Anyone ever toured the Jim Beam Distillery?

[Black Plague]

I'm going for a tour in March (and I understand they offer tastings and a gift shop! ). Anyone ever been and what did you think of it?

Also, are the gift shop prices good? Still debating which of their small batch offerings I should pick up (Baker...Booker...or Basil? I just can't decide!!!).

 

[AVB]

I did the tour about 20 years ago, well before the "small batch" bottlings and I don't remember the prices being anything exceptional. I've reviewed all 4 of the Beam Small Batch Bourbons if you care to look.

I'm going for a tour in March (and I understand they offer tastings and a gift shop! ). Anyone ever been and what did you think of it?

Also, are the gift shop prices good? Still debating which of their small batch offerings I should pick up (Baker...Booker...or Basil? I just can't decide!!!).

 

[Black Plague]

I did the tour about 20 years ago, well before the "small batch" bottlings and I don't remember the prices being anything exceptional. I've reviewed all 4 of the Beam Small Batch Bourbons if you care to look.

I didn't see a review for Baker's in your list (maybe that should be your next one ). I was considering picking up either that or Booker's while I'm there, perhaps I'll get to taste them while I'm there...if my tastes are like yours, looks like I'll be staying away from Basil Hayden :laugh:

 

[DePasta]

I toured last summer. Their prices are list, you would have better luck in a discount store. I like to stop in at Toddy's in Bardstown, it is a hole in the wall but he has a nice selection(Toddy's Liquors 110 S. 4th St. (502) 348-1444) They do have a tasting at Jim Beam and they offered Knob Creek and Bookers when I was there, the pour girl took care of me.....Be sure and get down to Heaven Hill too, and even Maker's Mark, they all have good tours, if you start before lunch you can easily do all three. Eat lunch or dinner at Old Talbott Tavern in downtown Bardstown. Even drove up to the Kentucky Bourbon Distillers site, they are rebuilding it, can't wait until they are done. http://www.kybourbon.com/english/pages/trail.html

-D

 

[Shooter]

If you're still sober at the end, look me up...

 

[Black Plague]

Since this is actually part of an Army staff ride to see the Perryville battlefield, I doubt I'll be able to swing the other places, but we're definitely going to Jim Beam and I'll suggest the Old Talbott to my commander for lunch.

I'm actually originally from New Albany, IN and all my family is from Kentucky, but sadly I've never gotten to see much of Bardstown...seen plenty of Bardstown Road though (hiccup!)

Shooter, will you be making it to the herf in Indy next week? If so, I'll see you there. If not, I'll look you up whenever I'm back home.

 

[SCLIQ]

Been past but never been in one but had been to a Wild Turkey Distillery <the one that burnt down> and it was awesome!

The smell alone was intoxicating and it was really cool to learn & see the process then watch the brew master sign the bottle from the line I was planning to buy.

As far as the gift shop was there...
We got samples but also discovered & loved Bourbon Balls! mmmm
The thing neat about buying Bourbon there was they have "special" varieties that only sold there.

We may get to go more cuz we are considering moving to KY this summer.

Take Care,
Lisa

 

[Black Plague]

Only got to spend about an hour or so there, but a very cool place. SMELLED awesome!!!

I ended up picking up a bottle of Basil Hayden's with matching rocks glass, plus they gave our ROTC group a barrel stopper, shot glass, and Beam pin each for free. Very cool people there, I might add.