed to survive by creating secret speakeasies and delivering coveted bottles via hidden routes. The risks were high, but the rewards could be lucrative for those willing to operate in the shadows. This period tested the resilience of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, setting the stage for its eventual resurgence.

Prohibition	Bourbon
Federal ban	Bootlegging
Risks	Rewards
Speakeasies	Hidden Routes
Resilience	Resurgence

Exploring Daniel Boone’s Legacy

The Kentucky River winds its way through the picturesque landscapes that Kentucky explorer Daniel Boone once traversed.

Along the riverbanks, guests on the Bourbon History Tour catch glimpses of sites that hold significance to Boone’s legacy:

• The Daniel Boone Burial Site, where the legendary frontiersman was laid to rest in 1820.
• Remnants of Boonesborough, the frontier settlement Boone founded in 1770.
• The Boone Trace, an important wilderness trail blazed by Boone that connected Virginia to Kentucky.
• Scenic vistas that inspired Boone’s sense of exploration and adventure.
• Artifacts and historical markers that commemorate Boone’s integral role in Kentucky’s development.

Refreshments and Amenities

As visitors embark on the Bourbon History Tour, they’re treated to a selection of light refreshments to enhance their experience. The tour includes bottled water, soda, and even alcoholic beverages, allowing guests to sip and savor the flavors of Kentucky’s rich whiskey history.

Refreshment	Availability
Bottled Water	Included
Soda	Included
Beer	Included
Wine	Included
Bourbon Samples	Included

These thoughtful amenities ensure a comfortable and immersive tour, allowing travelers to fully engage with the bourbon-making process and the captivating history of the region.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Participants in the Bourbon History Tour convene at the Frankfort Boat Club Head Boat, located at 101 Riverboat Landing in Frankfort, Kentucky.

The tour begins promptly at 4:00 PM and returns to the same meeting point. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Plus, the location is situated near public transportation.

This private group tour offers a personalized experience, with the knowledgeable and engaging guide, Nathan, leading the way through the bourbon-soaked history.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Private group tour

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

What do travelers have to say about the Bourbon History Tour? According to the 219 reviews, the tour receives a 5.0 out of 5 rating, with 100% of guests recommending it.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff, highlighting the beautiful scenery and informative history. Many find the experience unique compared to traditional distillery tours.

The personalized private boat cruise on the Kentucky River and exploration of bourbon and bootlegging history during Prohibition are consistently cited as tour highlights.

Additional Tour Offerings

Along With the popular Bourbon History Tour, the tour company offers several other experiences for visitors interested in exploring Kentucky’s rich whiskey legacy.

These include:

• A behind-the-scenes distillery tour, providing an insider’s look at the bourbon-making process.

• A tasting experience featuring rare and limited-edition bourbons from local distilleries.

• A culinary tour highlighting the role of bourbon in Kentucky cuisine, with food and drink pairings.

• A bourbon cocktail mixology class, teaching guests how to craft classic and contemporary bourbon-based cocktails.

• A bourbon-themed scavenger hunt through historic Frankfort, uncovering the city’s bootlegging past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Gratuities Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include gratuities. Guests are expected to provide tips to the tour guide and staff at their own discretion based on the quality of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?

No, guests can’t bring their own alcoholic beverages on the tour. The tour includes complimentary bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages as part of the experience. Bringing outside alcohol is not permitted.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the tour, though guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriately for the activity. Casual attire like jeans, shirts, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended to enjoy the boat cruise and outdoor portions of the experience.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific tour guide. The company notes that their guide Nathan is recognized for his engaging storytelling, so requesting him would provide a personalized experience tailored to your interests.

How Often Do the Tours Run Throughout the Day?

The tours run once daily at 4:00 PM. Guests can’t request a specific tour guide, but the knowledgeable staff provide a personalized experience. The company offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start.

The Sum Up

The Bourbon History Tour offers a captivating journey through Kentucky’s whiskey heritage. Guests will cruise the scenic Kentucky River, learn about the influential role of European settlers and corn in bourbon production, and explore the region’s storied past, including the impact of Prohibition-era bootlegging. With bourbon samples and light refreshments, this tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the rich traditions of this distinctly American spirit.