2027
Secret Society
Bourbon Trail Trip
Five Days - Two Cities
Six Iconic Locations
April 13th to April 18th, 2027
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS, EXCELLENT BOURBONS
ANGEL’S ENVY
BUFFALO TRACE
HEAVEN HILL
WOODFORD RESERVE
MAKER’S MARK
CHURCHILL DOWNS
General Itinerary:
April 13 - Arrival, Welcome Dinner at Pursuit Spirits
April 14 - Churchill Downs, Derby Museum, Mint Julep Experience, Lunch at Derby Cafe, Angel’s Envy
April 15 - Travel to Bardstown, Heaven Hill, Lunch at Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen
April 16 - Buffalo Trace, Lunch in Frankfort, Woodford Reserve
April 17 - Maker’s Mark, Dinner at Maker’s Mark
All days include breakfast and welcome dinner at Pursuit Spirits is included in the package. The cost of all other meals are not included in the package.
All distillery visits include a basic tour. Option to upgrade tour at Maker’s Mark for additional cost.
Hotels and group transportation are included in the package. Airfare is not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
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April 13 through April 18, 2027.
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We’ll be exploring Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, with stops in Louisville, Bardstown, Frankfort, and Loretto.
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The current itinerary includes:
Angel’s Envy
Heaven Hill
Buffalo Trace
Woodford Reserve
Maker’s Mark
Each visit includes a guided distillery experience, with optional upgraded tastings available at select locations.
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This trip is more than just distilleries. Highlights include:
Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum
A Mint Julep experience and class
Time to explore Bardstown, known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, and Louisville
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Hotel accommodations (Louisville + Bardstown)
Group transportation via private coach
Daily breakfast
Welcome mixer food & drink on arrival
Scheduled distillery tours and experiences
Travel insurance
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Airfare
Most lunches and dinners
Alcohol outside of scheduled tastings
Optional upgraded distillery experiences
Swag, merchandise, and bottle purchases
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and hospitality staff
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Breakfast is included each day, along with food at the welcome mixer.
All other meals are open for you to explore, with suggested stops built into the itinerary like Derby Café and Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen. -
Gratuities are not included in the package price. For planning purposes, we recommend budgeting approximately:
$5–10 per day for your driver
$5–10 per day for local guides
18–22% for meals and bar service
These are standard expectations within the tourism and hospitality industry and are always appreciated for great service.
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Louisville: A 4-star downtown hotel (Galt House or similar)
Bardstown: A 4-star hotel for a more relaxed, small-town bourbon experience
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There is one transport from and to the airport.
Transportation is included for all scheduled activities.
During open time, you’re free to wander, explore, and follow your own curiosity, whether on foot or by arranging transportation as you wish. Our stays will be in central locations with lots to within walking distance. -
No passport is required for U.S. travelers. A valid government-issued Real ID is sufficient. If you do not have a Real ID, you will need to bring your passport to fly.
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Comfortable walking shoes, layers for spring weather, and anything you’d want for distillery visits and dinners out. Kentucky in April is mild, but variable.
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Both. Whether you’re just getting into bourbon or already deep into it, the itinerary is designed to be approachable, educational, and really fun.
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There’s a balance of structured experiences and downtime, especially in Bardstown, so you can explore, shop, or just relax.
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Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment in case of cancellations or unexpected changes.
A Note from Ashley
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to take this dream trip. As a Certified Bourbon Professional, visiting Kentucky’s legendary distilleries is something I’ve looked forward to for years. Seeing firsthand how each distillery crafts its whiskey—from the grain to the barrel to the rickhouse—will deepen my understanding of the subtle differences that make each bourbon unique. Experiencing the places behind the bottles we admire will bring a whole new level of appreciation to the spirits I love and work with every day.
We’ll have the chance to visit distilleries responsible for some of the most iconic bourbons ever made, including E.H. Taylor, Weller, and Elijah Craig. Being there in person will allow us to experience the heritage and craftsmanship behind these names, and hopefully even find a few special bottles that are difficult to get anywhere else. I also love collecting t-shirts from flagship distilleries and brand homes—it’s a fun way to bring a piece of each place back with me and remember the stories behind them.
Beyond the bourbon itself, this trip is exciting because it connects so many things I love. I’m fascinated by history, architecture, and regional landscapes, and Kentucky has such a rich story to tell. Visiting Churchill Downs, walking through historic distillery grounds, and seeing the rolling countryside will make the experience even more meaningful.
And of course, I’m looking forward to exploring the local culinary scene during our free time. Discovering regional food, small restaurants, and antique shops is always a highlight of traveling for me. I’m especially excited to hunt for unique pieces that might find a new life at The Hardware Store back home. This trip feels like the perfect blend of professional inspiration, history, and personal adventure—and I can’t wait to experience it.”
Ashley Hunt, Owner of The Hardware Store and Certified Bourbon Professional