Making a trip to Kentucky…

[SteelSchaben]

Ok…. Louisville is under way…
First night, Hell or High Water Speakeasy. Nice concept. Nice space. Excellent cocktails. Fair execution. Suffice it to say we didn’t need the secret password.
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I ordered a Calling Card No. 1 with Old Forester 1920 and sweet vermouth, but it was eclipsed by the Highland Frost. What a great cocktail!

I really like the hidden door entrance. That reminds me of a place here in Jax, except they use a curtain to hide the entrance.

 

[SteelSchaben]

Missed the 9 am tasting at Four Roses, so headed to Willett…

My wife loves Four Roses and Bourbon in general, showed her your pictures and now she is; "We gotta go !". Thank you Rick for sharing your trip, really wonderful images and the skies are so clear. Thinking it must be really cold as we are in the 50's here?

 

[SteelSchaben]

Heaven Hill and Bulleit…

One of my favorite Bourbons Bulleit 10 year, currently out of stock till Jan 22 here... Awesome vacation ! Here living vicariously through your trip

 

[FL shaver]

I really like the hidden door entrance. That reminds me of a place here in Jax, except they use a curtain to hide the entrance.

There is a similar door in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace! It is below the barrel tampering warning!

 

[FL shaver]

My wife loves Four Roses and Bourbon in general, showed her your pictures and now she is; "We gotta go !". Thank you Rick for sharing your trip, really wonderful images and the skies are so clear. Thinking it must be really cold as we are in the 50's here?

It had not yet gotten above freezing as we left Four Roses! It was 27 degrees on arrival! The weather may be chilly, but it’s been beautiful. We knew we were getting close when we saw that bright white steam against the blue backdrop!

 

[FL shaver]

One of my favorite Bourbons Bulleit 10 year, currently out of stock till Jan 22 here... Awesome vacation ! Here living vicariously through your trip

The Bulleit tasting: Bourbon, Rye, and two of the single barrel expressions. I haven’t sampled the 10 year yet.

Thanks! I enjoy coming here for vacation discussion. I always get amazing suggestions! Hope you can make it happen soon. We are fortunate to get a direct flight from a small airport less than an hour from home. We’ll be back!

 

[FL shaver]

Another crisp start! Heading back down to Maker’s and Woodford, but we took a drive past the site of last night’s Louisville-Clemson game and Churchill Downs. The route has also taken us past Jim Beam and the Four Roses bottling facility. A fall weekend here can be loads of fun!

 

[FL shaver]

Maker’s. Tasting: Maker’s, 101, Cask Strength, 46, and a Private Barrel Select.

 

[FL shaver]

Woodford Reserve. Nice drive through Diamond A Farms in Versailles.

 

[FL shaver]

Bourbon, Rye, brandy barrel finished Batch Proof (tastings only - unfiltered), and two cocktails (Spire and Cherry Mule).

 

[FL shaver]

Limestone dry stacked fences are a thing in Woodford County. I’ve enjoyed a quality stone wall since my New England childhood.

 

[SteelSchaben]

Limestone dry stacked fences are a thing in Woodford County. I’ve enjoyed a quality stone wall since my New England childhood.View attachment 1359090

This I will definitely agree with, lived in the NorthWestern part of Philly (Blue Bell) and these types of homes and walls are common on the outskirts of Philadelphia. @JCinPA has probably seen his fair share as well.

 

[FL shaver]

How’s this for a finish? Headed back to SDF, but had a couple hours to kill before catching flights. We headed to Churchill Downs and caught the last couple races and an Old Forester Mint Julep! It wasn’t Derby Day, but I thought I’d never see this place!