Celebrate Kentucky’s Favorite Spirit in the Capital City National Bourbon Heritage Month

Photo: Bourbon on the Banks

In 2007, the US Senate declared September “Bourbon Heritage Month”. This observance calls for the celebration of America’s “Native Spirit” which is of course, Bourbon. By definition, bourbon is made in the United States. But really, everyone knows that means Kentucky- 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in our state, where there are more bourbon barrels than people. 
With bourbon being such an integral part of our home, it’s hard to think of a better place to celebrate than the capital city. Positioned on the shores of the Kentucky River, and home to the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort is #KentuckyDistilled and the perfect place to celebrate America’s Native Spirit.

Tour Frankfort’s 4 bourbon distilleries.

Celebrate America’s “Native Spirit” by visiting the places where it all begins! From the oldest continuously operating distillery in the USA to a family-owned craft distillery founded in 2012, while in Frankfort, visitors can enjoy distillery tours, bourbon tastings, and more.

Frankfort is home to Buffalo Trace Distillery, Castle & Key Distillery, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., and Glenns Creek Distillery.

Photo: Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. (Formally known as Three Boys Farm)

Attend Frankfort’s Bourbon on the Banks Festival.

If bourbon is more than just a drink to you, then you won’t want to miss this event. The Bourbon on the Banks Festival is a premier bourbon event that takes place along the Kentucky River. Attendees will be able to drink and learn about a variety of bourbons, enjoy live music, taste offerings from a wide range of food vendors, shop the handmade collections of bourbon-themed artisans, and more.

Photo: Bourbon on the Banks

Drink it neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail.

No matter how you enjoy your bourbon, you’ll find your perfect drink at one of Frankfort’s local bars or restaurants.

  1. Bourbon on Main
  2. The Brick Alley and Patio Pub
  3. Capital Cellars
  4. The Cooperage
  5. Limewater
  6. Mortimer Bibb’s Public House
  7. Serafini

Looking for something else? Find all of Frankfort’s restaurants here, our breweries here, and wineries here.

Explore the beautiful historic town of Frankfort and learn about our bourbon history.

Sign up for a Bourbon and History Walking Tour in historic downtown Frankfort led by none other than the Father of Modern Bourbon, E.H. Taylor Jr! Afterwards, head over to Capital City Museum and take a look at the Kentucky Bourbon exhibit.

*Reservations required.

Score a bottle of specialty bourbon.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Frankfort, Capital Cellars brings an unparalleled selection of specialty bourbon and more. Stop by to purchase some bottles to bring home or enjoy a drink on their patio.

Photo: Capital Cellars

Float down the Kentucky River.

Kentucky River Tours offers a unique experience to see the Kentucky River, learn about its history, and discover why it was and still is so important to the bourbon industry. They offer a variety of tours and a chance to take in just how beautiful Kentucky truly is.

We hope to see you soon. Cheers!