The success of the Urban Bourbon Trail has led the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau to expand the program to 20 establishments for the four year-old tourism experience. Newly designed passports have been delivered to each stop just in time for the program's 4th Anniversary on May 30.
The new stops have some interesting new ways to try Kentucky's signature spirit. Dish on Market is offering a tribute to a former president who liked whiskey with the first meal of the day. Derby Café at the Kentucky Derby Museum is betting adventure seekers won't be able to resist their long shot named after the 1913 Derby Winner who beat the 91-1 odds. Other new stops include some Louisville dining scene classic heavy hitters like Avalon, Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown, Limestone and Village Anchor and new ones like Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar.
Avalon 1314 Bardstown Rd. 502.454.5336 www.avalonfresh.com
This local favorite features casual dining in a bistro lounge atmosphere, a lengthy wine list and nightly food and drink specials. Voted best outdoor dining by readers of Louisville Magazine, Avalon's patio is complimented by its full-service outdoor bourbon bar. And when the weather isn't right for outdoor dining and drinking, visit the indoor bar where you can get half-price drinks all night, every night.
Bristol Bar & Grille - Downtown 614 West Main Street 502.582.1995 www.bristolbarandgrille.com
In addition to explanations about the differences between single barrel and small batch bourbons, the extensive bourbon list is divided by those categories, and lists the proofs and age statement of each bourbon. Winner of more "Best of Louisville" awards than any other local restaurant.
Derby Cafe: at the Kentucky Derby Museum 704 Central Avenue 502.634.0858 www.derbycafe.com
Open for lunch five days a week, the Derby Café is the only place in the world you can see the Derby and drink its famous drink - the Mint Julep - every day! For a one-of-a-kind experience, order the Donerail: The Longest Shot. Served in a gorgeous souvenir hand-blown-glass shot glass, the drink pays homage to the 1913 Derby Winner who was the biggest long shot victory in the history of the Derby. With odds at 91-1, a $2 ticket paid out $184.90, which is what this unique cocktail will set you back. Soups, salads, sandwiches, southern sides and a Bubbling Over Hot Brown are all on the menu as well. Make sure to read your placemat to find out fun bourbon-and Derby-related facts.
Dish on Market 434 West Market Street 502.315.0669 www.dishonmarket.com
Open seven days a week for all three meals, Dish on Market is a value-based neighborhood bar offering everything from Truman's Breakfast (the President liked a shot of bourbon with his daily egg) to the #1 burger in the city (as voted by LEO readers choice awards). Built in 1904 as the first motion picture theatre in the city, it eventually became a coffee saloon (code for bar).
Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar 127 West Main Street 502.587.1626 www.doccrows.com
Doc Crow's name is a nod to the Scottish-born physician responsible during the mid-19th century for scientific advances that gave greater spirit consistency in the American whiskey industry. Most notable was his refinement of the "sour mash" process. Serving straightforward, Southern cuisine, Doc Crow's location on Whiskey Row puts it in the heart of downtown's thriving new arena district.
Limestone 10001 Forest Green Boulevard 502.426.7477 www.limestonerestaurant.com
Limestone (the rock) is responsible for the calcium rich spring water that not only makes for strong bones in growing Kentucky's Thoroughbred horses but also fortifies the development of fine sour mash Bourbon whiskies. In homage to the rock's importance to bourbon, Limestone Restaurant was named. You'll find little touches of bourbon from the bourbon cane sugar that's served with your espresso to the bourbon barrel stave that your salmon is served on.
Village Anchor 11507 Park Road 502.708.1850 www.villageanchor.com
The Village Anchor is an eclectic and fashionable European "bistropub" that seats 260 in both the restaurant and its lower-level sister pub, The Sea Hag. The four-star-rated restaurant and its bars resemble an open-air beach house accented with industrial fans and heaters to offer year-round alfresco dining on its three patios and iron-clad lanai. Housed in the former train station located along the railroad tracks in Anchorage.
Open to all residents and visitors age 21 and older, the Urban Bourbon Trail Passport program allows individuals to collect unique stamps from six of the participating stops and be rewarded with a special gift that can be claimed at the Louisville Visitors Center (301 S. Fourth St.).
There are two ways to collect stamps - pick up a Pass¬port at the Visitors Center or download the app (iPhone or Android) - both are free. No matter which method is chosen, the participant earns the rank of official Bourbon Country Citizen and is awarded a special Urban Bourbon Trailblazer t-shirt and official Citizen of Bourbon Country certificate.
Trailblazers are encouraged to take their time enjoying Bourbon responsibly. The pace is entirely up to the participant as there is no time frame for completing the Passport.
Several local companies including Mint Julep Tours, www.mintjuleptours.com/Book-A-Tour.html, and The Thirsty Pedelar, www.thethirstypedaler.com/index.php/2012-04-06-08-51-52, offer safe sightseeing opportunities along the trail in addition to local taxi cab companies, CityScoot and the free downtown TARC trolley system.
Within the newly expanded 102-page Passport, each location is identified on a map with its address, hours of operation, a short description and a suggested cocktail, along with space for notes. The booklet also includes instructions on how to use the Passport, and pointers on how to taste bourbon like an expert. Passport holders receive 10% off their favorite bottle of bourbon and Just Add Bourbon Merchandise at Liquor Barn and Westport Whiskey & Wine. There is also a map and guide to the Kentucky distilleries that offer public tours.
Passports can be picked up at any of the stops on the Urban Bourbon Trail, Mint Julep Tours' store in retail row at the Galt House or at the Louisville Visitors Center, located at 301 S. Fourth St., where Bourbon Country merchandise is available for purchase including the popular "Just Add Bourbon" line. For more information about planning a vacation to Louisville?The Gateway to Bourbon Country and the Urban Bourbon Trail visit www.BourbonCountry.com.
The new stops join eight other bars and restaurants that are committed to the culture and heritage of bourbon: The Bar at BLU in the Louisville Marriott Downtown, Baxter Station Bar & Grill, Bourbons Bistro, The Brown Hotel Lobby Bar, Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar & Lounge in the Galt House, Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, The Old Seelbach Bar and Proof on Main.
Bourbon Trail passports (and a stamp) will be available at the Derby Museum's front desk and in the Derby Cafe.