Tag Archives: Bourbon

Talking (Wild) Turkey

Ramp leading to the Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

I’ll be posting things in random order just because I am randomly processing photos!

An old column still is the centerpiece of Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

On our way back from Bardstown, KY we stopped by Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg. They recently opened a new visitor center that I wanted to see, and of course their bourbon is pretty tasty. Wild Turkey is the name of the distillery and their flagship product, but the good stuff is called Russell’s Reserve, named for the three generations of the Russell family who have been making fine bourbon since 1954. In fact, the Wild Turkey distillery traces its roots all the way back to 1855.

Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

We booked late, too late to get a tour of the facility, but not too late to have a tasting. Perhaps the next time we’ll have a little more notice and get to complete the tour. In the mean time we got to enjoy some refreshments and lunch in the Generations Lounge.

Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Feeling thirsty. Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Generations Lounge at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Making Time For Bourbon

Tasting aged Makers Mark directly from the barrell! Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky

After our Labor Day weekend time in Ohio, we were planning to head back to North Carolina. But a few weeks before our visit we heard about a new product being introduced by Maker’s Mark, their Cellar Aged Bourbon.

Prior to this new product, every Maker’s Mark product, from Maker’s Mark itself to Maker’s Mark 46, Private Select and Wood Finishing Series, has started with original Maker’s Mark bourbon, distilled from one mash bill then blended from (usually) 4-6 year old barrels to achieve a specific flavor profile. The new Cellar Aged product is a blend of 11-12 year old barrels, blended to a different flavor profile and bottled at cask strength. Hmmm….

Reception area at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Reception area at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Reception area at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Reception area at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky

We love to try all sorts of different bourbon and rye whiskeys, but we’ve really become fans of Maker’s Mark. We love to visit the distillery – the grounds are beautiful, the people are friendly and they make good stuff! Kentucky seems to be on the way to or from just about anywhere, and we never want to pass up an opportunity to try and buy an interesting bourbon. So we tried to figure out how we might get there and pick some up.

I contacted the distillery to find out when Cellar Aged would be available for purchase. Well, they told me, they would eventually have some in the gift shop, BUT the official introduction would not be until later in the month. HOWEVER, if I wanted to be sure and get a bottle, I could book a special introductory, sneak-preview VIP tour, and the price of the ticket would include a bottle. Conveniently, the first such tour was scheduled for Thursday September 8, which fit our schedule perfectly. Fate!

Early morning cocktails! Before our tour at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky

Our tour started with a welcome cocktail – at 9:15 in the morning! – and a talk about the story behind the development of Cellar Aged. Then it was on to a tour of the distillery. While we have done a number of tours at Maker’s Mark, for this tour we had an opportunity to watch them test a sample of wheat from a truck, then unload the truck into the storage bin. We got to go literally “behind the scenes” in the still house and tasted some of the raw distillate – known as low wine, straight off the still. A real eye opener as it was still before 10:00!

Truck delivering grain at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Testing the grain for quality before accepting delivery. Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Still house at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Fermentation room at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Fermentation room at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky

We visited the quaint Print Shop where all the labels are printed and cut, and this was the first time we had actually seen the shop in operation. Very cool. Then we visited the bottling line, where the bottles are filled and every one is dipped by hand with the signature red wax seal. We had seen the line before, both in operation and not, and this time it was operating at full tilt. They dip a lot of bottles, and those workers are really fast! And yes, they spell each other off on a regular basis, which limits the fatigue level. Regardless it must be hard work!

Making labels in the Print Shop at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Bottling line at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Bottling line at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Bottling line at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky

The best part of any tour, other than the actual tasting, is a visit to a rick house. There is nothing like the smell you get, standing in the midst of hundreds of barrels, with thousands of gallons of bourbon, aging peacefully in the Kentucky countryside. This tour was no exception, as we visited one of the original buildings on the site as well as the Limestone Cellar that was specifically created for the aging of specialty products like 46, Private Select and now Cellar Aged.

Tasting aged Makers Mark directly from the barrell! Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Tasting aged Makers Mark directly from the barrell! Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky

Once inside the 50 degree Limestone Cellar, we were presented with a taste of unblended bourbon from one of the 12 year old barrels, alongside a taste of the final Cellar Aged product. I have to say that we were not disappointed. Since we haven’t opened our own bottles yet, I can’t get into a detailed description, but suffice it to say that we will enjoy it – a little at a time – over the course of the coming months or possibly years. It isn’t something to make cocktails with – unless you just want to! – it deserves to be sipped and savored however you like to enjoy bourbon.

Limestone aging cellar at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Beth Buckner, Senior Manager of Innovation and Blending, introducing Cellar Aged Makers Mark during our Pre-release Cellar Aged Experience. Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Private Select Tasting Room at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Private Select Tasting Room at Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Makers Mark Distillery near Loretto, Kentucky
Our bottles of Cellar Aged Makers Mark!

Back To Bourbon Country

Rickhouse at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky

I mentioned in an earlier post that Kathy & I had recently visited Bardstown, Kentucky. We met friends Jim & Lisa there, as it is roughly equidistant for them and for us. Kathy & I arrived a day early, visiting Bardstown Bourbon Company and Heaven Hill Distillery before meeting up with Jim & Lisa that afternoon.

Visitor Center at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky
Patio at the Kitchen and Bar. Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky
Patio at the Kitchen and Bar. Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky
Inside the rick house at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky. One of the loveliest smells in the world!
Inside the rick house at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky. One of the loveliest smells in the world!

The following day, the four of us visited the Kentucky Cooperage (no photos permitted) to see how barrels are made (a fascinating process), then Limestone Branch Distillery and Maker’s Mark.

Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

The following day we visited Kentucky horse park for a whole different set of smells. 😉 Photos from that day will come later.

Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
The Worlds Smallest Rickhouse. Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky

For those who wish to see more, a gallery of photos from our trip are posted on my Adobe Portfolio website.

Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky

Chasing A Sunset

Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

After we finished up at Limestone Branch in Lebanon, we headed back to our motel in Bardstown. At some point during the drive I noticed that the sky held some promise for an interesting sunset. I knew that we would be passing by Heaven Hill distillery and thought it might make for an interesting foreground, but I wasn’t sure we would get there in time.

Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

We probably missed the peak of the dramatic sky, but we stuck around long enough to get a little color. I didn’t carry a tripod on this trip (I know, I know, but it was about the baby, remember? 🙂 ) so I had to be a little careful to balance shutter speeds and ISO.

Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

Heaven Hill is a nice distillery, and we have visited there previously. Their visitor center is one of the best. We arrived well after closing time, but the parking lot was accessible so I was able wander around and get a few shots in the nice light.

Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Sunset at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

Tiny But Mighty: Limestone Branch Distillery

Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky

After our visit to Maker’s Mark, Kathy & I drove to Lebanon, KY for some lunch. Lebanon also happens to be the home of Limestone Branch Distillery, another of our favorites. It was on the way back to our motel and it was open, so of course we needed to stop. And tour. And taste. And buy! 😉

Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky

Limestone Branch likes to say that they are currently the only distillery owned and operated by someone named Beam. Stephen & Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch in 2012, and while the distillery is fairly new in bourbon terms, they are producing some old-timey bourbon using old-timey recipes. The distillery traces its roots back to Jacob Beam in 1795, is best known for producing Yellowstone bourbon from the original mash bill. Yes, the bourbon is named after the National Park. And while it is not affiliated with the TV series, they are not minding the free publicity. 😉

Samples! Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky

The place is not very big, and there are no picturesque acres of rickhouses on the property like the big boys, but what they lack in size they make up for in enthusiasm.

Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Worlds Smallest Rickhouse! Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky
Thieving it straight from the barrel! Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky

A Detour To Kentucky

Sour mash getting happy at Makers Mark Distillery

On our way back from Ohio we made a slight detour to Kentucky. See, they have bourbon there, and we needed to get some. 😉

Where the magic happens. Still house at Makers Mark Distillery

Several years ago I signed up to be an “Ambassador” for Maker’s Mark. The deal was that as an Ambassador I had a barrel which was “mine,” and when the barrel was ready for use I would be invited back to the distillery and given the opportunity to buy some of the bourbon. I received my “Golden Ticket” in October, and I had until the end of March to make my pilgrimage to take the tour and buy our bourbon. Since Kentucky was kind of on the way from Ohio it was easier to go on our way home than to make a special trip.

Rickhouse at Makers Mark Distillery

As it turns out, the bourbon is regular Maker’s Mark from a batch that contained “my” barrel and not just from the actual barrel itself. No matter. It was as good an excuse as any to go there, and we always enjoy the tour. Of course we purchased a few bottles, and at the end of the tour we went to the gift shop to hand dip our bottles with the famous red wax seal. We are now well stocked with Maker’s Mark! 🙂

Print shop at Makers Mark Distillery
Bottling line at Makers Mark Distillery
Bottling line at Makers Mark Distillery
Hand-dipping our Ambassador bottles at Makers Mark Distillery
Hand-dipping our Ambassador bottles at Makers Mark Distillery
Souvenirs! Our haul of Ambassador bottles from Makers Mark

A(nother) Visit To Bourbon Country

Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

Our recent travels took us by way of Lexington, Kentucky today.  We decided to stay a couple of nights in order to take advantage of being close to several of our favorite distilleries.  It isn’t possible to visit all of our favorites in one day, so we visited the newly-opened Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown plus our perennial favorite, Maker’s Mark.  Needless to say, some liquid souvenirs – and a few photographs – will be accompanying us home. 😉

Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Bourbon Heritage Center at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky
Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky
Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky
Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky
Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky
Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky

Liquid Souvenirs – Our Favorite!

Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas

When Kathy & I travel we don’t come home with a lot of “stuff.”  A few things for the kids sometimes, or a keepsake for the bookshelf at home.  But one thing we do like to do is bring home liquid souvenirs.  We enjoy stopping at distilleries or wineries, sampling their products and bringing some home.  It’s another way to extend the vacation, an ounce or two at a time! 😉

Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas

On our recent trip through Texas, I had identified two distilleries I wanted to visit: Balcones Distilling in Waco, and Garrison Brothers, in Hye (near Fredericksburg).  I had hoped to pick up some Texas tequila, but these two distilleries only make brown liquor – whisky and rum at Balcones, and whisky (but very good whisky) at Garrison Brothers.  The tequila distilleries appear to be further south than we went, more like Austin and San Antonio.  Perhaps another time.

Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas
Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas

Balcones makes a number of different bourbons and rye whiskys, including one whisky made from blue corn.  It has a very interesting flavor, very sweet with hints of corn tortilla (my taste, anyway), fresh bread and brown sugar. We brought home a bottle of that along with a bottle each of their cask strength rye, their Texas single malt pot still whisky and their cask strength rum.  Those big boys will make good old fashioneds and Manhattans once the weather cools back down.

Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas
Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas

At Garrison Brothers, they make bourbon.  And only bourbon.  Several different kinds, something for everyone who likes bourbon.  We brought home a bottle each of their Small Batch and their Single Barrel.  A little on the pricey side, these will occupy the “occasional shelf” in our cabinet!

Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas
Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas
Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas
Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas

Every distillery has its own story, and we always enjoy hearing them.  It’s fun talking and listening to people who are passionate about their craft, whether it is in Kentucky, Texas or Barbados.  We’ll be ready for some more the next time we head out!

Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas
Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky

The most-looked-forward to distillery on our visit to Kentucky was Buffalo Trace. Not just because they make some darned good bourbon, but because based on the research I had done it looked like a very historic and photogenic location.

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Stacking the barrels for storage. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Stacking the barrels for storage. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky

One of the things we found interesting about the distilleries is how open they are with their operations.  I suppose there are few “secrets” in the industry, so the willingness to be open and welcoming is just part of the tradition.  We booked three separate hour long tours at Buffalo Trace that took us behind the scenes from the point at which the corn was unloaded, through the barrel selection and preparation, filling, bottling and packing.  When we showed up for the first tour, the guides wanted to be sure we were aware that we only got to taste once – at the end of the third tour! 😉 It made for a long morning, but since we didn’t taste between each one it was not hard to do because it was so interesting!

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled on a small bottling line, then hand sealed, adding the distinctive running horse stopper and a wax seal. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled on a small bottling line, then hand sealed, adding the distinctive running horse stopper and a wax seal. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled on a small bottling line, then hand sealed, adding the distinctive running horse stopper and a wax seal. These paper collars keep the wax off the bottle then are discarded. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled on a small bottling line, then hand sealed, adding the distinctive running horse stopper and a wax seal. These paper collars keep the wax off the bottle then are discarded. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled on a small bottling line, then hand sealed, adding the distinctive running horse stopper and a wax seal. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is bottled on a small bottling line, then hand sealed, adding the distinctive running horse stopper and a wax seal. Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky

I mentioned in an earlier post that every distillery has it’s own “claim to fame,” and Buffalo Trace has theirs.  According to Wikipedia, the company claims the distillery to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States.  Burks’ distillery, now used for production of Maker’s Mark, claims to be the oldest operating bourbon distillery.  The difference is that Buffalo Trace’s predecessor was able to process bourbon throughout Prohibition, making whiskey for “medicinal purposes”.  It’s all part of the friendly competition, and just a little bit of marketing. 😉

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky

I feel like I got some very interesting photographs here, partly because we spent a lot more time here, but also because it was a very engaging facility and because it was in fact so photogenic.  For me it was the highlight of the trip, along with the carload of “souvenirs” that we brought home!

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort Kentucky