The Heart of Bourbon Country
We’re heading to the heart of bourbon country—Bardstown, Kentucky—where tradition runs deep and every glass tells a story. Over the weekend, we’ll explore some of the region’s most celebrated distilleries and newest upstarts, enjoy slow sips and good company, and soak in the charm of the small town that put bourbon on the map. A perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and a little Kentucky hospitality.
The Last Refuge is a High Church of Bourbon located in Downtown Louisville in the popular NuLu neighborhood. The Last Refuge resides within a historic church originally built in 1880. Opened in 2025 by the company behind Heaven's Door Distillery (including Marc Bushala, owner of Untitled in Chicago), Last Refuge is a restaurant, whiskey bar, and live music venue vying to own the largest whiskey collection in the world.
We will enjoy a menu of pizzas, salads, and appetizers along with a selection of bourbons.
We'll travel together to the private home of bourbon historian Susan Reigler for a true kick-off to our Kentucky weekend. Susan’s deep knowledge and remarkable collection offer a rare opportunity to experience Kentucky’s signature spirit through the eyes (and palate) of one of its foremost experts. She will provide us with a tasting flight from her personal collection with some iconic standards, special barrel picks, and unique drams not available anywhere else. Truly the highlight of the night is Susan and her stories!
Following our Friday night tasting, transportation will be provided from Louisville to Bardstown. It is approximately 45 minute drive.
We have a block of rooms reserved at the Bardstown Motor Lodge. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and a cozy atmosphere, complemented by a charming courtyard and a seasonal outdoor pool. Kickstart your day with a complimentary breakfast before exploring the historic downtown Bardstown, filled with culture and dining options.
To reserve your room, call 502-275-0890 and let them know you are with the Birch Road Group.
At Willett Distillery, experience the art of handcrafted bourbons and spirits in a scenic tasting room that boasts breathtaking views. Our guided tour will take us to the production floor, with a focus on the family history and the whiskey-making process. Samples of Willett whiskies will be tasted throughout the tour. As a family-owned establishment since 1936, Willett emphasizes traditional methods while sourcing grains locally to create distinctive flavors.
Following our tour, we will stop at the Bar at Willet for lunch. Included is your choice of appetizer and entree. Additional bourbon tastes, flights, and cocktails will be available for purchase - but remember, this is only our first stop of the day! Lots more to come!
Next, our tour will take us to Lux Row for the Distiller's Collection tour + tasting.
Lux Row Distillers opened this state-of-the-art facility in Bardstown in 2018. With this location producing Rebel Bourbon, Ezra Brooks, David Nicholson, Daviess County and Blood Oath, Lux Row Distillers is a must-see on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Our tour will include a closer look at distillation, quality control, barrel filling, and the warehouse (go beyond the gate into the inner workings of the warehouse and thieve out of a single barrel!) We start the tour with a cocktail and finish with a premium tasting of their award-winning brands. And, as with any Lux Row tour, these will be paired with three different chocolates. At the end of the tour, guests will get a gifted rocks glass to take home.
First, we'll step into the You Do Bourbon classroom for a guided tasting of premium bourbons exclusively selected for this experience. You won't find these anywhere else. As you sample each one, you'll be encouraged to take notes about color, flavor, finish, and most importantly, which one is your favorite.
Next, you'll have the option to bottle your very own bottle of your favorite bourbon from the tasting. In the bottling room, you'll go through the whole bottling process yourself - rinsing the bottle, filling the bottle, completing the label and applying to the bottle. The bottle price is not included and is optional. This is your chance to work the bottling line and create your own unique label of your favorite Elijah Craig, Larceny, or Heaven Hill Bourbon.
Experience the unique charm of Preservation Distillery, where handcrafted spirits meet a rustic atmosphere. Guests can enjoy guided tours that reveal the art of small-batch bourbon and whiskey production. The farm-to-table dining experience highlights sustainability, making it a delightful spot for those who appreciate quality and craftsmanship.
Before we head out - stop at Hadorn's Bakery in Bardstown for their famous "yum yums". The third-generation family-owned establishment was founded in 1935 and is known for its freshly baked goods made on-site daily.
At Bardstown Bourbon Company, immerse yourself in a unique bourbon experience with guided tastings and farm-to-table dining. Enjoy scenic views while savoring locally sourced dishes.
We'll start with a lunch in the restaurant & bar before we head to the Rickhouse for a Barrel Thieving tour. Hopefully, we'll get to see fellow Chicagoan and new Heaven's Hill Distiller Sydney Jones.
The Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History invites you to delve into the fascinating world of bourbon. Located in Bardstown, the 'Bourbon Capital of the World,' this museum features rare artifacts and engaging displays that highlight the spirit's cultural significance. (optional)
For those heading back to Louisville Airport, we will have a shuttle van leaving Bardstown around 3:30 PM to arrive at the airport by 4:30 PM.
Birch Road on the Road is an extension of the Clubhouse, but it is also so much more. We are traveling to places where Birch Road is unknown or newly introduced at times, and as a part of the On the Road group, you are a representative of Birch Road. Please keep that in mind and adhere to the following policies.
The House Rules Apply.
Do not be a danger or nuisance to other members and their guests.
For any guest you bring, you are responsible for their behavior.
Drink responsibly. Make sure your guest drinks responsibly.
Respect our Hosts.
During our tasting visits and tours, we expect you to listen to our hosts and not interrupt, ignore, or talk over them.
Please understand that, in some cases, we are being welcomed into spaces that are not accustomed to tourists, or are not open to tourists at all. That means that they may not be prepared to deliver a standard that you might be accustomed to in a more typical tourist experience. This could mean:
There will not be chairs for everyone.
They will not modify food or drink requests.
They may not be ready for us on time. We need to be understanding, flexible, and appreciative that they extended their hospitality to us.
Keep in mind, even though we are traveling together as Birch Road, this is not the Birch Road Clubhouse. We know and love that people feel very at home and comfortable at Birch Road, but things we do at home should not be done at our On the Road destinations. Think of each stop as us getting invited to someone else’s house for the first time, and behave accordingly.
Tasting Room Etiquette.
Don’t expect 2nd pours.
Don’t talk over other members or our host.
Keep your pre-conceived notions of what we’re drinking to yourself.
Don’t be afraid to use a spit or dump bucket.
Don’t pour for yourself unless you are invited to (ask permission first).
Always drink water.
Don’t ask for “the good stuff”. If you’re looking for something special, ask if any “library” or “reserve” are available to taste and then be prepared to buy some bottles.
On the trip, the Geneva app is a great way for the group to communicate with each other and share photos. You can join the Birch Road Group by clicking here to download the app and create your account.
For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to Kim directly via call or text:
Phone : (773)343-2507
Email: kim@birchroad.com