Gettin' Lucky in Kentucky

A Luminating concert, Bourbon distilleries, and Kentucky Fried Chicken

I never imagined I would enjoy Bourbon. For years, it seemed to me to be the drink of choice for men in Cowboy boots and dingy Wranglers. I always imagined an awful murky taste followed by an uncomfortable burn.

I was so wrong.

After spending some time planning a Bourbon-themed fundraising event at a prior job, I grew not only a sincere appreciation for the smoky dark drink but also a craving for it. It was only through conversations with Bourbon connoisseurs that I became interested in sampling the various kinds as well as one day visiting where they were barreled. And once I discovered that one of my favorite bands was having a concert in the same place, it was a no brainer to book a flight and plan my Bourbon getaway.

Accommodations

The neon pink trademark lights of Moxy hotels have always piqued my interest so I decided to give the one located in the heart of Louisville a chance. While I loved the location and the service was impeccable, the rooms were reminiscent of my college dorm Freshman year.

Extremely compact with no actual separated bathroom, each room is only large enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed. A curtain serves as a partition between the sleeping nook and the shower, sink and commode (which is thankfully in its own space with a door). There is no closet but are convenient hooks along the walls to hang your belongings.

For one person, this hotel is ideal, especially as the lobby area is a gorgeous space for socializing and includes a bar, taco spot, game area, and comfortable seating. However, if traveling as a couple, you may be fighting for space on the bed and could very well get on one another’s nerves moving about in such a cramped space.

Activities

Day #1

Lumineers Concert: I have this theory that about 90% of people that hike adore The Lumineers. This folk-rock band is one of my all-time faves and their performance at the KFC Yum! Center did not disappoint! One of the pluses of staying at The Moxy was that the Yum! Center was just one block away, so I was able to enjoy a quick drink in the lobby bar before walking over. If you love The Lumineers and have yet to see them perform… do yourself a favor and go.

Day #2

Woodford Reserve: I was told that Woodford Reserve is the Cadillac of distilleries and, while I only visited four on this trip, I have no doubt that it is one of the more high-end, if not most plush, distillery in Kentucky. The grounds are immaculate; combining historical original structures with more contemporary buildings, Woodford Reserve does an amazing job at maintaining its beautiful history while letting guests know that they are a top tier Bourbon.

The interior of the main building is lavish, with stunning displays, gorgeous lighting, and an encased $2,000 Bourbon bottled in Baccarat crystal. Would you like a sample of it? You can enjoy a tasting at their fancy bar across the road for a mere $150.

Our tour was incredible and included a history of the distillery, a look into the barrel rooms, and a tasting paired with chocolates.

After the tour, guests were invited to enjoy a specialty cocktail at their gorgeous bar, some of which included their custom batch of mixers. Woodford Reserve is one of my personal favorites as far as a Bourbon goes, with a flavor that combines honey, vanilla, and citrus. If you like a balance of sweetness and spice in your Bourbons, this is an excellent choice.

Castle & Key: I stumbled upon Castle & Key during a search of newer and lesser-known distilleries. I knew that I wanted to try a new Bourbon and the grounds of Castle & Key were intriguing enough to make me want to visit. Just six miles from Woodford Reserve, this opulent distillery does make their Bourbon in a castle! Surrounded by blooming gardens that lead to a babbling brook, the history of Castle & Key is incredibly fascinating.

Built in the late 1800’s the distillery went from a thriving business to complete abandonment until 2012, when a visionary came across old photographs and decided to restore it to its original splendor. While on the tour, you can see the amazing progress as well as the work that still needs to be tended to, but I found the vine covered walls, faded brick and natural growth to be quite dreamy.

Basking in the sun with my cocktail while listening to the rushing sounds of the nearby waterfall were only overshadowed by the fact that I arrived too late to snag a bottle of Bourbon. Since the distillery just went back into operation in 2018 (and Bourbon needs time to age in the barrels), there is a limited amount of Bourbon ready for purchase.

Each day, Castle & Key sells only 100 bottles, with a limit of one per guest. By my 3:00 pm tour, everything was sold out. However, along with Bourbon, this distillery makes an incredible Gin and Vodka, which were included in my tasting, and which I preferred in taste over the bourbon.

Day #3

Maker’s Mark: Going to start by saying that Maker’s Mark was, easily, my favorite distillery on this trip. Who would have thought charcoal and bright red hues would suit the countryside so well?

Maker’s is one of my personal favorite Bourbons so visiting the grounds was something special. Sprawling over 1,000 acres, the distillery is quite stunning and has so many Insta-worthy spots that one can almost get distracted while on tour. But do not worry, there is plenty of time to explore the grounds, including stopping for lunch at Star Hill Provisions or sipping on one of their specialty cocktails at the bar.

While the beauty of the distillery is memorable, the tour itself is not only entertaining but full of interesting facts. Did you know that EVERY bottle of Maker’s is still dipped by hand? Or that the famous red wax branding was the brainchild of Margie Samuels, the co-founder and wife of Bill Samuels? I was intrigued by Ms. Margie, whose influence and memory has been beautifully recorded throughout the distillery – a rarity in the mostly male-dominant distilleries throughout the state.

One cannot leave this place without dipping his or her own bottle. Even if you do not partake in Bourbon or Maker’s is not your favorite, choosing your own special bottle, including from a selection that cannot be found in stores, and hand dipping it the Crayola red wax is an unforgettable experience.

Angel’s Envy: I had always wondered how Angel’s Envy earned its name… and I will not divulge it here because I do not want to ruin the tour for you. But I will talk about how this outwardly unassuming distillery located in the heart of Louisville became one of the highlights of my trip.

I first tried Angel’s Envy at a charity event and was pleasantly surprised by its sweetness. The subtle notes of vanilla and maple syrup mingle with ripe fruits for an easy sipping experience. The fact that this bourbon is also finished in port wine barrels only adds to its distinct and smooth flavor, pairing very well with chocolates – both white and milk.

If you love industrial meets earthy design, you will be enamored with the interior of this contemporary space. Bright oak combined with bronzed copper, shiny steel, and lush greenery serve as the backdrop during your tour, which leads you through the entire distilling process and ends with a delicious flight paired with sweet treats. The bar and the cocktails at Angel’s Envy were easily my favorite of all distilleries visited, and I highly encourage carving out time after your tour to soak up this space.

Day #4

Louisville Slugger Museum: Batter Up! One cannot leave Louisville without stopping for a visit at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Even if you have zero interest in this great American pastime, I promise that you will enjoy the tour through the factory where they handmake bats for professional baseball players.

This museum is simply beautiful. From the bronzed autograph wall when you first walk into the wax figures of baseball greats, including Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson. Be sure to strike a pose before the tour with the bat of a famous player – yes, their ACTUAL bat. I did not think I was going to be as excited as I was when I held onto Hank Aaron’s bat, but it was something special!

The factory tour leads you through the entire bat making process – from tree trunk to finishing. Along the way, you get to learn how every bat is different and specially made for each player, varying in weight, height, and even type of wood. It is a great tour that does not take up more than one hour of your day and worth the visit!

Muhammed Ali Center: Just a few short blocks away from the Louisville Slugger Museum is the Muhammed Ali Center & Museum. I am embarrassed to admit that I did not even know Louisville was the birthplace of Ali and am glad I had the chance to visit this space dedicated to his career and community work.

The Muhammed Ali Center is a visual work of art. Bold pictures and inspiring videos take you through Ali’s personal life, career, and work as a man of action and purpose. What I loved most about this space was the equal dedicated to his greatness as a boxer AND a humanitarian. It is in an educational and interactive museum that both children and adults will enjoy.

Louisville offered tons of southern hospitality, good eats (yes, the fried chicken DOES taste like KFC), and delicious Bourbon. While family friendly entertainment is available, this city is made for adults with its late-night live music joints, distilleries with incredible Bourbon, and dive bars. So, book your flight, sit back, and sip awhile.