Bourbon Tour

[Shep]

Just got back from our trip to bourbon country. My wife and I did 4 of the 6 distilleries on the bourbon trail. Figured I would post some of the pictures.

First up, Woodford Reserve. By far the prettiest distillery.


This is a photo of what the alcohol looks like as it ages. The new "grain" whiskey is in the far right. The mature whiskey is on the far left.


This is the barrel run. They actually take the filled barrels from the adjoining building and let them roll down to the warehouse to be stored.


This is a picture of the mash. The whole tank is made of cypress. The vat is 12 feet across by 12 feet deep. They had 4 of these tanks. They sit there for a few days then they go on to the stills.


Here are the 3 stills they use. Woodford reserve is the only distillery to triple distill their bourbon.


Recently filled barrel with the bung hole on top. The bungs are made of poplar. The barrels are made of charred white oak.


The beautiful warehouse. I can't tell you how many barrels are in there, but the place is packed end to end with barrels. The smell is amazing. Two of my favorites, Oak and Bourbon.


Another shot of the barrel run


Now at Makers Mark


I love these old buildings


More equipment


One of their warehouses


mmmmm.....samples


I got to dip my own bottle too!


I left out picture of Heaven hill and Jim Beam. Not a lot to see there.

[gjat]

Did you go to the Borbon Heritage Center? I beleive it's about 15 minutes west of Maker's Mark.

[Shep]

Did you go to the Borbon Heritage Center? I beleive it's about 15 minutes west of Maker's Mark.

Yep, that is where Heaven Hill is located. They had a smaller tour, but they gave us a good deal of information about the history.

[BobSch]

So d'ja bring samples for all of us?

[phrog]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing that with us. Wonder if the places you visited make their own barrels. I bet that is also interesting

(If you ever make it to Lynchburg, TN, you might want to take in the Jack Daniel Dist. Also, an interesting tour. (And there ain't much there but Jack's place.))

[cabinetman]

Nice tour, pictures are beautiful. The barrel run reminds me of a theme park ride.
.

[toolguy1000]

the significance of "dip your own bottle" is...................?

[gsmittle]

Mmmmm… Bourbon…

Love the stuff!

g.

[gary]

Sam and I live in the same county. :-)

[SHADOWFOX]

Mmmmm… Bourbon…

Love the stuff!

g.

Same here!!

Thanks for sharing the tour pics, they were awesome!

[Pappy]

Did the tour of Jack Daniels several years ago. Interesting tour and the price is right...FREE! In addition to all the coffee, lemonade, or tea you want after the tour everyone is sent a group picture and they have postcards you can fill out (as many as you want) with them paying the postage.

Just can't get a sample of Jack. Lynchburg is in a dry county.

[ironhat]

the significance of "dip your own bottle" is...................?

So, just what is the significance of dipping your own bottle? Did you buy 4/5 and that's the seal or what?

[Shep]

So, just what is the significance of dipping your own bottle? Did you buy 4/5 and that's the seal or what?

Dipping the bottle is one of Makers Marks trademark bottle designs. It doesn't add or perserve anything. Just for looks.

[bruffc]

Thanks for sharing, nice pics. I'd love to see Woodfords. I got turned onto Woodfords a couple of years ago via some cooking show - good stuff

[Norm in Fujino]

Just got back from our trip to bourbon country. . . .

This is the barrel run. They actually take the filled barrels from the adjoining building and let them roll down to the warehouse to be stored.

I could've sworn that was for rolling the guest tasters back to their lodgings.