The tours of the Jim Beam, Makers Mark, and Jack Daniels Distilleries all cover fascinating information about the history of their brand and an inside look at their distilling process. You may also take advantage of the tasting at the end of the tour. There were similarities in their distilling process of each brand, but each distillery also had its own unique methodology. Each distillery was located in a beautiful location among trees and rolling hills. And don’t miss the food. Each distillery has an amazing restaurant.
A few interesting facts I learned on the tours:
- Bourbon has to be at least 51% corn and not more than 160 proof.
- Ethanol vapor escapes from the aging barrels into the air and feeds a whiskey fungus which turns everything black, especially the trees.
- The hole in the oak barrel is called a bung hole. The plug that seals the hole is called a bung.
- Oak barrels can only be used once. Used barrels are sold.
- The leftover corn mixture is sold to farmers.
- Making the best bourbon or whiskey requires water that has been filtered thru limestone.
Jim Beam American Stillhouse – Clermont, Kentucky
The Jim Beam American Stillhouse is located 30 minutes south of Louisville, Kentucky. There is also a Jim Beam distillery in Louisville called the Urban Stillhouse. This was our first distillery tour. Did you know that when the Revenuers came looking for the stills, they would look for the black trees? Black trees meant a still was nearby. We saw many black trees. It was very cool. You also get to put y0ur fingerprint in the wax on a bottle of your choice. Make reservations.
After the tour be sure and eat at Fred’s Smokehouse. The brisket was amazing. I had the brisket tacos. Try the brisket nachos or a brisket sandwich. Desserts were wonderful.
Makers Mark – Loretto, Kentucky
Makers Mark is located 1 hour 15 minutes south of Louisville, Kentucky and well worth the drive. Makers Mark was the longest, most interesting, and most beautiful tour. Y0u get to dip your own bottle in red wax. They also had artwork displayed throughout the various buildings. The current art exhibit will be only be there for a few months and then they will put in another exhibit. Make reservations.
Make sure you eat at Star Hill Provisions on site. My Hot Brown was incredible. A “Hot Brown” is a Louisville area food specialty. It was so good. You must try one.
Jack Daniels – Lynchburg, Tennessee
Jack Daniels is located 1 hour 25 minutes from Nashville, Tennessee, 1 hour 32 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and 1 hour from Huntsville. Alabama. It’s well worth the drive for the tour and all of the unique shops in the Historic Square in Lynchburg. Jack Daniels makes whiskey. They use an additional filtering process using charred wood to make the whiskey smoother. Did you know Lynchburg, TN where the distillery is located is a dry county? Also, you can have your name etched on any bottle you purchase. Make reservations.
While you are there you might want to sample the southern style home cooking at Miss Mary Bobos. It’s a short walk from the distillery. You need a reservation. You might also try the BBQ at Barrelhouse BBQ.
Pics of Art Display at Makers Mark
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