The Urban Bourbon Trail: A New Twist on an Old Favorite

According to the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau website, Bourbon Country, Louisville's rich bourbon heritage began back in 1780 when Evan Williams sold and transported his very first whiskey.

Louisville's Whiskey Row

Until the 1920's, Main Street in downtown Louisville housed as many as 50 distilleries earning the area the nickname "Whiskey Row." Even though Old Forester is the only distillery that remains in the city today, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has kept Louisville's passion for bourbon alive and well. Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve distilleries all call Kentucky home.

The Urban Bourban Trail

In May 2008 Louisville launched the Urban Bourbon Trail (UBT) to give locals and visitors a new way to experience Kentucky bourbon. The Urban Bourbon Trail consists of seven popular downtown bars and restaurants that must meet stringent guidelines to maintain membership in the exclusive UBT club. Each establishment must offer at least 50 different bourbons, and carry a staff that has a knowledge of how the bourbon industry impacted the culture and history of the city and state.

The UBT Passport Giveaway

Pick up an Urban Bourban Trail Passport at one of the participating establishments, then have it stamped when you visit any of the seven UBT bars. After visiting all of the Urban Bourban Trail locations you can redeem the passport for free gifts at the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Urban Bourban Trail Bars and Restaurants

Blu Italian Grill
http://www.blugrille.com
Blu is located at the Louisville Marriott downtown off I-65 at Jefferson Street and Third Street, across from the Kentucky International Convention Center. Blu features a fresh, contemporary design and offers 50 different bourbons and bourbon-infused appetizers.

Bourbons Bistro
http://www.bourbonsbistro.com
Bourbons Bistro is located two miles from downtown Louisville on Frankfort Avenue, and offers a selection of 130 bourbons as well as monthly "Bourbon Dinners." Named by Whiskey Magazine as the "2006 American Icon of Whiskey" for restaurants and bars.

The Brown Hotel
http://www.brownhotel.com
The Brown is located at the corners of Fourth and Broadway in downtown Louisville. Southern Living Magazine described the lobby bar of the Brown Hotel as "straight from a 1930's movie set." Along with a huge selection of bourbon, you can also sample the famous "Hot Brown" which was created at this 1923 landmark.

Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar & Lounge
http://www.galthouse.com
One of Louisville's oldest bourbon bars, Jockey Silks is located on the second floor of the Galt House Hotel's RIVUE Tower, and features 165 varieties of bourbon and a bourbon-tasting tray.

Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge
http://www.makerslounge.com
Located in the Fourth Street Live! entertainment complex. The 60 ft. long bar features an entire wall of Maker's Mark bottles. Not only will you find Maker's Mark, bourbons from all of Kentucky's distilleries are also available at this popular establishment.

Proof on Main
http://www.proofonmain.com
Housed in five historic buildings, Proof on Main is part of the new 21c Museum Hotel. Proof features a selection of 50 different bourbons and was named one of the "Best New Restaurants of 2006" by Esquire Magazine.

The Old Seelbach Bar
http://www.seelbachhilton.com
Located in the Seelbach Hotel which served as F. Scott Fitzgerald's inspiration for The Great Gatsby, The Old Seelbach Bar has been described as "one of the finest stretches of mahogany in the country" by Gary Regan, author of "The Book of Bourbon" and "The Bartender's Bible."

Drink Responsibly

Remember, if you do drink do it responsibly. If you need a ride home after a night on the town in Louisville, check out CityScoot. The folks at CityScoot will give you a ride home in your own vehicle for about $20. Also, any of the UBT establishments will be more than happy to call you a cab.

Sources:
Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau: Bourbon Country, http://www.justaddbourbon.com/