Bourbon stops, beer flights, and a friendly guide. I love the tight three-hour pace and the way you get exclusive whiskey flights made just for the tour. There’s also plenty of variety, from cocktails to a brewery pretzel. The only drawback: it’s weather-dependent and you’ll be walking between stops, so wear good shoes.

Set for a 3:00 pm start in Bardstown, this tour turns a casual stroll into a guided tasting route. In groups led by locals like Josh, you can expect fast, clear explanations plus smart suggestions for what to try next in town. With a max group size of 8, it’s easier to ask questions and keep the experience from feeling rushed.

Key highlights you’ll notice right away

• Up to 8 people: small-group energy, not a cattle-call
• Guest-only pours: special whiskey flights at Evergreen and Chicken Cock
• Cocktails plus beer: bourbon slushie, Game Changer, and brewery flights
• Food paired with tastings: a snack, plus a warm pretzel at the end
• Local guide style: clear, friendly guidance that helps you “get” what you’re drinking

How the 3:00 pm walking loop works (and why timing matters)

This is a true walking tour with a set start time: 3:00 pm at Evergreen Liquors, 127 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004. It ends at Scout & Scholar Brewing Co., 112 W Flaget St, Bardstown, KY 40004, so you’re not trying to figure out transportation between venues after you’ve already started tasting.

The tour is listed at about 3 hours, which is a good length for a tasting day. Long enough to cover several different styles—whiskey flights, cocktails, and craft beer—but short enough that you can still plan a normal evening after.

Two practical notes that affect your enjoyment:

• It runs only in good weather, so check the forecast and plan for some walking time in the elements.
• The group is capped at 8 travelers, which means you’ll likely get quicker attention at each stop and less waiting around.

You also get a mobile ticket and the tour is offered in English, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time actually tasting.

Stop 1 at Evergreen Liquors: local pours and a palate warm-up

You’ll begin at Evergreen Liquors, where the tour kicks off with a flight of 4 special pours featuring local distilleries tied to Bardstown. This is a smart first stop because it gives you a baseline. If you’re new to bourbon tasting, you’ll quickly learn what to notice—aroma, sweetness, spice, and how the finish changes from one pour to the next.

What I like about starting here: it sets the theme early. You’re not scattered across random bars. The goal is consistency—Bardstown-focused pours—then you build from there.

Potential drawback: because you start with multiple pours, keep an eye on your pace. Even if you’re excited, give your palate time to reset between samples.

Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium: a made-for-you cocktail and a snack

Next up is Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium. Here, you get a special cocktail made for tour guests, paired with a snack. This stop matters because it breaks the rhythm of whiskey-only tasting.

If you’ve been doing bourbon flights elsewhere, you know how quickly your tastebuds can feel “one-note.” A cocktail helps you reset with different flavors—often fruit, citrus, herbs, or bitters—so you can come back to the whiskey portions with clearer context.

And the snack pairing is more useful than it sounds. You’re not ordering food from scratch at every venue, which keeps the tour on schedule and helps you stay comfortable through the walk.

Chicken Cock Whiskey Tasting Room: a guest-only flight you can compare

Then the tour moves to the Chicken Cock Whiskey Tasting Room for a tasting flight made exclusively for tour guests. This is the second whiskey anchor of the route, which is exactly why this tour works well for people who want to learn, not just drink.

A tasting flight like this gives you a structured way to compare:

• How one pour leans sweeter or spicier
• How the finish length feels
• Whether you prefer the lighter style or the more intense profile

Because it’s guest-only, you don’t have to hunt down specific bottles or wonder if you’re ordering the “tour version.” You’re already in the right lane.

If you’re the type who loves asking questions, this is also where you’ll likely get the most useful info—how to taste, what to look for, and what differences actually mean in bourbon terms.

The Volstead Bourbon Lounge and Mr. Tubs: slushie fun plus a beer pairing

After the second whiskey flight, the tour shifts into lower-alcohol fun and variety.

At The Volstead Bourbon Lounge, you’ll choose between a bourbon slushie (cool, sweet, and easy to sip) or a Game Changer shot (a bolder option). This is a good moment in the tour to decide how you want the rest of the walk to feel. If you want something refreshing, go slushie. If you want the punchy flavor hit, go shot.

Then you head to Mr. Tubs Fine Cocktail Lounge, where the tour includes a shot paired with a refreshing beer. This stop is about contrast: you’re not only tasting different spirits—you’re also tasting how beer interacts with your palate between stronger flavors.

Practical thought: if you’re planning to taste everything, keep water handy between stops (even if it’s not part of what’s included). It helps you enjoy the later beer flight without losing the plot halfway through.

Scout & Scholar Brewery finale: warm pretzel and craft beer flight

The tour ends at Scout & Scholar Brewing Co., where you’ll get a warm pretzel alongside a flight of their finest beers. This finish is ideal for two reasons.

First, the pretzel gives you comfort and something salty to balance out the sweetness from earlier cocktails and whiskey pours. Second, a beer flight is a natural “landing” spot at the end: it’s more light and varied than another whiskey-heavy stop, so your final hour tends to feel lighter and more social.

This is also the best place to slow down and actually enjoy the beer. By the time you reach the finale, you’ve already learned your baseline flavor preferences, so you can focus on what you personally like rather than what you’re supposed to like.

Value and what $152 really buys you

At $152 per person for about 3 hours, this tour isn’t cheap—but it’s not just “paying for drinks” either. You’re paying for:

• A multi-venue route (several distinct stops, not a single location)
• Multiple included pours and flights across whiskey, cocktails, and beer
• Guest-only selections at Evergreen and Chicken Cock (special flights, not just menu items)
• Snack and pretzel food pairings that help the tastings feel easier to handle
• A small group format that keeps the guide’s attention focused

It’s also worth noticing what’s not included: any additional food or drink you order. That means the tour gives you a planned tasting amount, and you can add more only if you want. For many people, that structure is exactly what makes it feel like good value—you’re not constantly making decisions at every stop.

If you’re the type who usually spends a lot on bar tabs anyway, this can feel efficient. If you tend to sip slowly and hate tasting flights, it may feel like more alcohol than you want in a short window.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• An intro to Bardstown flavors across bourbon, cocktails, and craft beer
• A guided route so you’re not picking venues blindly
• A small group experience that keeps questions and pacing realistic
• A tasting structure with built-in comparisons (especially from the guest-only whiskey flights)

It might not be the best choice if:

• You don’t drink alcohol or you’re not comfortable with multiple tastings in one afternoon
• You hate walking or you’re very weather-sensitive
• You prefer restaurants where you can sit and eat a full meal slowly (this is a tasting walk, not a long dinner)

Practical tips to get more enjoyment out of every stop

You don’t need to be a “serious bourbon person” to enjoy this. You just need a strategy that keeps you from getting overwhelmed.

• Go in hungry enough: snacks are included, but you’ll still enjoy the experience more if you didn’t show up on empty.
• Take notes on what you actually like: each flight has differences. If you figure out your personal favorites early, you’ll spend less time sampling “just because.”
• Alternate strong and lighter drinks: the cocktail and beer moments are built for palate resets. Use that rhythm.
• Wear shoes you can trust: it’s a walking tour with weather considerations, so comfort matters more than style.

Should you book Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour?

I’d book it if you want a compact, small-group tasting route through Bardstown that mixes whiskey flights with cocktails and a brewery finish. The guest-only elements at Evergreen and Chicken Cock are the kind of detail that can make a tour feel special instead of generic.

I’d think twice if you’re not into multiple tastings in a short window, or if weather and walking distance are big issues for you. If that sounds like you, you might be happier doing a slower, sit-down plan.

If you’re trying to decide, the best signal is simple: you’re booking because you want to taste and compare. If that’s your thing, this tour has enough variety—and enough structure—to make the price feel earned.

FAQ

How long is the Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour?

It runs for about 3 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Evergreen Liquors, 127 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, and ends at Scout & Scholar Brewing Co., 112 W Flaget St, Bardstown, KY 40004.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included are specialty cocktails, exclusive whiskey flights from Evergreen and Chicken Cock Whiskey, A Little Kings Creme Ale beer, a pour of Elijah Craig, and a craft beer flight. You’ll also have a snack paired with the Liam Ash cocktail and a warm pretzel at the brewery.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

Monkey Feeding & Historic Sugar Plantation & Rum DistilleryWinery and Pisco Distillery tourTequila: Town and Distillery Guided Tour with TastingsParis Visit and gin tasting in English