Kentucky’s Bourbon Country Presents a Unique, Unforgettable, and Luxurious Accommodation Option

If you haven’t spent the night inside a giant whiskey barrel, can you even call yourself a diehard bourbon fan? That question will need answering before you plan a trip to Bourbon Barrel Retreats, a unique stay in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country, near 17 standout distilleries. Nestled between rolling hills, overlooking wooded thickets and endless skies, the retreat’s nine bourbon barrel-shaped tiny houses are the main draw. Each beautifully crafted barrel has been transformed into a cozy nest for your luxe getaway, featuring a plush king-sized bed, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and a large window perfect for watching the sunset or gazing at the scenery. Every detail has been thought of in advance, ensuring an ultra-comfortable stay. In addition, most of the barrels come with a private outdoor hot tub, where guests can relax after a day exploring the distilleries and take in the night sky. 

The resort also provides hammocks throughout the communal areas, fire pits, and add-ons for enhancing your stay, such as room decoration for a special occasion and a VIP package with custom glasses and a charcuterie board for grazing. The retreat is conveniently located off US-62, about 45 minutes from Lexington. Although Lexington has a small airport with several non-stop flights, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is only an hour away and offers non-stop or single-connection flights to most major airports across the country. 

Only 25 minutes from Bardstown, a picturesque town known as “the Bourbon Capital of the World,” it’s hard to imagine a place more ideally located for discovering the rich history and flavors of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail than Bourbon Barrel Retreats. Even better, the complimentary concierge service will help craft a bespoke itinerary, with a focus on hidden gems and experiences you might not find on your own. This includes arranging transportation, tasting experiences, dinner reservations, distillery tours, as well as non-whiskey recommendations. 

One stop you can’t miss is the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which has won over 1,000 awards and has a 200-year history. Choose from five tours, including the coveted Hard Hat behind-the-scenes tour, offering insight into the art of making bourbon. Registration for Buffalo Trace tours opens every Wednesday at 10 a.m. with dates up to eight weeks in advance — spaces fill up notoriously quickly, so it’s good to book early. In fact, many of the top distilleries have limited tour availability, so contact Bourbon Barrel Retreats’ concierge as soon as you can to get your preferred tours. 

Another destination to add to your list is Castle & Key, a historic gem with sprawling European-style gardens that was once the distillery of E.H. Taylor, the man known as “The Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry”. Next, you can’t miss watching Maker’s Mark’s iconic red wax seal dry at the farm-like distillery in nearby Loretto. Other notable distilleries in the area include Four Roses, Willett Distillery, and Woodford Reserve.