Louisville’s bourbon scene just got an exciting new addition. Louisville Tourism has officially launched the Bourbon City Companion, a curated and elevated guide designed to help both visitors and locals explore the rich bourbon culture that makes Louisville one of America’s most spirited destinations.
The new guide debuted on April 10 during the city’s annual Mint Julep Month® celebration at the downtown Louisville Visitor Center, marking another milestone in Louisville’s growing reputation as the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
A Curated Look Into Bourbon City
The Bourbon City Companion was created to offer more than just a list of distilleries. Instead, it provides an immersive look into Louisville’s bourbon culture with a thoughtfully curated collection of experiences, recommendations, and insider knowledge.
Inside the guide, readers will find:
- A bourbon primer for beginners and enthusiasts alike
- A directory of Louisville distilleries and tasting rooms
- Hands-on bourbon experiences and blending classes
- Culinary pairings and bourbon-focused dining experiences
- Louisville’s standout bourbon cocktail bars
- Cultural attractions connected to bourbon heritage
- Classic bourbon cocktail recipes
- Annual bourbon events and festivals
- A refreshed look at the Urban Bourbon Trail®
The newly updated Urban Bourbon Trail® now serves as an annual, expert-curated guide to some of Louisville’s best bourbon bars and restaurants, helping guests discover the city’s evolving bourbon scene beyond the distilleries themselves.
As Stacey Yates, Chief Marketing Officer for Louisville Tourism, explained:
“Bourbon isn’t just something you taste in Louisville—it’s something you feel in the atmosphere. This guide helps visitors tap into that, from their first sip on Whiskey Row to the places where the story of bourbon really comes to life.”
Mint Julep Month® Celebration Launch
The Bourbon City Companion officially launched during Louisville’s beloved Mint Julep Month® festivities, a tradition celebrating the city’s signature cocktail in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby.
The launch event at the Louisville Visitor Center featured:
- Bourbon tastings from Copper & Kings
- Live music by Esteemed Colleagues
- Light bites and giveaways
- A celebration of Louisville’s bourbon heritage in the heart of downtown
For over 13 years, Mint Julep Month® has helped showcase Louisville’s connection to bourbon and Derby season, attracting bourbon lovers from around the world each spring.avor, but its intensity and specific nuance.
Where to Get the Bourbon City Companion
The Bourbon City Companion is available exclusively at the downtown Louisville Visitor Center at 301 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40202 for $7.99. Guests who spend $25 or more on Just Add Bourbon merchandise can also receive a complimentary copy.
For travelers planning their bourbon getaway, Louisville Tourism also offers its annual Visitor Guide featuring:
- Louisville attractions
- Bourbon distilleries
- Dining recommendations
- Lodging options
- Local experiences throughout the city
Planning Your Louisville Bourbon Experience
As Louisville continues to grow as a premier bourbon destination, guides like the Bourbon City Companion make it easier than ever to navigate the city’s incredible bourbon culture.
Whether you’re visiting Whiskey Row for the first time, exploring the Urban Bourbon Trail®, or heading out on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® itself, Louisville offers a bourbon experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
For visitors wanting to make the most of their trip, guided transportation and curated bourbon tours can help turn a good bourbon vacation into an unforgettable one. From iconic distilleries to hidden gems, Louisville remains the perfect starting point for exploring Kentucky bourbon country.
At Sip Kentucky Bourbon Tours, we love seeing Louisville continue to elevate the bourbon experience for visitors from around the world—and the Bourbon City Companion is another great way to help guests discover everything Bourbon City has to offer.
Summary
- Louisville Tourism launched the new Bourbon City Companion, a curated guide to Louisville’s bourbon culture and experiences.
- The guide features Louisville distilleries, bourbon bars, cocktail recipes, culinary pairings, and the updated Urban Bourbon Trail®.
- The Bourbon City Companion debuted during Mint Julep Month® celebrations ahead of Kentucky Derby season.
- Visitors can purchase the guide at the downtown Louisville Visitor Center or receive it free with qualifying Just Add Bourbon merchandise purchases.
- Louisville continues growing as a top bourbon tourism destination and gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
At Sip Kentucky, we are your ultimate companion for this journey. From customizing your itinerary to the most esteemed distilleries to providing expert guidance on recognizing intricate bourbon flavor profiles during your tastings, we ensure every sip is a discovery.
While you’re in Louisville let Sip Kentucky Bourbon Tours help elevate your experiences.
