Top Tier Bourbon Tours designed and executed a customized three-day VIP itinerary on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail for Steve Kempton from February 27 through March 1, 2026.
The schedule incorporated a mix of artisanal and craft distilleries along with selected mainstream stops in response to the client's stated preference for an experience focused on both lesser-known producers and established sites. Transportation for the duration of the tour utilized a luxury sprinter van with pickup from the client's lodging.
The first day included lunch at Mussels and Burger Bar followed by distillery visits. Kempton had requested assistance with a private barrel pick designated for a charity auction. Jonathan French, co-owner, supported the selection process with input on flavor profiles and coordinated the bottling of 216 bottles of a Single Barrel Double Oak Rye within 48 hours to align with the group's departure. Secure, climate-controlled storage was arranged overnight for the purchased barrels. The day concluded at Uncle Boojie's with a signature pour in the venue's 1920s bar, which features a large limestone fireplace. French used the setting to outline subsequent portions of the itinerary.
That evening, French along with guide Jarrod extended activities by accompanying the group to the Louisville Thoroughbred Society for cigars and whiskey. The single barrel specialist from Peerless participated in the discussion, contributing details on industry practices.
The second day opened with a pour of Willet Purple Top selected by French. Visits proceeded to Bluegrass Distillers and Dark Arts, locations noted for flavor profiles not commonly available through standard retail channels. French scheduled arrivals to limit exposure to crowds, which permitted private tours and additional time at the distillery bars. The group met an owner at Bluegrass Distillers, and Kempton encountered a bourbon influencer at Dark Arts. Evening activities centered on the Trial and Error Speakeasy at Pursuit Spirits, where French joined the group to review menu selections.
Adjustments to the schedule occurred as needed. When the Evan Williams tour was removed from the plan, French contacted the distillery to hold two cases of Old Fitzgerald 9 Year at MSRP for group purchase. Additional arrangements included entry to the Whistlepig Bank Vault prior to closing and a private tour at Rabbit Hole. A stop at Stitzel-Weller Distillery was maintained due to its documented role in bourbon history.
The final day featured a tasting session at Neat Bourbon Bar and Bottle Shop led by French. Samples included a 1992 Blanton's, a 1994 Maker's Mark, and a 1970s Stitzel-Weller wheated bourbon. The itinerary wrapped with stops at Bardstown Bourbon Co. and a recommendation at Green River Distillery for a cold brew offering referred to as The Dude Imbibes.
Kempton documented the tour in a detailed account that described how French transitioned from guide to a participant integrated with the group by the conclusion of the trip. The account highlighted the use of local connections to facilitate access and adjustments throughout the three days.
"Client requests form the basis of every itinerary we develop, and we incorporate details from our ongoing involvement in the Kentucky bourbon community to address those requests," said Jonathan French, co-owner of Top Tier Bourbon Tours. "This includes coordinating timing, private selections, and supplementary activities where feasible."
French continued, "Our team maintains familiarity with production methods and site-specific histories across the trail, which supports the delivery of scheduled visits and any modifications that arise during multi-day tours."
The completed itinerary provides one illustration of how Top Tier Bourbon Tours structures multi-day custom tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Such tours typically cover regions including Louisville, Bardstown, and Frankfort/Lexington, with visits to a combination of distilleries for tours and tastings. Transportation remains private for the group, and guides accompany participants throughout.
Kempton's written experience noted specific operational elements such as rapid bottling coordination and after-hours extensions as consistent with the company's standard practices developed through repeated engagement in the area.
Top Tier Bourbon Tours is a Louisville, Kentucky-based provider of private bourbon tours. Co-owners Jonathan French and Mike Daley lead the company, which focuses on customized itineraries that include distillery visits, tastings, and related activities across the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. French contributes more than 10 years of bourbon and tourism experience, including prior work with Bulleit, while the team emphasizes guided exploration of both historic and current aspects of Kentucky bourbon production.
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For more information about Top Tier Bourbon Tours, contact the company here:
Top Tier Bourbon Tours
John
(502) 396-5039
toptierbourbontours@gmail.com
828 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40206, United States
