LOUISVILLE DISTILLERY FIELD GUIDE
Horse Country and Bourbon Country — a full day through Kismet, Woodford Reserve and Whiskey Thief
A ticketed 9.5-hour day tour from downtown Louisville that pairs a guided horse-farm visit with tastings at Woodford Reserve and Whiskey Thief and includes guided transportation and a local lunch.
Horse Country and Bourbon Country — a full day through Kismet, Woodford Reserve and Whiskey Thief.
Adventure brief
Horse Country and Bourbon Country — a full day through Kismet, Woodford Reserve and Whiskey Thief
This full-day outing blends Kentucky’s twin landscapes—Horse Country and Bourbon Country—into a single loop: guided transportation from downtown Louisville, a tour of Kismet Thoroughbred Farm, two distillery experiences at Woodford Reserve and Whiskey Thief, and a local lunch en route.
Discover Kentucky’s rich heritage on a private full-day adventure combining the best of Bourbon and Horse Country. This exclusive tour, hosted by Mint Julep Experiences, offers a seamless journey through some of Louisville’s most iconic locations. Begin your day with a guided visit to Woodford Reserve, where you’ll enjoy expertly led tastings and learn about the craftsmanship behind this world-renowned bourbon. Next, explore the scenic Kismet Thoroughbred Farm, home to majestic racehorses and sprawling green pastures that reflect Kentucky's equestrian traditions. After a delicious local lunch, the tour continues to Whiskey Thief, a unique bourbon experience that caps the day with fine tastings in a relaxed, inviting setting. With private transportation included, you can relax and take in the beautiful Kentucky countryside without any hassle. This well-rounded day is perfect for travelers looking to experience authentic Kentucky culture in an intimate and personalized way.
Route Schematic
Itinerary route schematic
A compact sequence of departure, horse farm visit, two distillery experiences and a lunch stop.
Omni Hotel — Downtown Louisville (departure)
Public tours meet and depart from the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville.
Kismet Thoroughbred Farm
A guided horse-farm tour through Kismet Horse Farm, showcasing Kentucky’s Horse Country.
Woodford Reserve
Distillery experience and tasting at Woodford Reserve as one of the two scheduled distillery stops.
Whiskey Thief + local lunch
A second distillery experience at Whiskey Thief paired with a local lunch included in the tour.
All Mint Julep Tours vehicles are non-smoking. Possession of firearms or other weapons is prohibited, and company policy forbids consuming alcohol before a tour of a horse farm or cooperage; age restrictions apply for tastings (see FAQs).
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Kismet Thoroughbred Farm — a pastoral stop in Horse Country
A guided visit to Kismet Horse Farm is the itinerary’s equine centerpiece, offering the chance to experience Kentucky’s horse-farm landscape as part of the full-day loop.
Woodford Reserve tasting and distillery experience
Woodford Reserve is one of the two distillery stops on the tour, where guests partake in a distillery experience and tasting as part of the day’s program.
Two distilleries, a farm and a local lunch
The itinerary stitches together guided transportation, a horse farm tour and two distillery visits (including Whiskey Thief), with a local lunch included to break the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a structured, full-day tour: depart downtown Louisville, travel by guided vehicle to Horse Country for a Kismet tour, then move through Bourbon Country for distillery visits and tastings at Woodford Reserve and Whiskey Thief, with a local lunch scheduled along the way.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this full-day tour suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs 9.5 hours and departs from the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville.
Wear closed-toe shoes and casual dress; you may bring a cooler (limited to 12×12 or smaller) with non-alcoholic snacks and beverages; gratuity of 15–20% is suggested.
All Mint Julep Tours vehicles are non-smoking and possession of firearms or other weapons is strictly prohibited.
Most public bourbon tours travel in one of Mint Julep’s comfortable 22-passenger buses.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are there age restrictions on bourbon tours?
To legally drink in Kentucky you must be 21 and have valid ID; underage guests or guests without ID will not be permitted to drink on the bus or at a distillery. Most distilleries allow underage guests to tour without tasting; ticketed public bourbon tours through Mint Julep Tours require children to be 12 years of age or older.
Do I have to drink on a bourbon tour?
No. Guests may participate in the tour and learn about bourbon without tasting; the tour price is the same whether you drink or abstain.
What kind of vehicles do you use for tours?
Most public bourbon tours travel in one of Mint Julep’s comfortable 22-passenger buses.
Is it customary to tip the tour guide or driver?
Gratuity is always appreciated and it is up to you if you’d like to show any extra appreciation to your guide or driver.
Where should I park for the ticketed tour that departs from the Omni Hotel?
All public tours depart from the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville; recommended parking options are the Omni Parking Garage or the Starks Garage, both across the street from the Omni Hotel.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-18T12:03:07.175Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.