Bourbon, KY

**Clarifixer** · 07-02-2012, 01:54 PM

Went on a tour of some of the Bourbon County distilleries this weekend--Maker's Mark, Woodford and Wild Turkey. Very interesting! Unfortunately it was over 100 degrees, so time spent in the distilling departments was short. However, I did get a shot of the stills at Woodford and an atmospheric b&w of the barrels resting gently at Maker's Mark. Man, did it smell good in there. Highly recommended if you're in the vicinity, and there are tasting sessions at the end of all the tours.

**Gruder** · 07-02-2012, 02:25 PM

They're tasting at Maker's now? Great! When I was there a few years back there was no tasting (dry county).

Great pics -- thanks for sharing!

**Clarifixer** · 07-02-2012, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Gruder

They're tasting at Maker's now? Great! When I was there a few years back there was no tasting (dry county).

Great pics -- thanks for sharing!

Yeah, the tasting facility at Maker's Mark was first rate and looked brand new. Guess they had some legislation passed!

**jlanger** · 07-03-2012, 05:39 PM

Woodford is my favorite of them so far. I loved the warehouse. The scent of the angel's take in a building that's been holding good bourbon for 2 centuries is indescribable.

Currently in Lexington visiting some kin. We're renting a house on a horse farm and I got to see some spectacular horses, talk about amazing (nothing like seeing a 2+ million dollar animal!)

**blary54** · 07-03-2012, 05:50 PM

Sounds fun. I like that b&w picture.

**Clarifixer** · 07-03-2012, 06:12 PM

According to a guide at one of the distilleries, the limestone water is one of the reasons for the taste. In addition, something I never thought of was the fact that the limestone water is also a reason for the strong horses!

Something I just found out is that Loretto, Kentucky, home of Maker's Mark, is in Marion County, not Bourbon. I had always thought whiskey could only be called "bourbon" if it was made in Bourbon County. Guess not.

**BlackBard** · 07-03-2012, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Clarifixer

According to a guide at one of the distilleries, the limestone water is one of the reasons for the taste. In addition, something I never thought of was the fact that the limestone water is also a reason for the strong horses!

Something I just found out is that Loretto, Kentucky, home of Maker's Mark, is in Marion County, not Bourbon. I had always thought whiskey could only be called "bourbon" if it was made in Bourbon County. Guess not.

Bourbon can even be made in any state. It does not have to be made in Kentucky.

**bobfarvour** · 07-03-2012, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by Clarifixer

According to a guide at one of the distilleries, the limestone water is one of the reasons for the taste. In addition, something I never thought of was the fact that the limestone water is also a reason for the strong horses!

Something I just found out is that Loretto, Kentucky, home of Maker's Mark, is in Marion County, not Bourbon. I had always thought whiskey could only be called "bourbon" if it was made in Bourbon County. Guess not.

At a point in time, Marion county was part of Bourbon county. Bourbon county was quite large in the early days.

As stated by another, technically Bourbon can be made anywhere, just as Champagne can be made anywhere outside of Champagne, France. But REAL Bourbon is from Kentucky. Just ask our friends in Lynchburg.

**Clarifixer** · 07-04-2012, 06:11 AM

I have now perused a few articles concerning "Bourbon" vs "Whiskey" vs "Scotch" and learned quite a bit. Interesting!

**echotron** · 07-04-2012, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by blary54

Sounds fun. I like that b&w picture.

+1 ... very nice B&W shot ...

**Walter Sobchak** · 07-04-2012, 06:34 PM

Sounds like a great time! Love the B&W pic, and love that tasty Woodford Reserve.

**packersfan117** · 07-06-2012, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by Gruder

They're tasting at Maker's now? Great! When I was there a few years back there was no tasting (dry county).

Great pics -- thanks for sharing!

There's the height of irony...you can make it, but can't taste it!

Just a note, Woodford Reserve is made in Woodford County, Maker's Mark is in Marion County, and Wild Turkey is in Anderson County. I'm glad you had fun! I wish our weather had been more hospitable to you, this has not been a fun time to visit Central Kentucky. We've broken more temperature records in one stretch than I can recall ever happening.

I love that black and white shot. It's timeless!