Horse Country and Bourbon Country — a full day through Kismet, Woodford Reserve and Whiskey Thief

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.

Duration
9.5 Hours
Location
Louisville
Operator
Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville
Category
Distillery
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE HORSES

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.

THE SPIRITS

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.

THE ROUTE

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.

1
Spirits enthusiastsWell suited: the day includes two distillery experiences and tastings for guests of legal drinking age.
2
Equestrian or countryside admirersWell suited: the Kismet Horse Farm visit places Horse Country scenery and thoroughbred operations at the tour’s center.
3
Families with childrenConditional fit: ticketed public bourbon tours require children to be 12 years of age or older; underage guests may tour but cannot taste spirits and must carry ID for age verification.
4
Non-drinkers or sober travelersA good fit: guests are not required to drink—the tour presents the history and craftsmanship of bourbon and the price is the same regardless of tasting.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & start point

The tour runs 9.5 hours and departs from the Omni Hotel in downtown Louisville.

What to bring

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.

Onboard rules

All Mint Julep Tours vehicles are non-smoking and possession of firearms or other weapons is strictly prohibited.

Accessibility & vehicle type

Most public bourbon tours travel in one of Mint Julep’s comfortable 22-passenger buses.

Booking Notice

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.