Latest news with #BourbonCapital
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bourbon Butlers Are Ready To Welcome Guests To Bardstown's Newest Hotel
The lobby at The Trail Hotel. Kriech-Higdon Photography At the end of last month, Kentucky welcomed its newest accommodation and first bourbon-infused hotel. The Trail Hotel opened in Bardstown, monikered as "Bourbon Capital of the World,' in a former Holiday Inn but guests would never know it thanks to a complete overhaul of the 95 guest rooms and five swanky bourbon-stocked bars. Dan Sirrine, general manager of The Trail Hotel explained to Forbes that in Bardstown, 'bourbon is not just a spirit, but a way of life,' which is why it was so important to create a new accommodation for both travelers looking to experience that way of life, as well as a social hub for locals. 'It's been incredible to hear what the revival of this property means to the community,' he shared, explaining that in its former life as a Holiday Inn, Bardstown locals used it as a gathering place to celebrate life's milestones. The Trail Hotel revives a central and social hospitality nucleus — all with bourbon-infused programming from Bourbon Butlers to a hidden speakeasy called the Bourbon Vault. 'Bourbon has traditionally been celebrated in tasting rooms, distillery tours, and bars throughout the area, but not in the broader lifestyle sense that a hotel can offer,' said Sirrine about the positioning of The Trail Hotel as the 'world's first bourbon-infused hotel.' That's part of what inspired the vision of owners Will Hardy and Ejo Edmonds when creating the hotel. 'Bourbon is such an integral part of Kentucky's identity,' furthered Sirrine. 'Will and Ejo saw an opportunity to fill that gap, not just by building a hotel with bourbon-themed decor, but by creating a truly infused experience that pays tribute to the spirit while reimagining how people connect with it.' The Trail Hotel offers two private labels, one bourbon and one rye, crafted in partnership with two local distilleries. Kriech-Higdon Photography In addition to the onsite bourbon experiences, The Trail Hotel features two private labels — a six year bourbon created in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company and a six-year rye in partnership by Green River Whiskey. 'Our team worked side-by-side with master distillers at each distillery to craft flavor profiles that reflect both the spirit of our property and the region's bourbon heritage,' explained Sirrine. Below, Sirrine shares more about what guests can expect in terms of bourbon-infused experiences from check-in to check-out, whether they're sipping The Trail Hotel's custom rye at the Bourbon Vault or on a VIP tour at one of Bardstown's historic distilleries thanks to their Bourbon Butlers' connections. Jillian Dara: What are the exclusive bourbon experiences offered on property? Dan Sirrine: For discerning bourbon enthusiasts, rare pours are available to enjoy at our hidden speakeasy, the Bourbon Vault. The Trail Hotel also offers a variety of tour options exclusive to hotel guests through our Bourbon Butler, each designed to immerse guests in the art, history, and craftsmanship of bourbon-making. We have five bars on property, each with their own vibe, allowing guests to get a taste of incredible bourbons around every corner. JD: How did the concept of a Bourbon Butler come about? DS: The concept of a Bourbon Butler was born out of our desire to offer guests a truly personalized and elevated bourbon experience beyond the typical tasting or flight. We looked at the level of service you might find with a sommelier in a fine dining setting and thought: why shouldn't bourbon lovers have that same tailored experience? Whether a guest is a seasoned enthusiast or brand new to the spirit, our Bourbon Butlers are there to curate recommendations, share stories behind the bottles, arrange private tastings and tours throughout Bardstown, and even pair bourbons with meals or in-room amenities. It's a service rooted in education, storytelling, and personal connection. The Bourbon Vault at The Trail Hotel. Kriech-Higdon Photography JD: Can you share some of the exclusive bourbon tastings or experiences that the Bourbon Butlers can arrange? DS: Our Bourbon Butlers tailor each guest's experience based on their taste and curiosity. They can arrange private tastings of rare and allocated bourbons, behind-the-scenes tours with partner distilleries, and more. Offered three times daily, our signature tours include a morning escape (one distillery tour), an intimate afternoon affair (two tours plus a gourmet lunch), or an all-day rendezvous (three exclusive tours with time in between to unwind at the hotel). For those seeking an ultra-personalized encounter, our private tours for 2-28 guests include a Three Distillery Odyssey through some of Bardstown's premium distilleries, complete with lunch, or a Two Distillery Escape, a leisurely adventure with time to shoot a round of golf or horseback riding. Available upgrades include a meet and greet with a distiller and a tasting of exclusive, limited release whiskeys. JD: Why do you think it's so important to offer this type of amenity for your guests? DS: Travelers come to Kentucky looking for an authentic connection to bourbon culture. With so many distilleries nearby, it can be a bit overwhelming choosing which to visit. The Bourbon Butlers offer our guests a turnkey way to engage with all Bardstown has to offer, without having to lift a finger. JD: How do you aim to add to the culture and heritage of the spirit with your new hotel? DS: I aim to honor Bardstown's legacy in the bourbon space through creating new opportunities for people to engage with it in meaningful, modern ways. Every detail of the property, from the decor, to the amenities and our service, reflects the craftsmanship and warmth that defines the spirit, from our locally sourced materials to the unique bourbon experiences woven throughout the property. By partnering with local distilleries, showcasing regional makers, and offering immersive programming, we aim to create a space where guests can connect with the history, people, and passion behind bourbon. We want to spark curiosity and deep appreciation for this spirit that makes Bardstown a must-visit for foodies, culture aficionados, bourbon lovers, and beyond.
Travel Daily News
30-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Trail Hotel officially opens in Bardstown, Kentucky
The Trail Hotel opens in Bardstown, Kentucky, offering bourbon lovers luxury stays, exclusive tastings, curated experiences, and elevated Southern hospitality. BARDSTOWN, KY – The Trail Hotel, the world's first bourbon-infused luxury hotel, is now welcoming guests in Bardstown, KY. Housed in a reimagined historic property, the 95-room hotel invites guests to experience Kentucky's famed Bourbon country with elevated Southern hospitality and interactive bourbon experiences. The property boasts eight signature suites, a four-star dining experience, five distinct bars and an array of modern wellness amenities – all just steps away from the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel originally opened in 1970, serving as a community hub, hosting countless weddings, banquets and business meetings. Design expertise provided by nationally renowned Joseph & Joseph Architects has wholly re-imagined the property – formerly the Holiday Inn Bardstown – as a haven for bourbon lovers of all levels, from the dedicated aficionado to new enthusiasts. Redefining hospitality in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, The Trail Hotel is more than a place to stay – it's a destination for connoisseurs of 'the good stuff,' with close proximity to 11 locally renowned distilleries. It offers an upscale home base for bourbon-minded lovers and business travelers alike. A Luxury Bourbon Experience Like No Other The property's dedication to bourbon culture goes far beyond the bottle. At the center of the experience is The Bourbon Butler, who bridges the gap between local distilleries, farms, restaurants, and other local tourism businesses for a curated experience guests will find nowhere else. With insider access and every connection, this butler will ensure guests' time in Bardstown is as immersive and effortless as possible. VIP Distillery Tours (three daily offerings, rotating among Bardstown's premier distilleries) Curated excursions to golf courses, farms, breweries and wineries Dining & Event Reservations across Bardstown and surrounding areas Custom Bourbon Experiences including private barrel tastings, speakeasy menus, and rare flight samplings Before arrival, the Bourbon Butler will check to ensure every detail is in place, whether that's an intimate tasting in the Bourbon Lounge, a therapeutic session in the Rejuvenation Room, or dinner at Oak & Ember. Adding to the exclusive appeal, The Trail Hotel will debut its own private-label bourbon and rye, available only to property guests. Hand-selected in collaboration with a renowned local distillery, this bourbon will be available for purchase and direct shipment to guests' homes and featured in special tasting experiences throughout the hotel. Elevated Food & Drink Offerings Executive chef Marvin Woods brings Kentucky's rich culinary story to life through thoughtfully crafted food and drink experiences. These include: Oak & Ember, the property's signature restaurant, offers an innovative take on Southern hospitality with a menu rooted in Kentucky tradition and a bourbon list that will impress even seasoned connoisseurs. Embers, the lobby bar, greets guests with a warm atmosphere and seating for more than 60, setting the tone for their bourbon journey. The Bourbon Lounge serves as a quiet, semi-private bourbon library for small gatherings and curated flights, while The Bourbon Vault provides an exclusive speakeasy experience hidden behind a discreet, art-adorned entrance. Outdoor relaxation meets indulgence at the poolside Swim Club Bar, while Bourbon Alley provides fireside lounges and casual bites. Meetings & Events With a Kentucky Flair At The Trail Hotel, meetings and events are infused with bourbon heritage and a mid-century modern flair. The hotel's gathering spaces can accommodate anything from small corporate retreats to grand affairs for up to 140 guests. The property features a variety of versatile indoor and outdoor venues, including lobby bar Embers, the intimate Bourbon Lounge speakeasy, and the open-air Pool Reception and Lawn spaces. Customizable meeting packages and an in-house culinary team allow events to be tailored to any need. Additional property highlights include: The Rejuvenation Room: A modern wellness retreat featuring an oxygen bar, hot sauna, cryotherapy, and IV hydration. Signature Suites: Enjoy eight luxurious accommodations with bourbon-inspired design touches. Par and Pour: This state-of-the-art, high definition golf simulator features a private bar, virtual recreations of world-famous championship courses and an in-house selection of clubs. The Reserve Room: A sophisticated private dining space accommodating up to 60 guests, perfect for meetings, receptions, private meals or curated bourbon tastings. 'We set out to create a place where the essence of Kentucky bourbon is not just tasted, but lived,' said Dan Sirrine, General Manager. 'Every detail, from our curated bourbon experiences to the warm tones and textures of the design, was made to immerse guests in Bardstown's history. The Trail Hotel is excited to welcome the world to Kentucky Bourbon Country in a bold new way.'
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
There's Now A National Bourbon Week. Here's Where And How To Celebrate
National Bourbon Week 2025 Whiskey lovers: There's a new, weeklong celebration for you. The second annual National Bourbon Week is set to return in 2025, with a full schedule of festivities taking place in the Bourbon Capital of the World. From June 9th through 15th in Bardstown, Kentucky, distilleries will partner with restaurants, hospitality groups, musical acts, and more to celebrate bourbon and the community surrounding it. Bardstown's self-proclaimed moniker—Bourbon Capital of the World—stems from its central role in the industry, and the surrounding area boasts an incredibly high concentration of whiskey producers both big and small. Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Maker's Mark, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barton1792, Lux Row, Preservation, Old SteelHouse, and Log Still are among the area distilleries taking part. National Bourbon Week is a relatively new collaboration between area distilleries and local tourism groups to encourage events in late spring/early summer. (As a former Bardstown resident, I can personally attest June is a prime time to visit, right before the summer heat really kicks in.) The slate of events throughout the week includes whiskey, music, culinary experiences, and more. Events start Monday and run all the way through Sunday, June 15th. Some highlights include (via a non-exhaustive list): A number of family-friendly events will also take place, including a new (and free to attend) Kids Zone on June 14th. All events are held independently, so visitors and locals alike can pick and choose the itinerary that works best for them. And for those who would rather sip local brews, Bardstown Rotary Club will host a beer garden on Saturday, June 14th. 'This weeklong celebration is a true toast to the spirit, craftsmanship, and community that make us so special,' says Stacey Phelps, president of Visit Bardstown. 'Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just discovering your love for bourbon, there's no better place to be than Bardstown during National Bourbon Week.' Located around a 45 minute drive south of Louisville, Bardstown is a longtime center of whiskey production and an integral stop on Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. In addition to more than ten distilleries and bottling facilities in the surrounding area, Bardstown is also home the the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History.
