Louisville isn’t just about the Kentucky Derby or fried chicken — it’s also a prime destination for craft beer lovers and bourbon enthusiasts alike. The city’s vibrant beer scene and bustling bourbon culture make it ideal for anyone looking to sample local flavors on a guided tour. Whether you prefer tasting fresh brews at downtown breweries or exploring bourbon bars in Bardstown, Louisville offers a variety of drinking tours that showcase its rich beverage heritage. These experiences give you more than just a drink — they offer insight into the local craftsmanship, history, and community that make Louisville’s drinking scene truly unique.
If you’re wondering which tour fits your style, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve picked two top-rated options, each with its own flavor and focus, to help you navigate Louisville’s best beverage experiences. Whether it’s sampling at multiple breweries or exploring bourbon history in Bardstown, these tours are worth planning your trip around.
Quick Overview
Our list includes two highly rated drinking tours in Louisville:
- The Germantown Public Beer Walk (more info) offers a laid-back, small-group experience at three local breweries, perfect for craft beer fans.
- The Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour (more info) combines bourbon tastings and craft beers in Bardstown, ideal for those wanting a deeper dive into bourbon history and flavor profiles.
Both tours promise authentic, engaging experiences but cater to different interests and budgets. Read on for detailed reviews of each.
1. Germantown Public Beer Walk
For around $75, the Germantown Public Beer Walk offers a relaxed, two-hour exploration of Louisville’s craft beer scene. This small-group tour takes you through three local breweries, where you’ll sample eight-ounce pours at each stop. The focus here is on quality over quantity, but with enough variety to keep your palate interested.
What makes this tour stand out? It’s designed for beer enthusiasts who want to experience Louisville’s diverse craft brewing culture without feeling rushed. Your guide, Keith, is praised for his friendliness and knowledge, making the experience both fun and informative. The tour is limited to small groups, which ensures a conversational atmosphere and personal attention. Reviews highlight the unique charm of each brewery, with visitors noting that all three are “pretty cool hangouts” and “all pretty different.”
The tour covers the Louisville Ultimate Craft Brewery Tour and Tasting Experience, giving you a taste of what local brewers are producing. The inclusiveness of multiple tastings makes this a good value, especially considering the quality of the breweries and the personalized experience. It’s best suited for beer lovers who want an accessible, social outing and enjoy trying a range of local brews.
Bottom line: If you want a laid-back, beer-focused experience in Louisville, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for those new to craft beer or enthusiasts eager to explore local flavors in a friendly setting.
2. Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour
Priced at $139, the Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour offers a 3-hour journey into Bardstown’s renowned bourbon scene combined with craft beer stops. This tour is ideal if you’re interested in beyond just drinking — it includes insight into bourbon history, exclusive tastings, and a taste of local flavor.
Beginning at Evergreen Liquors, you’ll sample four specialty pours from local distilleries. The tour then visits Liam Ash Cocktail Emporium for a custom cocktail paired with light bites. The Chicken Cock Whiskey Tasting Room offers a tailored tasting flight, while The Volstead Bourbon Lounge provides a refreshing Bourbon Slushie or a bold shot. It’s rounded out with stops at Mr. Tubs Fine Cocktail Lounge and Scout & Scholar Brewery — a mix that gives a balanced experience of bourbon and beer culture.
Guests rave about the “knowledgeable and friendly” guide, and the tour’s focus on small, curated stops makes it feel intimate. The inclusion of exclusive whiskey tastings, paired with snacks and cocktails, makes this a premium experience. The value lies in the combination of tastings, storytelling, and the chance to explore Bardstown’s legendary distilleries without the pressure to buy or rush.
This tour suits history buffs, bourbon enthusiasts, or anyone eager for a multi-sensory tasting journey. It’s also a good fit for those who want some light bites and a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: For those looking to combine bourbon lore with craft beer, this tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that’s worth the extra cost.
How to Choose Between These Louisville Drinking Tours
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and the type of experience you prefer. If you love craft beer and want a casual exploration of Louisville breweries, the Germantown Public Beer Walk is perfect — it’s affordable, fun, and easy to fit into a short afternoon. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy tasting a variety of beers in a social setting.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in bourbon and the storytelling behind it, the Taste of Bardstown Bourbon & Beer Walking Tour offers a richer, more comprehensive experience. It’s pricier but includes exclusive tastings and a deeper dive into Kentucky’s iconic spirit.
Both tours are best booked in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. The beer walk is a good option for a quick, lively outing, while the bourbon tour makes for a memorable, leisurely day trip.
Louisville’s drinking culture offers a great way to connect with local flavor and craftsmanship. Whether you choose the craft beer focus of the Germantown Beer Walk or the bourbon and cocktail journey in Bardstown, each tour provides a different window into Kentucky’s beverage heritage. For a casual afternoon, the beer walk is perfect — for those wanting a more detailed and premium tasting adventure, the Bardstown bourbon tour is the way to go. Book early, and enjoy the flavorful side of Louisville life.