Bourbon & Derby: Makers Mark or Buffalo Trace + Churchill Down

The "Bourbon & Derby" tour offers the ultimate Kentucky experience, blending the state’s two most iconic attractions – bourbon distilleries and the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack. Visitors can explore the craftsmanship behind renowned bourbon brands like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace, before seeing the rich history and excitement of the Kentucky Derby. This unique combination of spirit and sport makes for an unforgettable day in the Bluegrass State. But the real question is, which distillery will you choose to visit?

Key Points

• This tour includes a visit to either Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace distillery, as well as pre-booked admission to Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby.
• The tour price starts at $239 per person and has a maximum group size of 10, with hotel pickup and bottled water provided.
• Guests can learn about the bourbon-making process, explore the craftsmanship, and taste specialty bourbons during the distillery visit.
• The Churchill Downs experience allows visitors to explore the racetrack, visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, and take photos at the iconic Twin Spires.
• Customer reviews mention positive experiences with the driver service and distillery visits, but some criticize the high pricing and short time at each location.

Tour Overview

The Kentucky Bourbon Distillery and Churchill Downs Tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, including a visit to either Maker’s Mark or another distillery of their choice.

Prebooked admission to Churchill Downs is included, and travelers can opt to add a second distillery stop for an additional $29.99.

The tour price starts at $239.00 per person, with a maximum group size of 10.

Hotel pickup in downtown Louisville and bottled water are provided.

The tour operates Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Itinerary and Logistics

The meeting point for the tour is the 21c Museum Hotel, located at 700 W Main St in Louisville, KY.

Confirmation and the itinerary are sent via email after booking.

The tour operates Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and on Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required.

The tour may vary based on distillery availability.

Visitors should book the optional additional distillery visit in advance.

The tour isn’t suitable for infants, and lunch isn’t included.

Included Bourbon-Making Experiences

Visitors on the Bourbon & Derby tour get to learn about the bourbon-making process and taste specialty bourbons.

They’ll explore the craftsmanship that goes into creating these beloved spirits, from mashing the grains to barrel aging.

The tour includes admission to one of Kentucky’s premier distilleries, where guests can witness firsthand the various stages of production.

Whether it’s Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace, the tour provides an immersive experience, allowing bourbon enthusiasts to savor the flavors and aromas that make these distilleries renowned.

It’s a must-do for anyone seeking to explore the rich heritage of Kentucky’s bourbon culture.

Churchill Downs Experience

After exploring the bourbon-making process, the tour participants then visit the iconic Churchill Downs, home of the renowned Kentucky Derby.

Guests receive pre-booked admission, allowing them to explore the racetrack and its storied history. They can stroll through the grounds, visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, and even pose for photos at the iconic Twin Spires.

The tour provides the opportunity to experience the excitement and tradition of this legendary venue, complementing the bourbon tasting portion of the day.

With advance reservations, travelers can seamlessly integrate the Churchill Downs stop into their bourbon-focused itinerary.

Additional Distillery Visit Option

For an additional fee of $29.99, tour participants can choose to include a second distillery stop on their itinerary.

This option allows visitors to explore another iconic Kentucky bourbon destination beyond the first distillery visit included in the base tour package.

With this add-on, travelers can dive deeper into the rich heritage and production methods that make Kentucky bourbon so renowned.

However, the availability of this extra distillery stop may vary based on the schedule and capacity of the facilities.

Guests should check with the tour operator for the latest details prior to booking.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

The Bourbon & Derby tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.0 out of 42 reviews, with many positive comments highlighting the driver’s service and the enjoyable experiences at the distilleries.

However, the tour has also received some critiques, including:

1. Perceived high pricing
2. Short time at each location
3. Cancellation issues
4. Recommendations for independent planning using rental cars

Specific mentions of Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark as highlights suggest these distilleries provide memorable experiences.

Travelers are advised to book distillery tours directly for potentially better experiences, as the tour operator has been noted for lack of communication regarding cancellations and maintenance at distilleries.

Important Considerations

While the Bourbon & Derby tour offers a convenient package for exploring Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and the iconic Churchill Downs, there are a few important considerations for potential travelers.

The tour may not be wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required. Plus, the tour’s itinerary can vary based on distillery availability, and there have been reports of communication issues regarding cancellations and maintenance at the distilleries.

Travelers may want to consider booking distillery tours directly for a more tailored experience.

Ultimately, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to bourbon and horse racing, but travelers should be mindful of the potential logistical challenges.

Planning Your Bourbon and Derby Adventure

Planning a bourbon and horse racing adventure in Kentucky requires careful consideration of the available options. The Kentucky Bourbon Distillery and Churchill Downs Tour is a popular choice, offering visits to a distillery like Maker’s Mark and prebooked admission to Churchill Downs.

Travelers can even add a second distillery stop for an additional fee. Other key points to consider include:

1. Tour schedule and operating hours
2. Physical fitness requirements and accessibility
3. Cancellation policies and potential issues with communication
4. Recommendations to book distillery tours independently for better experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement specified for this tour. The tour is suitable for adults, and children may be allowed to accompany their parents, though the tour may not be suitable for young children due to the physical activity involved.

Can I Request a Specific Bourbon Tasting at the Distillery?

Yes, you can request a specific bourbon tasting at the distillery. The tour includes an opportunity to taste specialty bourbons, and you can add an additional distillery visit upon prior request to customize your tasting experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Churchill Downs Portion?

There is no specific dress code for the Churchill Downs portion of the tour. However, visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, as the tour may involve walking around the racetrack and other outdoor areas.

Can I Purchase Additional Bourbon Bottles During the Tour?

Visitors can purchase additional bourbon bottles during the tour. The tour includes an opportunity to visit a distillery and shop for bourbon products, so travelers can buy extra bottles if desired.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The standard price of $239 per person applies to all travelers, regardless of age or student status. However, group discounts may be available for larger bookings.

Sum Up

The "Bourbon & Derby" tour offers an unparalleled experience, blending the rich bourbon culture of Kentucky with the iconic history of the Kentucky Derby. Guests can explore renowned distilleries, savor specialty bourbons, and enjoy the grandeur of Churchill Downs. This unique combination makes for an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of Kentucky’s most celebrated traditions.