While Kentucky may first bring to mind a particular global fried chicken brand, this sun-soaked state offers so much more than finger-lickin wings. There are a million reasons to take a holiday in Kentucky: it’s the birthplace of Bluegrass music, the horse-racing capital of the world, and proudly responsible for 95% of the world’s bourbon – and that’s barely scratching the surface.
The bourbon boom
Bourbon is to Kentucky what rhythm is to blues, and if there is ever a place to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime whiskey pilgrimage, it’s here. As you read this, more than 12.6 million barrels of bourbon are ageing in warehouses across the state, and the best way to dive into it all is by exploring the coveted Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Although the industry had been in the doldrums for much of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the bourbon boom is back, and it’s bigger than ever. There are more than 90 distilleries in Kentucky, and 40 on the Bourbon Trail, offering an in-depth look into the world of America’s only native spirit.
The trail winds through multiple regions, including the famous Bluegrass area, bypassing iconic distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Woodford Reserve and taking you off the beaten path to hidden hotspots like Castle & Key and Four Roses. Despite some distilleries being nearly 300 miles away from one another, for those adventurous enough to visit them all, there’s a passport for collecting stamps in each distillery you visit.
Culture, curiosity, and craft spirits in Covington
Covington in northern Kentucky was once a booming industrial hub, and today is a mosaic of historic neighbourhoods and striking architecture. It’s integral to the fabric of Kentucky’s bourbon culture, thanks partly to New Riff, a distillery that uses unique whiskey-producing techniques that set it apart from fellow distilleries. Revival Vintage Spirits in downtown is also a must for those wanting to pick up a bottle of vintage bourbon.
Where to stay
If you want to set up a base here for a few nights (and we strongly recommend you do) Hotel Covington is your home away from home. It’s a short stroll from the Roebling Bridge – whose innovative design when it opened in 1867 was the inspiration for the Brooklyn Bridge – and housed in a beautifully restored former department store.
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