Like wine lovers who dream of traveling to Bordeaux or beer enthusiasts with visions of the breweries of Belgium, bourbon lovers plan their pilgrimages to Kentucky. Some of the most famous distilleries are tucked away in the scenic Bluegrass region, which is home to nearly seventy distilleries and responsible for 95 percent of all of America's bourbon production. Locals and tourists alike continue to seek out the world's finest whiskeys in Kentucky as interest in America's only native spirit continues to grow.

In Kentucky Bourbon Country, now in its third edition, Susan Reigler offers updated, essential information and practical advice to anyone considering a trip to the state's distilleries (including the state's booming craft distillery sector) or the restaurants and bars on the Urban Bourbon Trail. Featuring more than two hundred full-color photographs and a bourbon glossary, the book is organized by region and provides valuable details about the Bluegrass―including attractions near each distillery and notes on restaurants, lodging, shopping, and seasonal events in Kentucky's beautiful historic towns.

In addition to providing knowledge about each point of interest, Kentucky Bourbon Country weaves in little-known facts about the region's best-kept secrets, such as the historic distillery used as a set in the movie Stripes and the fates of used bourbon barrels. Whether you're interested in visiting the place where your favorite bourbon is made or hoping to discover exciting new varieties, this handy and practical guide is the key to enjoying the best of bourbon.

Paperback: 264 pages

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky; third edition edition (October 6, 2020)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches

Review

"Deeply researched and thoroughly indexed, this guide should satisfy any thirsty and curious visitor to the Bluegrass State."―Publishers Weekly

"Bourbon lovers will find a vacation in a binding with this wonderful book, whether or not the car ever leaves the driveway; for travelers, it's the perfect planning guide. Folks less enamored of bourbon will still enjoy the history and geography lessons learned, as well as the glorious art."―Louisville Courier-Journal

"Guests can easily carry this splendid Kentucky tourist manual while looking for a distillery to visit or other delightful Kentucky attractions."―The Southeastern Librarian

"Kentucky Bourbon Country leapfrogs internet travel sites and gives a comprehensive travel guide that digs deep into each Kentucky region. . . . As a Kentuckian, I'm thrilled with how Reigler explores not only bourbon, but takes you inside several relatively unknown destinations."―Whisky Advocate

"One of the most detailed and comprehensive guides I have come across; this is a lifeline for anyone looking for a unique experience, whether this is their first or tenth trip to the state."―Seattle Book Review

About the Author

Susan Reigler is a former restaurant critic for the Louisville Courier-Journal and a current correspondent for Bourbon+ and American Whiskey magazines. She has also authored or coauthored six books on bourbon, and in 2019, she was inducted into the Order of the Writ. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky. Carol Peachee is a fine art photographer and cofounder of the Kentucky Women's Photography Network. She has published several books and is the winner of the 2010 Elizabeth Fort Duncan Award in photography from the Hopkinsville Art Guild. She lives in Lexington, Kentucky. Pam Spaulding, a veteran photographer and photojournalist, is the photographer of The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parks and The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Curated Kentucky Books & Reads

Matt Jamie's book, Eat Your Bourbon

The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook

The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktails Books

The Kentucky Mint Julep Book by Joe Nickell

The Bourbon Country Cookbook

Burgoo, Barbecue, and Bourbon Book

Bourbon Desserts Book

More Kentucky Bourbon Cocktails Book

Bourbon Justice Book

American Whiskey Tasting Notebook: Rye, Malt, Tennessee & Others

Kentucky Bourbon Country: The Essential Travel Guide Book

The Old Fashioned: An Essential Guide to the Original Whiskey Cocktail Book