24-06-2025
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.
