My old Kentucky home

The Kentucky countryside is very scenic, with green, rolling hills dotted with farmhouses and horse stables. 

This view came at a preserved Shaker village just outside of Lexington, KY. Interesting fact: There are only three Shakers remaining in the U.S. They are old, and live in Maine.

Kentucky loves its horses, and also its bourbon. We visited four distilleries along the "Bourbon Trail". I didn't mention that my drink of choice is Jameson Irish whiskey, or Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey.

Here are some highlights:

American stillhouse, Japanese owners.



The Jim Beam distillery was the most picturesque. And Sherman, one of the guides, told us about his drinking habits. When he wants to be social, he drinks Jim Beam Black. If he's just sipping on the porch, he goes with Booker's. Thanks for the tips!

 

 

One of the fermentation tubs at Maker's. They let us dip our fingers in. At this early stage, the sludge tastes like cereal milk, or sweet tofu dessert.

Four Roses had the smallest and simplest grounds. But the tasting was fun with our guide Rick. He was taking sips right along with us.

Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell. We asked him the best way to drink bourbon. His answer? Neat. He also showed us how to use a turkey gobbler.

Jimmy as a baby.