Jerome and I recently headed to Kentucky to work on something we’ve been looking forward to sharing: a Cork and Copper Bourbon Trail trip.
We came home with a few new favorite whiskeys, bottles for our respective collections, and plenty of ideas. We also came home excited about how much there is to experience beyond the tasting rooms.
Wonderful cuisine. Beautiful places to stay. A speakeasy tucked away for an evening drink. The perfect spot to sip bourbon under the stars.
That’s the kind of trip we’re putting together.
Different settings, plenty to discover
Our visits included Old Forester, Maker’s Mark, Heaven Hill, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Willett, Preservation, and WhistlePig. Each brought something different to the experience, and that variety is part of what makes planning this trip so enjoyable.
Maker’s Mark’s setting is a dream. There’s something wonderful about experiencing it on a working farm, with the surroundings becoming as much a part of the visit as the bourbon itself. It’s a place that makes you want to take your time.
Bardstown Bourbon Company offered a different feel: modern, while keeping that bourbon character. We loved seeing how comfortably a contemporary setting could fit into the experience.
At Heaven Hill, history was a big part of the appeal, along with a very cool lab that brought another dimension to the visit. Together, these stops gave us plenty to think about as we considered the experiences we’d like to share with our guests.
A few personal favorites
Old Forester 1924 earned its place as my second-favorite whiskey of everything I tried during the trip. My number one? WhistlePig Bespoke Old World Rye.
I’ve never gravitated toward rye whiskey, and Jerome has made it his mission to turn me into a fan. I think we’ve finally arrived! Allison may deserve some credit. She guided us through a wonderful tasting and steered me toward this rye, with its triple cask finish in Port, French Sauternes, and Madeira casks. A bottle came home with me.
Meeting someone who makes a tasting memorable is always a pleasure. Allison certainly did that for us.
Getting to know the places between the pours
We also spent time strolling through downtown Bardstown, getting a feel for the town and checking out restaurants. We wanted to understand its rhythm, what our guests might enjoy there, and how spending time in Bardstown could fit into the overall trip.
I
n Louisville, a recommendation from our new friend at Whistlestop led us to Classico Takeout and Empanadas, and what a gem! Delicious Argentinian empanadas, followed by a sweet alfajor treat, made this a stop we were glad we hadn’t missed.
These are the discoveries we love bringing home alongside the bottles. Getting to know the local communities, following a personal recommendation, and finding a place we’d happily return to with our guests are all part of putting this experience together.
A little extra, thoughtfully considered
Where we stay matters, too. We visited hotels in Louisville and Bardstown, exploring options that could make the time between outings just as enjoyable.
Along the way, we met a Bourbon Butler, checked out a speakeasy and golf simulator, and found a lovely setting for enjoying bourbon under the stars. Add wonderful cuisine, and it became easy to picture settling in for the evening after a day of exploring.
Those details matter to us. A memorable getaway includes the meal you’re still talking about afterward, the conversation over an evening pour, and the pleasure of settling into somewhere special at the end of the day.
We’re keeping all of that in mind as we shape an elevated Cork and Copper experience. We can’t wait to share the details with you!
Coming soon
We’re putting the finishing touches on the trip, and we’ll be sharing the details soon. For now, consider this a little taste of what’s ahead: bourbon, good food, beautiful settings, and time to enjoy them together.
If there’s a bourbon lover on your holiday gift list, keep an eye out for our announcement next week. You may want to join them!
Meanwhile, circle April 2–4, 2027, on your calendar. You can also join our interest list and receive updates as soon as they are available in the next week.
Cheers!
