This blog post was updated on October 16, 2018.
In Kentucky and Louisville for that matter, bourbon is a way of living. When you are home to America’s only native spirit, you are entitled to believe bourbon is much more than just a drink. Bourbon and Louisville have long had a relationship stemming from the time when Evan Williams first marketed whiskey to the city in 1780. Distilleries would cover the city by the 1920s so much so that Main Street was nicknamed Whiskey Row. While most head for the hills beyond Louisville for the Bourbon Trail, there is plenty to drink in the city limits.
If you can’t make it to Louisville for the fancy hats and horses at the Kentucky Derby, you might as well drown your sorrows in a glass of bourbon any other time of the year. And while the city claims some of the best bourbon bars in the world, we have paired down three that certainly won’t leave you thirsty.
Bourbon’s Bistro: Located in the historic Clifton Area of Louisville on Frankfort Avenue, Bourbon’s Bistro is a key stop on any bourbon journey through town. Not only has the establishment won critical acclaim as a bourbon bar, but also it keeps stomachs full with its bourbon-drenched menu. Once you have sampled a Kentucky favorite dish, you can move on to the over 130 bourbons at the bar. The selection ranges from rare and unique bourbons to exclusive featured bourbons. Bourbon’s Bistro finishes off the bourbon finishes with its charming historic location. The bar and restaurant resides in a building from 1877.
Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar and Lounge: One place in Louisville claims to be home to the country’s largest bourbon collection. While you could challenge Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar and Lounge about this claim, it is best just to sample a few of its 150 different bourbons. The proof is in the bourbon. If you can’t decide on a bourbon, you can always order a flight to sample different kinds. Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar and Lounge also serves up signature bourbon drinks. You can find this bourbon bar in the Galt House Hotel right in downtown.
Old Seelbach Bar: Located in the Seelbach Hilton, the Old Seelbach Bar boasts a splash of bourbon and history at the same time. The bar has been restored to its early 1900s glory with rich mahogany and leather accents. The Old Seelbach Bar features an extensive collection of bourbon with a knack for serving up exquisitely smooth single barrels. The bar is also said to have been a favorite of F. Scott Fitzgerald. If your sweet tooth is calling you here, you can order up one of the Old Seelbach Bar’s desserts. In keeping with the bourbon mood, the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is always a good idea.
What’s your favorite bourbon barn in Louisville?
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