The Latest & Greatest from the Bourbon Capital of the World
BOURBON NEWS
The World’s First Bourbon-Infused Luxury Hotel Opens Its Doors
Located in the heart of Bardstown, The Trail Hotel is the world’s first bourbon-infused luxury hotel. Housed in a thoughtfully restored historic property, the hotel offers 95 stylish guest rooms, including eight spacious signature suites, blending Southern charm with modern sophistication. On-site amenities include a signature 4-star restaurant, five bars (inclusive of a speakeasy), a state-of-the-art golf simulator, and a one-of-a-kind wellness space. As a newly added member of the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail and offering easy access to more than a dozen local distilleries, The Trail Hotel is an immersive Bourbon Country basecamp. www.thetrailhotel.com
The Bardstown Collection Returns in 2026
Introduced in 2022, The Bardstown Collection sees several of the destination’s best distilleries coming together to produce a highly limited, one-of-a-kind bourbon series, available only in Bardstown. The next release of the Bardstown Collection will take place in 2026, including new distilleries and expanding the already stellar lineup of Bardstown’s finest bourbon makers.
Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Again)
Heaven Hill Distillery filled its first barrel at the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in the summer of 2025, nearly 30 years after a fire destroyed the original plant. The $200 million facility now holds the title of the world’s largest independent bourbon producer. The new distillery will start with an annual capacity of 150,000 barrels, or about 10 million proof gallons — roughly one-third the output of Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. The site has room to expand up to 450,000 barrels a year. It joins Bernheim (which remains the largest single-site bourbon distillery in the U.S.) in supporting the company’s lineup of famed American whiskeys.
The Parlor Room Hosts Unveils Unparalleled Tasting Experiences
Founded and hosted by Bardstown native Whitney Rye in 2024, the women-owned and -operated Parlor Room brings the stories behind every bottle to life, creating memorable moments that celebrate rare and hard-to-find selections. Thoughtfully curated classes delve into the heritage, artistry, and unique character of each brand, inviting visitors to savor and learn with every pour, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your tasting journey.
The Return of the Old SteelHouse Distillery
The Old SteelHouse Distillery has been a part of Kentucky history since 1844 when the Samuels family began distilling. The family business continued until Prohibition. They then returned to distilling bourbon in 1933 and continued until whiskey production ceased at the site more than 50 years ago. Since then, the property has sat empty as if time stood still — until now. Plans are well underway to bring this classic property back to life, including unique lodging, an event space, museum, and restaurant and bar that will make the Old SteelHouse an alluring destination in Bourbon Country.
CULINARY & RETAIL UPDATES
Extraordinary Moments at Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium
Born from a passion for crafting extraordinary moments, the vision behind the new Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium is to create a sanctuary where artistry meets cocktails and where each sip tells a story. Located in downtown Bardstown, this stylish spot elevates the essence of mixology, offers a diverse menu that includes charcuterie boards, brunch boards, snacks, and a lineup of curated cocktails enriched with elements like smoke, bubbles, and fire, along with vibrant mimosa flights.
www.bardstownemporiums.com/pages/liam-ash
Scout & Scholar Brewing Co. Evolves
Bardstown’s first craft brewery restaurant, Scout & Scholar, has moved onto the next phase of its evolution, with new ownership and a bold culinary vision driven by Chef Newman Miller. A native Kentuckian and an acclaimed kitchen wizard, Newman rose to national prominence recently as a judge on the popular Top Chef Kentucky series in 2018. Don’t miss Miller’s already legendary Fried Chicken Dinner, served up every Wednesday night.
Marcella’s and the After Hours Café
A new addition to the downtown Bardstown culinary scene, Marcella’s and the After Hours Café caters to both early risers and night owls, with brunch offerings that blend into lunch and dinner, when an array of specialty hot dogs, sandwiches, and burgers come into play. This spot stays open late — ‘til midnight on Thursdays and ‘til 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
https://marcellas-and-the-after-hours-cafe.square.site
Bardstown’s Newest Boutique
Immerse yourself in a world of style, elegance, and thoughtful gifting at Kaden Lake Curated Emporium, from carefully curated fashion to handcrafted jewelry. This boutique is the place to find the perfect gifts, including bourbon-centric treasures, culinary delights, and specialty cocktails. Kaden Lake also features a handpicked selection of renowned brands in the world of fashion, including Z Supply, Gentle Fawn, Chaser, Level 99, 4Sienna, Splendid, CHRLDR, and Town Pride.