jamieross103 Day 1. Left Dallas mid-morning with my usual road trip coffee and had a goal of reaching Naaman’s Championship BBQ in Texarkana by 3pm to grab some Top 50 BBQ.
Then with a full belly I drove to Memphis where I stayed the night. Found a local Tap House where I could hang out for local craft beer whilst relaxing after my 10hr drive.
Day 2- Early start as I had a special bbq place to stop at in Martin, Tennessee. A good friend Chef John O’Neill from Dallas is a huge BBQ fan like me so he recommended Blake’s BBQ, it was 1 hour detour but this 25 year old kid was making some good BBQ, I had to check it out and see my review here Blake’s BBQ
After an 11am Brunch at Blake’s my next stop was Casey Jones about a 3 hr drive, I called ahead and they were happy for me to stop by. I got to meet the distiller and purchase some bottles, signed as well.
Next stop a couple of hours North was Boundary Oak, see my review but I was not a huge fan, this felt impersonal to me in all honesty.
I got back on the road and headed to Louisville where I was supposed to pick up my friend Luke from the airport but the weather was terrible and his flight was rerouted so I checked in to my hotel and headed off to the Troll Pub in downtown Louisville.
A couple of pints later my friend arrived and I walked the mile down Whiskey Row to another BBQ place called Feast BBQ for dinner and another pint at a brewery next door called Akashi.
Then just a short walk around the corner to Goodwood Bar, across the road to International Bar House to end the night.
DAY 3 – BARDSTOWN
We left early as we had a 10am appointment and it was a 1 hour drive to Bardstown and then 25 mins further on through some very small single lane roads until we reached Maker’s Mark Distillery.
This was a great tour and tasting, in fact one of my favourites. We got to dip a bottle in the red wax and taste some nice whiskey.
Next stop was Lux Row Distiller’s in Bardstown at 12.30pm. This was a huge operation, not my favourite I am afraid, some history for sure but the building had no character at all.
Third Stop was across town to Willett Distillery, they had not space for us to tour but we did grab some great food. Newsome Ham and Egg Cress Sandwiches washed down with an old fashioned.
No 4 was back across town to Bardstown Distillery for a special tasting in a very special room. This place is custom built for whiskey tours and a restaurant, no character or history at all.
Following that we went to Preservation Distillery for a quick tasting, just the other side of Bardstown for 3pm. This tasting felt a little rushed to be honest and it was not the finest whiskey but worth a visit as every one has a different opinion.
Lastly we visited Barton 1792, this was not in the distillery but a small office on the main road on the way in, it was a free tasting so I cannot grumble much but it was two small pours and over in 15 mins.
After the distilleries we headed in to the town itself to enjoy some of the local Breweries and Pubs. Firstly was the Scout and Scholar, lovely modern pleasant brewery in an old village hall building
The across the road was a very Historic pub call The Old Talbot Tavern, sadly the service was super slow and the food was below par, shame as the building is very historic.
After this it was time for some well earned rest, ready for Day 3.
