Bourbon By Nino Kilgore-Marchetti / May 14, 2020 The closure of distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in March because of the coronavirus pandemic has been ongoing now for about two months. Reopening these facilities is certainly something on the mind of those who run them, but to do so requires as well cautious consideration as COVID-19 is still a health concern far and wide. To that end, according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, it has “submitted its Kentucky Bourbon Trail Plan to Reopen to the Governor’s Office for review and guidance. KBT Visitor Center retail-only operations (no onsite consumption) are eligible to open May 20.Wild Turkey (image via Wild Turkey)“However, with the requirements and restrictions issued by the Governor’s Office, several distilleries are waiting until later to welcome guests and/or reopening retail operations gradually.”“We expect limited tastings to open shortly thereafter,” noted the KDA in a prepared statement. “We expect limited tours to resume later this summer. We strongly recommend you contact individual distilleries for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding hours, policies, and experiences.”As was the case when distilleries began shutting down, those considering visiting these bourbon making operations will likely find as the best resource to find out updated information either social media or distillery websites. The websites are listed below once again for your immediate reference:KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAILAngel’s Envy – LouisvilleBardstown Bourbon Company – BardstownBulleit Distilling Co. – ShelbyvilleEvan Williams Bourbon Experience – LouisvilleFour Roses Distillery – LawrenceburgFour Roses Warehouse & Bottling Facility – Cox’s CreekHeaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center – BardstownJim Beam American Stillhouse – ClermontJim Beam Urban Stillhouse – LouisvilleLux Row Distillers – BardstownMaker’s Mark Distillery – LorettoMichter’s Distillery – LouisvilleOld Forester Distilling Co. – LouisvilleO.Z. Tyler Distillery – OwensboroRabbit Hole Distillery – LouisvilleStitzel-Weller Distillery – LouisvilleTown Branch Distillery – LexingtonTown Branch Dueling Barrels Distillery – PikevilleWilderness Trail Distillery – DanvilleWild Turkey Distillery – LawrenceburgWoodford Reserve Distillery – VersaillesKENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOURBarrel House Distilling Co. – LexingtonBluegrass Distillers – LexingtonBoone County Distilling Co. – Boone Co.Boundary Oak Distillery – RadcliffCasey Jones Distillery – HopkinsvilleDueling Grounds Distillery – FranklinHartfield & Co. – ParisJames E. Pepper Distillery – LexingtonJeptha Creed Distillery – ShelbyvilleKentucky Artisan Distillery – CrestwoodKentucky Peerless Distilling Co. – LouisvilleLimestone Branch Distillery – LebanonMB Roland Distillery – PembrokeNeeley Family Distillery – SpartaNew Riff Distillery – NewportThe Old Pogue Distillery – MaysvillePreservation Distillery – BardstownSecond Sight Spirits – LudlowWillett Distillery – Bardstown
