It’s no surprise that Shawn has come to appreciate his bourbon, and he and his college buddies recently enjoyed a trip to Louisville, Kentucky to imbibe. While there, they had a great time experiencing the history, knowledge, and bourbon included in their tour with The Kentucky Bourbon Boys. You’ve read about that before – but we’ve decided to get to know the Chief Operating Officer, Tim Hagan, a little bit better. Here are some of his answers to our questions!
How did you get started with the bourbon tours and Kentucky Bourbon Boys?
The Kentucky Bourbon Boys started as a Hagan family outing with a group of nine men and one female driver in 2011.
The group was made up of novice bourbon drinkers and at that time, the passport for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail was smaller, with only six distilleries on the official trail. The group needed a driver for the day, so they recruited their daughter/niece/cousin/sister-
The first bourbon tour was a prototype for all we’ve done for our guests since. We had a 15-passenger van, a steady driver, and memorable stories along the way. We learned about bourbon, the history, process, and stories of each distillery, and sampled some we hadn’t tried previously. Even better, we genuinely enjoyed the day together. On that day, our driver tagged us as the “Kentucky Bourbon Boys.”
A month later we toured a second round of distilleries, and an idea was born. What if we could do this for other people? How exciting would it be to take others on tours to these amazing locations, share our knowledge of what we knew along the way about bourbon, Kentucky, our history, culture, and more?
In 2015 the idea came to life and we officially formed the business – Kentucky Bourbon Boys, and since then, the rest, as they say, is history.
We’ve met new friends at the distilleries and along the way, and thousands of visitors from across the U.S.A. and around the world on our customized tours throughout the state. We strive to provide a unique and truly Kentucky experience – as evident in our motto – “Bourbon country done right!”
Can you tell us a little about Kentucky Bourbon Boys and what they offer?
The Kentucky Bourbon Boys focus on private, custom bourbon tours. Each tour is unique to the group, with three distilleries chosen by the guests (sometimes with advice from us) for tours and tastings, and lunch at a local restaurant. At times, a horse farm tour can be substituted in place of a distillery. Tours are organized by region to minimize drive times and maximize time at the distilleries. As a family business, we treat guests like family.
Groups can choose to visit the Bardstown area, in our SOUTH region, which is the “Bourbon Capital of the World!” The town also has been named the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America.” Distilleries in the area include Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Barton’s, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Willett, Lux Row, Limestone Branch, and Preservation.
Another option is to head to our EAST region, home of horse farms and the following distilleries – Buffalo Trace, Woodford, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, Castle & Key, Wilderness Trail, James Pepper, Bulleit Distilling Company, Jeptha Creed, Barrel House, Bluegrass Distilling, Hartfield & Company, Alltech, and Three Boys Farm.
In the Louisville area region, guests can choose between Bulleit Stitzel-Weller, Kentucky Artisan, Rabbit Hole, Evan Williams, Peerless, Michter’s, Old Forester, and Angel’s Envy.
Lunch is included in the cost of the tour day, along with all admissions, transportation, snacks and waters. We pre-order lunches, sending guests a menu and order form to complete and return prior to the trip. The restaurants are ready for us when we arrive, making the day flow smoothly and maximizing our time.
Guests that want something unique can choose one of our premium tour experiences, from shooting clays, enjoying pit barbecue, and a bourbon tour (Bullets, BBQ, and Bourbon) to tours at E.H. Taylor distilleries (Historic Bourbon Tour) or the Bourbon Behind the Scenes tour (specialty tours at Maker’s Mark and more). There are several new offerings coming soon!
[Note from Just Get in the Car: due to age restrictions that must be met, we were unable to link to any of the above distilleries! Good thing we know you know how to use google!]
What is it that makes Kentucky Bourbon the best whiskey in the country (maybe the world)?
There are more bourbon barrels aging in Kentucky than there are people (actually the ratio is 2:1 now). There are multiple factors that led to Kentucky becoming the epicenter of bourbon production.
First of all, it is a common misunderstanding that bourbon has to come from Kentucky. Although 95% or more is produced here, bourbon is the only American spirit. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, and there are new bourbon distilleries opening across the country.
A good rule of thumb is to remember that “All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.” Rye whiskey and scotch are good examples.
So what makes the difference? A few basic rules to know include:
* The mash must be 51% corn or more (and most are much more)
* The spirit cannot come off the still at higher than 160 proof
* The white dog (spirit) cannot enter the barrel higher than 125 proof
* Bourbon cannot enter the bottle lower than 80 proof
* The spirit must age in a new, charred, white oak barrel
* Nothing can be added to the liquid other than water
Kentucky had all the factors needed for bourbon to come into being. Settlers brought distilling skills with them from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Although other grains were used in those areas, corn was abundant here. Farms and small towns had little in the way of industry or jobs, and whiskey was cash. Just imagine the difference a barrel of whiskey could bring versus a wagon load of corn?
Water is a key to the quality of bourbon. Kentucky sits on a limestone shelf (hello, Mammoth Cave!) which filters water, removing iron and adding calcium and magnesium. This makes water clear, clean, and tasty – perfect for making good bourbon.
The last feature is the weather. Kentucky has a wide range of temperatures, with lows around zero and highs near 100 degrees. The temperature fluctuation cause expansion and contraction of the barrels, pulling the liquid into the wood and drawing flavor into the bourbon. Rickhouses (the barns that hold the barrels) are low tech, typically without electricity. The barrels age for at least four years with nature working its magic.
Once the barrel is emptied, it cannot be reused for bourbon. When you travel to Ireland and Scotland (and many other parts of the world) you will see bourbon barrels from various distilleries. Breweries, furniture makers, and food producers utilize used barrels as well.
For someone getting started with bourbon, what advice would you give them? And are there particular brands that would provide them with a good introduction?
Without getting into naming specific brands, the best way for someone to learn more about bourbon is to read blog posts, listen to podcasts, read online materials, and visit local bourbon events.
Prices are becoming exorbitant for some well known, high profile bourbons. A newcomer doesn’t have to be misled by this, and can find plenty of good options at very reasonable costs.
It doesn’t matter what other people like – everyone has a different palate and some bourbons will appeal to one person, while another might not like them at all.
The best way to get started is to try a bourbon cocktail, such as an old-fashioned. Be sure though to ask what bourbon is being used, because every old-fashioned will taste different depending on the bourbon used. A bottom shelf $10 bourbon will be very different from a medium priced bourbon.
Once you’ve tried some bourbon cocktails, try a mid-priced bourbon with an ice cube or two. The ice slowly melts and opens up the drink, taking a little edge off the bite of the alcohol and making more flavors noticeable. You can skip the ice and add a small amount of water to do the same thing. A pour should only be about an ounce or two at most, and should be SIPPED. There’s just no such thing as shooting a bourbon (only in cowboy movies).
Finally, take a tour. Each distillery provides anywhere from two to five glasses on a tasting, and the guide will teach guests how to drink bourbon.
Do you have a favorite distiller or bourbon brand?
They’re all good! Depending on the day and mood, a different bourbon fits the bill. Some are higher in proof than others, and some are sweeter or spicier. It all depends on what you like.
When is the best time to come to Kentucky and Louisville for some Bourbon tasting?
Distilleries are open year round, but are closed on most major holidays. During the summer, usually July or August, production may be on hold while deep cleaning is completed.
April – May and September – October are the prime times to visit, but one should expect big crowds. Many offer special tours on weekdays, and those with a bottling line only run on weekdays.
When you are not on the Bourbon Trail, what do you like to do in the Louisville area? Are there any sights, landmarks or restaurants you would recommend to out of towners?
Louisville has become a food destination, with multiple recognitions for the variety of great restaurants. On top of that, they all have a bourbon selection that can be overwhelming! There are too many to list here, but we can offer some ideas specific to the interests of a group.
Whiskey Row, or Main Street, is the gateway to bourbon country. There are five distilleries on this historic street (Angel’s Envy, Old Forester, Michter’s, Evan Williams, and Peerless) with Rabbit Hole just two blocks south. Nearby one can visit Bulleit Stitzel-Weller and Kentucky Artisan Distillery.
Churchill Downs is the historic home of the Kentucky Derby. Racing runs from late April through June, and again in October through Thanksgiving weekend.
The Louisville Slugger Bat Factory and Museum is a must-see – on weekdays you’ll see your favorite player bats being made! Nearby, the Muhammad Ali Center is a gem.
Louisville’s Waterfront Park is an award-winning site, with several miles of walking paths, sculptures, swings, food, splash parks, and more. A walking bridge crossed the Ohio River, with outstanding views of the city. On the Indiana side guests can visit multiple restaurants and a bourbon and cigar bar.
What are some of the hidden gems in the Louisville or along the Bourbon Trail that most tourists don’t know about?
The Parklands are a string of new beautiful parks connecting around the outer edge of Louisville. Eventually, the plan is for the parks to link up over 100 miles around the perimeter of the city.
Historic home tours in the center of the city offer a look into America’s past – the duPont’s had a home in the district, and the St. James Art Fair every October brings thousands of visitors to the city.
Amish farms and stores, bicycle routes that pass through horse country, Mammoth Cave (two hours south), and water sports are all worthwhile options.
NCAA Basketball – Kentucky Wildcats or Louisville Cardinals?
These are fighting words! Actually, when people move into the area, one of the first questions they get is “Are you red or blue?” Blue is for Kentucky Wildcats, red is for Louisville Cardinals. Some of the Kentucky Bourbon Boys are staunch fans of one team or the other, but support the other team until they play one another. Then, LOOK OUT! If we lose in chess to the other team, it makes for a long year!
