Being the only native spirit to America, bourbon comes with a rich history. Dating back to Irish-Scottish immigrants in the early 1600's whisky traveled overseas and has found its home in Kentucky. Irish-Scottish immigrants from Pennsylvania traveled to Virginia as the United States expanded and they took their whisky making with them. Kentucky was originally part of Virginia until it was named the 15th state in the union in 1792. At the time the Governor of Virginia was Thomas Jefferson and in efforts to expand into unknown territories and to keep Irish-Scottish immigrants happy after the Whisky Rebellion he offered 60 acres of land in Kentucky if a permanent structure was built and native corn was grown. 60 acres of corn was more than a family could ever consume and much of it perished. However, bourbon could be made with the excess corn and that prevented the loss of perished crops.

Bourbon received its name due to two circumstances. The state of Virginia had a large amount of French immigrants. Once Virginia and Kentucky became two different states the first Kentucky county took the name of the French royal family, Bourbon. Among the settlers of Bourbon County, KY, Reverend Elijah Craig produced whisky and sent it to New Orleans. Legend has it that Elijah experienced a fire while making his whisky. Once the fire was extinguished all the barrels were left charred. Elijah was a frugal man and decided to use the charred barrels. Corn based whisky was clear when produced. Elijah sent his first batch of clear whisky in charred barrels to New Orleans and to the recipients surprise the clear liquid had a light caramel color and vanilla flavoring. Elijah named his new whisky, bourbon and the people loved it!

Prior to prohibition in 1920 whisky bourbon distilleries were abundant. Once the federal law passed in 1920, that banned alcohol, only 4 distilleries remained open for medicinal purposes. Many distilleries were unable to reopen once prohibition ended in 1933. In 1964 congress passed a resolution that protected the term 'Bourbon' and the way it is produced. Bourbon must have a content of 51% but no more that 80% corn, aged for at least two years, distilled under 160 proof, and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Today Bourbon whisky is one of the most interesting spirits to explore.

The Bourbon Trail is composed of seven distilleries: Makers Mark, Heaven Hill, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, and Jim Bean. Each distillery offers a unique experience to visitors and Mint Julep Tours offers packages to each distillery. We look forward to sharing the history of bourbon with you on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.