Skip the lines and ride from downtown Lexington to Buffalo Trace for a self-guided bourbon tasting, a $20 café voucher, and relaxed access to rickhouses. Perfect for University of Alabama fans who want an easy, social afternoon before the game.
Skip the lines and ride from downtown Lexington to Buffalo Trace for a self-guided bourbon tasting, a $20 café voucher, and relaxed access to rickhouses. Perfect for University of Alabama fans who want an easy, social afternoon before the game.
Book with Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville · Lexington, Kentucky
Start your game weekend with a different kind of kickoff: the Gameday Social at Buffalo Trace Distillery, departing from central Lexington, Kentucky. Meet at 215 W Main St, Lexington, KY, and board a round-trip shuttle that gets you to Buffalo Trace for a self-guided tasting, a $20 café voucher for lunch, time in the gift shop, and relaxed exploration of the distillery grounds. Buffalo Trace is known for the low, steady work of barrel aging, the stacked wooden rickhouses where bourbon mellows, and the limestone-filtered water that gives Kentucky whiskey its distinct character. On this outing you skip the entrance line and move at your own pace: sample signature bourbons, learn how mash, fermentation, and charred oak influence flavor, then stroll among warehouses heavy with toasted oak and the smell of toasted corn. The setting feels industrial and historic at once—metal catwalks, brickwork, and rows of barrel heads that make for cinematic photos and meaningful context about what goes into each pour. What makes this trip stand out is its social energy. Designed for University of Alabama fans converging on town, the experience balances group camaraderie with independent discovery: ride with fellow supporters, swap tasting notes over lunch, then take a quiet loop through the production areas. The package is practical—round-trip transport, priority entry, and a lunch voucher—so you can relax and focus on tasting rather than logistics. This outing also connects visitors to the wider outdoor and cultural landscape of central Kentucky. After the tour, return to Lexington’s walkable core with its horse-country influence, bourbon bars, and historic streets. For visitors short on time but eager for an authentic bourbon immersion, the Gameday Social compresses the essentials into a single afternoon without feeling rushed. Practical notes: check in at least 15 minutes before departure; tours run about 4 hours 45 minutes; bring a valid photo ID for tastings. The experience is approachable for most people and requires minimal walking on level surfaces, though uneven warehouse floors are common. Groups are intentionally capped—this outing accommodates up to 48 guests—so the vibe stays lively without feeling crowded. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot tasting notes; start with lighter, lower-proof pours and work toward more intense, barrel-forward expressions. The distillery gift shop offers limited-release bottles and branded gear; consider a padded tube for any purchases you plan to take home. Shuttle timing means you can time the return to coincide with pregame plans back in Lexington, keeping the afternoon flexible.
The experience includes a $20 café voucher to use on-site; you may pay extra if your meal exceeds the voucher amount.
You must be of legal drinking age and present a valid photo ID at check-in to participate in tastings.
Meet at 215 W Main St, Lexington, KY; check-in opens at least 15 minutes before departure.
Much of the distillery has level access, but warehouse floors and certain production areas can be uneven; contact the operator for specific accessibility accommodations.
This outing accommodates up to 48 guests, keeping the experience social but not overcrowded.
Yes—Buffalo Trace’s gift shop carries limited-release bottles and branded gear; bring payment and consider protective packaging for bottles.
Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville runs curated bourbon tours based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company offers guided Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences that include distillery tours, spirit tastings, and locally sourced meals. Typical itineraries visit renowned distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Angel's Envy, Stitzel‑Weller, Rabbit Hole, Kentucky Artisan Distillery, and others featured on its scheduled trips. Tours combine expert storytelling, seamless private transportation, and scheduled tastings to create an accessible day trip for bourbon enthusiasts. Options include full-day public tours, a boozy brunch option, and a Private Bourbon Tour — a personalized nine‑hour experience that visits three distilleries with local cuisine and private transport. Many tours include a locally sourced lunch or brunch as noted in the itineraries. The business emphasizes safety and comfort by providing coordinated transportation between distilleries and curated tasting experiences rather than large, self‑directed driving routes. With nearly 20 years of experience and over 1 million satisfied guests reported on its private tour description, Mint Julep Experiences positions itself as a seasoned operator on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Bookings and availability vary by trip; travelers can select specific itineraries that match interests in bourbon history, craft distilling, and tasting education. Each trip is led by guides who focus on bourbon history, production, and tasting notes to enhance the visitor experience. Pickup and drop‑off locations are organized from central Louisville points, and itineraries clearly state included meals, tasting counts, and approximate durations for planning before booking online.
Book with Mint Julep Experiences - Louisville