Bourbon Lovers, Take Note: this Whiskey Trail Just Got a Whole Lot Longer

Sunday, 01 February 2026 at 10:01

Around the world, there are plenty of whisk(e)y routes to explore. In the United States, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail just got a major expansion, with no fewer than 10 new destinations added.

The iconic bourbon program welcomes 10 new stops, including an impressive four in the city of Louisville. It’s a clear reminder that Kentucky remains the beating heart of bourbon production and tourism in the United States.

What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail was established in 1999. Back then it was a modest venture with just seven distilleries. In the years since, it has grown into an internationally recognized attraction that draws more than 2.5 million visitors annually.

With the latest additions, the trail now features 68 locations across 32 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. According to Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, this expansion reflects the exceptional growth of the Bourbon Trail.

He notes that the program began at a time when large parts of the state were still “dry,” and that its success has proven to be immensely valuable to Kentucky—both economically and culturally.

What are the new stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

The new additions include both established names and bold innovators. Here’s the full list:

WhistlePig Distillery & Bottling (Brandenburg, Meade County)
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery (Frankfort)
Dark Arts Whiskey House (Lexington)
LF Heritage Distilling (Georgetown)
Left Bank Distilling Co. (Louisville)
Chicken Cock Whiskey Circa 1856 Tasting Room (Louisville)
Green River Louisville Tasting Room (Louisville)
WhistlePig, The Vault Tasting Experience (Louisville)
General George Stillhouse (Falls of Rough)
Purple Toad Winery & Distillery (Paducah)

The expansion is especially good news for Louisville, where more and more whiskey producers are setting up shop. There, many of the stops are an easy walk from one another.

With multiple tasting rooms and experiences within strolling distance, the city is tapping into the growing demand for accessible bourbon experiences for both local visitors and international travelers.

How do you take part in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Whiskey lovers ready to hit the trail can plan tours and make reservations via the official Bourbon Trail website. With these new additions, the route offers more variety than ever, as Kentucky continues to evolve and showcase its bourbon heritage to a global audience.